Granada

Day 1: Old city heart, tapas rhythm and Albaicín sunsets Ease into Granada’s languid pace and layered history. Start with the Christian centrepiece, then slip into Moorish lanes and end the day with the city’s most fabled view. Go sin prisa: the pleasure is in the wandering.

• Morning: Visit the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel (tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand). Dress modestly and keep voices low; both are active places of worship. Coffee on Plaza de la Trinidad sets a local tone.
• Midday: Graze your way through Mercado de San Agustín (tortilla, jamón, seasonal fruit), then browse the Alcaicería for ceramics, lanterns and taracea; ask “¿Está hecho aquí en Granada?” and look for the Artesanía Hecha en Andalucía seal. Note siesta closures between ~14:00–17:00 in smaller shops.
• Afternoon: Follow the Carrera del Darro into the Albaicín: pop into El Bañuelo (11th‑century baths) and Casa de Zafra. Take the C31/C32 microbus up and meander down on foot; wear shoes with grip for polished cobbles.
• Evening: Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás (arrive 45–60 mins early). For a quieter vibe, detour to the mosque garden next door or Mirador de los Carvajales. Tapear around Plaza Larga/Calle Elvira: order a caña or vino and let the free tapa arrive—don’t rush, don’t request swaps.

Day 2: Alhambra, Generalife and creative Realejo Today is about Granada’s palatial soul and its bohemian quarter. Book Alhambra tickets well in advance and carry the same photo ID used for purchase. In summer, start early and seek shade; in winter, the Sierra usually wears snow for sublime backdrops.

• Morning: Enter the Alhambra at opening; your Nasrid Palaces time slot is strict—aim to be at that gate 10–15 mins early. Loop the Alcazaba (Torre de la Vela views over the Albaicín) and the Partal; bring water and take your time.
• Midday: Drift through the Generalife’s patios, then lunch either at the Parador terrace (booking helps) or picnic in Carmen de los Mártires gardens (free, peacocks, views). In peak heat, linger in shaded avenues.
• Afternoon: Stroll down the Alhambra forest via Cuesta de Gomérez. Explore Realejo’s murals by El Niño de las Pinturas, sip wine at Taberna La Tana or coffee in Lemon Rock’s patio. Tip: tapas are free with drinks; raciones are paid sharing plates if you’re hungrier.
• Evening: Choose your flavour: a traditional show at Peña La Platería (check nights/tickets), a tapas crawl on Calle Navas, or cocktails on Calle Ángel Ganivet followed by live music at BoogaClub. Clubs rarely fill before 02:00; pace yourself.

Day 3: Sacromonte caves, big‑sky vistas and artisan finds Blend Roma heritage, open‑air panoramas and last‑day shopping. If it’s a weekend, markets add colour; if it’s festival season (Cruces de Mayo/Corpus), allow time for street life.

• Morning: Breakfast around San Agustín market; then see Corral del Carbón and La Madraza for Nasrid echoes in the centre. Shop Calle Mesones/Zacatín; for genuine Fajalauza, ask for maker’s marks and be ready for siesta closures.
• Midday: Walk the Paseo de los Tristes towards Sacromonte (or take the C34). Ramble the Vereda de Enmedio with lateral Alhambra views; visit a cave museum for context. Summer tip: hat, water and breaks—the hill is exposed.
• Afternoon: Hike or taxi to San Miguel Alto for the city’s widest panorama (sunset here is spectacular), or opt for a gentler hour in Carmen de los Mártires. After dark, stick to lit main paths on descents.
• Evening: Book a zambra in a Sacromonte cave (e.g., Cueva de la Rocío or Venta El Gallo). Be present—no flash, minimal chatter. Cap the night with a quiet drink overlooking the floodlit Alhambra (El Huerto de Juan Ranas) or a relaxed nightcap in Realejo.

Seasonal and practical notes:

• Summer: Aim major sights for early morning/late afternoon; haze can soften midday views. Rooftop terraces and late dinners suit the heat.
• Winter: Clear air and snowy Sierra make the views spectacular; bring layers for chilly evenings.
• Semana Santa/Corpus: Crowds and processions reshape routes/timings—rewarding, but plan buffer time.
• Getting around: The C31/C32/C34 minibuses conquer hills; taxis are good for San Miguel Alto at night. Driving in the Albaicín is restricted—don’t attempt it. Keep ID handy for Alhambra entry and watch for pickpockets in crowded miradores.

By Air

• Federico García Lorca Granada–Jaén (GRX), 17 km west of the city (c. 25–35 minutes by car). Limited but growing routes (regular domestic links to Madrid/Barcelona; some seasonal international services). Airport bus meets most flights (c. 30–45 minutes to centre); taxis cost roughly €25–€35.
• Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP), 135 km SW (c. 1 h 30 by car). Frequent direct ALSA coaches to Granada (c. 1 h 45–2 h 15), including services to/from Málaga Airport. Fast trains (Avant) between Málaga María Zambrano and Granada take around 1 h 20–1 h 35 (some direct, others via Antequera).

By Train

• Main station: Granada (Avenida de Andaluces), for high‑speed and regional services.
• Madrid (Puerta de Atocha–Almudena Grandes): AVE/Avlo c. 3 h 15–3 h 45, several daily.
• Barcelona Sants: direct long‑distance services typically 6 h 30–7 h 30 (some journeys via Antequera or Madrid).
• Málaga María Zambrano: Avant c. 1 h 20–1 h 35 (direct or with a change at Antequera Santa Ana).
• Sevilla Santa Justa: usually 2 h 30–3 h 15 (normally with a change at Córdoba or Antequera).
• Córdoba: around 1 h 35–2 h. Advance booking via Renfe; seat reservation required on high‑speed/long‑distance trains.

By Bus

• Main hub: Estación de Autobuses de Granada (Av. Juan Pablo II), well connected to the centre by local buses/taxis.
• ALSA runs frequent intercity coaches:
  • Málaga city/airport: c. 1 h 45–2 h 15.
  • Sevilla: c. 3 h–3 h 30.
  • Madrid (Estación Sur/Moncloa; some services to Barajas T4): c. 4 h 30–5 h 30.
  • Córdoba: c. 2 h 15–2 h 45.
  • Almería: c. 2 h–2 h 30.
  • Jaén: c. 1 h 15–1 h 45.
  • Seasonal buses to Sierra Nevada ski resort (Dec–Apr).

By Car

• Main approaches:
  • A‑44 (north–south) Jaén–Granada–Motril (Costa Tropical).
  • A‑92 (west–east) Sevilla–Antequera–Granada–Guadix–Almería.
• Typical drive times: Málaga ~1 h 30; Sevilla ~2 h 30; Madrid ~4 h–4 h 30; Córdoba ~2 h; Almería ~1 h 45–2 h.
• Historic centre/Albaicín have restricted access (fines for non‑residents). Use edge‑of‑centre car parks (e.g., Puerta Real, San Agustín) and continue on foot or by bus.
• For Sierra Nevada, use A‑395; in winter check road conditions and any chain requirements.