After a culture-drenched holiday that won’t break the bank? Granada in Spain is the place to be.
In a recent study, the Andalucian city’s premier tourist site, The Alhambra, was voted the top affordable attraction in Europe, making it the ideal starting point for your next break.
Credit card firm Aqua looked at over 60 things to do across the continent, factoring in online ratings, ticket prices, and the amount a bite to eat costs nearby.
The Alhambra – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century – was praised for its 4.5 star Tripadvisor rating – only 0.15% of which mentioned it was ‘overpriced’ or ‘expensive’.
Visitors to the ancient Islamic fortress complex can enjoy a nature-filled walk on the way from Granada’s centre, all before taking in the storied past and breathtaking architecture of its Alcazaba military zone, the Nasrid Palaces, the gardens, and the Mosque baths.
There are also three museums within its walls to explore, displaying the building’s history, a large collection of fine art, and a special exhibition dedicated to grenadine composer and guitarist Angel Barrios.
It wasn’t the cheapest on the list, with an adult entrance fee of €19.09 (£16.08). However, the £6 average cost for an inexpensive meal in the surrounding area gave it considerable bonus points.
Alongside this stunning monument, Granada has plenty to offer, described as ‘the most beautiful city in Spain’ by Tripadvisor user Jdunmore88.
‘A truly magical place that you will never want to leave,’ wrote another, young_travellers88, adding: ‘I recommend Granada to anyone who is wanting a mixture of city life and sightseeing. You really get a true feel for Spain, not like some tacky resort overrun with tourists!’
Kallirache called it ‘a city of hidden gems and spectacular views’ while habibiAgadir wrote: ‘One of the most fantastic cities I’ve ever visited, Granada has an ambiance that’s hard to describe.’
We’re sold – and here are the details you need ahead of travelling to Granada if you are too.
As well as The Alhambra, Granada is a haven for history buffs, with a vast cathedral built in 1505, and buildings such as the Capilla Real palace, the Corral del Carbon, and the Palacio de la Madraza providing beauty as well as a feel for Andalusia’s past.
Alternatively, take in the views of the city from the San Nicolas viewpoint, from which Bill Clinton reportedly saw ‘the most beautiful sunset in the world’ on his 1997 visit.
Food is a big deal in Granada, and you’ll find a wealth of tapas bars in the Albaicin neighbourhood as well as the area around the cathedral. Many bars here offer free food with every drink purchased, which is ideal if you’re on a budget and want to sample the local cuisine.
Flamenco is also a point of pride here, so it’s well worth heading to Sacromonte to feel the evening buzz and enjoy one of the many nightly Granaina flamenco shows. During the day, hit the Sacromonte Caves Museum for a look into the unique culture of the cave homes inhabited by Roma people throughout the generations.
Unwind at the Hammam Al Ándalus, a replica of the 11th century Arab baths where you can soak in hot and cold waters and be thoroughly pampered. And don’t forget to get some retail therapy on at the Alcaiceria Market, Plaza Larga Market, and Fajalauza Ceramics.
According to Booking.com, the majority of hotels in Granada tend to be priced between around £100 and £200 a night, with budget hostel dormitory beds starting from £22 if you don’t mind a more basic place to stay.
These are a few of our favourite accommodation options on the site*, with something for every price range.
*For a night in a double room rated ‘good’ or above on Saturday October 5, 2024. Prices checked on September 2, 2024.
From the UK, you can fly to Granada direct from London Gatwick via Vueling, with fares starting from £55 if you book last-minute.
For most though, a flight to Malaga – which takes just under three hours – followed by a 90-minute train, bus or car ride on to your destination is the most convenient way to get there
Over 400 flights per week run from airports across the UK, with prices starting from just £29 return depending on when you go.
The cheapest month to travel to Granada, according to Skyscanner, is November, when return flights come in almost £80 cheaper than in the peak month of August.
Of course, you’ll also have to factor in the weather: In July and August, the average temperature sits at around 24°C, far balmier than January when it drops to 6°C.
Rainfall also peaks over the winter (with up to 10 days’ rain around Christmas time) so bring a brolly if you’re worried about getting caught in a shower.
Alternatively, you may want to time your trip with one of the many events in Granada throughout the year.
Corpus Christi, in May or June, is one of the largest of these, with puppet shows, bullfights, processions, and flamenco performances, while music festivals and religious celebrations throughout the year see locals out in force.
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