Occidental Granada

The best time to visit Granada is in May, when temperatures are warm (25°C) and rain is rare, or in September, with pleasant highs around 29°C and only a few rainy days. July and August are the hottest months, with daily highs of 36°C and no rain, which can feel intense for sightseeing. March is the rainiest month, with 14 rain days, so you may want to avoid it if you prefer dry weather. Spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the Alhambra and the city's streets.

Stay in the City Center for the Alhambra, cathedral, and tapas bars; it suits first-timers. The Albayzín, the old Moorish quarter, offers narrow streets and mirador views, ideal for atmosphere. Ronda, near the ring road, is quieter and practical for drivers. The Alhambra Palace and Vincci Albayzin are in the City Center and Albayzín respectively.

The Alhambra is the top must-see, a stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex. The Nasrid Palaces within it are the highlight, with intricate Islamic art. The Generalife gardens offer a peaceful escape with beautiful views. Mirador de San Nicolás provides the classic panoramic view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. The Catedral de Granada is a grand Renaissance structure, and the Royal Chapel holds the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs.

Full-day tours from Granada go to Cordoba, where the Mezquita is the highlight, and to the Alpujarra villages in the Sierra Nevada foothills, known for their whitewashed houses and mountain scenery. A Sierra Nevada safari tour also reaches high elevations for dramatic views. If you prefer to plan your own, the historic city of Ronda and the coastal town of Nerja are well-known day trips from Granada.

Plan 3 days: one for the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife, one for the Mirador de San Nicolás, the Cathedral, and the Royal Chapel, and one for the Palace of Charles V and La Cartuja. If you want to add a day trip to Cordoba, Sierra Nevada, or the Alpujarra villages, add an extra day.