Located in the heart of Andalusia in southern Spain, the province of Granada is a year-round tourist destination renowned for its diverse attractions. In winter, visitors flock to the Sierra Nevada, home to one of Spain's most famous ski resorts. During the summer, the coastal towns of Motril and Almuñécar become popular spots for sun-seekers. Granada is also celebrated for its rich historical heritage, featuring numerous monuments and a stunning natural environment that captivates visitors from around the world.
The province of Granada, located in the heart of Andalusia, boasts a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. The oldest remains found in Granada indicate human presence as far back as the mid-seventh century BCE. This long history has left an indelible mark on the region's culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Granada's historical significance is deeply rooted in its past as part of the ancient Arabian kingdom of Granada, which covered much of southern Andalusia. This kingdom flourished under Moorish rule, becoming a center of culture, learning, and architectural innovation. The reign of the Moors lasted until the Christian conquest of Al-Andalus between 1482 and 1492. Following the conquest, the province of Granada was reduced to its current boundaries, encompassing the provinces of Almería, Granada, and Málaga.
The Christian conquest led to significant changes in Granada's landscape and culture. The flight of the last Moorish king, Boabdil, marked the end of Muslim rule in the region. The new Christian rulers sought to eliminate the old religion, leading to the demolition or conversion of most mosques into churches. Arab cemeteries were removed, and new religious buildings were founded. This period of transformation saw Granada become a major city under construction, driven by religious beliefs. Despite these changes, some Moorish settlements, such as the Albaicín, were preserved and continue to be a testament to the city's rich heritage.
Granada's architectural heritage is a blend of Moorish and Christian influences. The most iconic example is the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex that showcases the exquisite artistry of Moorish architecture. Other notable monuments include the Generalife, the Royal Chapel, and the Cathedral of Granada. These structures reflect the city's historical evolution and the cultural exchange between different civilizations.
With a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a mountain climate in the interior, Granada is one of the main tourist destinations in Andalusia throughout the year. Tourists are drawn not only by its excellent and varied climate but also by its artistic and monumental heritage, its rich cultural legacy, and the presence of one of the largest ski resorts in Europe.
Among the monuments and interesting places in Granada, we highlight:
Walking around Granada you can also enjoy the rich cuisine of Granada in one of the bars; if there is something outstanding in Granada besides the monuments, it is famous cuisine and tapas.
The exquisite gastronomy of the area is the fruit of the influence of the of the different cultures who settled in the province, namely Phenicians, Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians.
Around the city of Granada, the feertile Vega provides the raw material for simple but tasty dishes such as habas con jamón (broad beans fried with cured ham), pipirranas (salad with diced green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and egg) or papas a lo pobre (potatoes half-fried and cooked in olive oil with onions and green peppers). Tortilla Sacromonte (Sacromonte omelette) is an exquisite delicacy of the city of Granada, but cold soups such as gazpacho andaluz (cold tomato soup) and ajo blanco (cols soup with almonds and garlic) must not be forgotten either.
The cold winters in the interior of the province are accompanied by tasty stews made with vegetables, meat and aromatic herbs. It is difficult to choose among the Olla de San Antón (the typical stew of the festivity of San Antón), potaje de bacalao (cod stew), puchero de hinojos (fennel-flavoured stew), choto al ajillo (goat kid in garlic sauce), cordero segureño (local lamb), gachas (porridge), migas (fried breadcrumbs with sausages and other ingredients), conejo en escabeche (rabbit in a pickled sauce)...
The desserts of Granada are clearly of Moorish origin and have a Jewish and Christian influence. It is worth mentioning the cuajados moriscos (Moorish custard), roscos de Loja (a fried ringshaped pastry), soplillos de almendra (almond meringues) and pan de higo de la Alpujarra (delicacy made of figs and almonds), leche frita (cinnamon-flavoured delicacy made with eggs and milk), piononos de Santa Fe (cinnamon- flavoured cakes), tocinillos de cielo de Guadix (small cakes made of egg-yolk), torta real de Motril (a speciality of Motril) and the products made in the convents of Granada, such as jam and sugar-coated fruit among other delicacies.
Granada is a city that loves to celebrate, and its calendar is filled with a variety of fairs and festivals that reflect its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. Here are some of the most notable events:
Semana Santa is one of the most important religious events in Granada. It takes place during the week leading up to Easter and features elaborate processions with beautifully decorated floats, known as "pasos," which depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. The processions are accompanied by traditional music and are a deeply moving experience for both participants and spectators.
Corpus Christi is another significant religious festival in Granada, celebrated 60 days after Easter Sunday. The festival includes processions, parades, and various cultural activities. One of the highlights is the "Tarasca," a parade featuring a mythical dragon and a mannequin dressed in the latest fashion, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The International Festival of Music and Dance is one of Granada's most prestigious cultural events. Held annually in June and July, the festival features performances by world-renowned musicians, dancers, and orchestras. The Alhambra and other historic venues provide a stunning backdrop for these performances, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Website: https://granadafestival.org/en/
The Zaidín neighborhood hosts its own festival in September, known as the Fiestas del Zaidín. This lively event includes concerts, street performances, and various activities for all ages. It's a great opportunity to experience the local culture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Celebrated on the first Sunday of February, the Fiesta de San Cecilio honors the patron saint of Granada. The festivities take place at the Sacromonte Abbey and include a pilgrimage, traditional music, dancing, and the sharing of local delicacies such as "salaíllas" (savory pastries) and "habas verdes" (green beans).
The Granada Jazz Festival, held in November, is a must-attend event for jazz enthusiasts. The festival features performances by both international and local jazz artists, offering a diverse program that showcases the best of jazz music. Concerts are held in various venues across the city, including the Teatro Isabel la Católica and the Manuel de Falla Auditorium.
On May 3rd, Granada celebrates the Fiesta de la Cruz, also known as the Day of the Cross. The city is adorned with beautifully decorated crosses made of flowers, and various neighborhoods compete for the best display. The festival includes music, dancing, and traditional food, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Granada Sound is an annual music festival held in September, featuring performances by popular indie and rock bands. The festival attracts music lovers from all over Spain and beyond, offering a fantastic lineup of artists and a lively atmosphere.
Getting to Granada from Malaga is straightforward. Simply take the A-45 highway until you reach the A-92, which will lead you directly to the capital of the province of Granada. Along the way, you'll pass through charming villages such as Casabermeja and Villanueva del Trabuco.
If you need a rental car at Malaga airport upon arrival or a taxi from Malaga to Granada, please consult our prices.
In the map below, you can see the route from Malaga to Granada.
Credit cards accepted
