Compare Granada holidays

When to go to Granada

The sun usually shines in southern Spain, so Granada holidays can be enjoyed year-round.

In July and August, it can be stiflingly hot with temperatures approaching the mid-30s. Major attractions like the Alhambra tend to be packed with tourists and accommodation prices are at their highest.

Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit, with sun and dry weather likely and shoulder-season deals on accommodation possible. But temperatures can dip sharply at night, so pack a jumper.

One month worth considering is May. The weather is ‘spot on’, with average highs of 22C, and the city comes alive with the Cruz de Mayo festival, featuring colourful floral crosses and, at the end of the month, Corpus Christi celebrations.

You’ll also find plenty going on (but few bargains on accommodation) during Semana Santa, or Easter Holy Week, with grand processions through the streets.

Where to stay in Granada

For families

The historical centre (Centro), in the heart of Granada, is the most convenient area to stay if travelling with children. The area encompasses the Cathedral through to the Plaza Nueva, Granada’s oldest square, and all the main sights are within easy reach.

There is a range of accommodation options and a good choice of restaurants, including international cuisine if tapas isn’t to everyone’s taste. The Alhambra can be reached in a 25-minute walk through ancient alleys, but buses are also available if little legs can’t handle the steep walk to the summit.

For travellers on a budget

For cheap holidays to Granada, Centro is an appealing district, with a range of competitively priced hostels. Granada is a university town so cheap eats and drinks aren’t hard to find here, and the tapas culture means you can fill up on free snacks if you’re having a few drinks.

Beiro is another excellent choice for backpackers and travellers looking for affordable accommodation. This buzzing barrio is popular with students and full of reasonably priced bars. It also draws travellers looking to explore further afield, as the city’s main bus and train stations are here.

For food and drink

It’s easy to eat well in Granada. If you’re after tapas, you’ll find bars in every area of the city and some of the most famous in Centro. Calle Navas, known as ‘tapas street’, is a good place to start. You’ll find Mercado San Agustín, a bustling food market, near the cathedral.

Another neighbourhood for foodies is Chana, a residential district northwest of Centro. The area has a reputation as the city’s culinary centre, with more than enough tapas bars to tempt gastronomes. It’s great value, too – with so much on offer, restaurant owners compete with specials and discounts.

For nightlife

With its large student population, there’s always a party somewhere in Granada. In Beiro, you’ll find bars and clubs with a more international feel, as well as a wealth of dining options around the bullring area.

Back in Centro, there’s everything from clubs converted from old cinemas to trendy bars with top DJs. Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcon is a long street packed with bars serving cheap drinks to a largely-student crowd, plus a few live music venues. If you’re hitting the clubs, prepare for an especially late one: locals don’t arrive until at least midnight.

For culture

Staying centrally ensures you can reach Granada’s main cultural sights, including the Alhambra, without fuss. But the old Moorish neighbourhood of Albaicín is where you might find a more authentic feel for the city, with maze-like streets, tapas bars and teahouses. You’ll also have one of the best vistas of the city here, from the San Nicolas lookout, though accommodation with similar views comes at a cost.

If flamenco is your thing, consider staying in Sacromonte. You can find accommodation – and flamenco shows – in traditional cave dwellings, and the central sights are still walkable too.