Granada, Andalusia
Pick the level streets around the Cathedral for easy arrivals, Realejo for an Alhambra approach, or Albaicín for hilltop views.
from $30/night1,522 hotels compared
Plaza de Gamboa, s/n
8.9Fabulous3,966 reviews
from
$68/night
compared on 5 sites
Paseo Del Violon
8.4Very Good1,848 reviews
from
$71/night
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Maestro Montero 12
8.9Fabulous2,684 reviews
from
$72/night
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Avenida Fuente Nueva nº 7
9.2Superb5,769 reviews
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$74/night
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Avenida De Juan Pablo Ii, 35
8.7Fabulous2,002 reviews
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$61/night
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Paseo de la Sabica 40
8.6Fabulous7,496 reviews
from
$66/night
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1,522 hotels compared
Granada sits below the Sierra Nevada, with the Alhambra on one hill and the white lanes of the Albaicín facing it across the Darro valley. Your choice of hotel changes how much climbing you do each day.
The Alhambra complex includes the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife gardens. Its entrances are uphill from the city centre. The C30 bus runs from Plaza Isabel la Católica, or you can walk up Cuesta de Gomérez or Cuesta del Realejo. Book the monument separately from the hotel, especially if you want a particular palace entry time.
Below the hills, the Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Alcaicería and Plaza Bib-Rambla sit close together in the flatter central streets. Plaza Nueva is the hinge between the centre, the Darro riverwalk and the climb to the Alhambra. A hotel here is easy with luggage and close to the buses. Traffic and late-night noise depend on the street.
The Albaicín has steep cobbled lanes, carmens and viewpoints such as Mirador de San Nicolás. Sacromonte continues along the hillside toward the caves known for flamenco. The views from both are the draw, but taxis cannot reach every doorway. Realejo, on the Alhambra side of the valley, has Campo del Príncipe and another uphill route to the palace.
Granada has hot, dry summers and cold winter nights by Andalusian standards. July highs average about 95 °F at the airport, while January nights average near freezing. In summer, do the climbs early or late. In winter, check the heating as carefully as you would the air conditioning.
The Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Alcaicería and Plaza Bib-Rambla are on relatively level streets. Plaza Nueva, at the district’s edge, has the C30 Alhambra bus and the start of the walk along the Darro. The trade-off is busier roads and some late-night noise. Ask whether your room faces the street.
Around here: Granada Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Alcaicería, Plaza Bib-Rambla
The Albaicín climbs opposite the Alhambra through narrow, often cobbled streets to Mirador de San Nicolás and Plaza Larga. The views are worth it, but a map won’t show the steep steps, and taxis can’t get up many lanes. With luggage, ask about the walk from the nearest drop-off before you book.
Around here: Mirador de San Nicolás, Plaza Larga, Carrera del Darro, Paseo de los Tristes
Realejo spreads below the Alhambra on the other side of the valley from Albaicín. Campo del Príncipe has neighborhood restaurants, and Cuesta del Realejo is a walking approach to the monument. Some hotels are on steep streets, so check the precise address if walking or accessibility matters.
Around here: Campo del Príncipe, Cuesta del Realejo, Carmen de los Mártires, Fundación Rodríguez-Acosta
Sacromonte runs along the hillside east of Albaicín and is known for its caves and flamenco shows. Evenings here are the draw, but it is farther from the Cathedral and the rail station. Plan the bus or taxi back before a late arrival.
Around here: Sacromonte Abbey, Cuevas del Sacromonte, Camino del Sacromonte
Granada station is north of the Cathedral. The Ronda district and the wider avenues west of the old centre are practical for a train arrival or a longer booking. You lose the old-town feel but gain easier car access and everyday shops. City buses run to Plaza Nueva and the hill districts.
Around here: Granada railway station, Avenida de los Andaluces, Camino de Ronda
April, May, September and October are the best months for walking up to the Alhambra and through the steep Albaicín lanes. July and August are hot and dry. Average highs are around 95 °F. Winter afternoons can be mild, but nights are cold and it rains more.
Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) is about 11 miles west of the centre. Its bus serves Gran Vía and the bus station. Trains arrive at Granada station, north of the Cathedral.
11 mi from downtown
The Granada-Airport bus runs through the city, stopping at the bus station, Gran Vía de Colón and Paseo del Violón. With luggage, or for a hilltop Albaicín address, a taxi is simpler. Ask where it can stop.
Centro around the Cathedral and Plaza Nueva is the simplest base for buses, restaurants and both hill districts. Albaicín has Alhambra views but steep cobbled access.
Yes, but it is uphill. From Plaza Nueva, Cuesta de Gomérez climbs to the monument, and Realejo has another route up. Take the C30 bus from Plaza Isabel la Católica if you want to save your legs for the visit.
Granada has 1,522 hotels, from $30 at the low end. In the Albaicín, a low price can come with steep steps to the door.
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