Few cities bewitch like Granada, where Moorish palaces glow at sunset, free tapas accompany every drink, and flamenco echoes through candlelit caves.
This 3-day itinerary distills its magic—architectural wonders, hidden tea houses, and Lorca’s legacy—into one unforgettable escape.
Day 1: Alhambra Immersion
Morning:
- Fuel up at I Need Coffee with mollete con aceite (€3.50), then hike 15 minutes uphill to the Alhambra.
- Book Nasrid Palaces tickets (€19, including Alcazaba and Generalife) 3 months ahead via the official site. Arrive 30 minutes before your timed entry.
Afternoon:
* Start at the Alcazaba fortress for panoramic city views, then wander the Generalife gardens—its fountains inspired by Quranic paradise.
* Save the Nasrid Palaces for last. Marvel at the Court of Lions and intricate stucco calligraphy.
Evening:
* Tapas crawl along Calle Elvira:
* Bar Poë: Creative bites like berenjenas con miel (€2.50 with drink).
* Los Diamantes: Fresh gambas al ajillo (€3).
Day 2: Moorish & Baroque Treasures
Morning:
- Stroll the Río Darro path to El Bañuelo (€5, or free with Dobla de Oro ticket). This 11th-century Arab bathhouse whispers of Granada’s past.
Afternoon:
* Sip mint tea at Tetería La Oriental (€4) beneath hanging lanterns.
* Tour the Cathedral (€5) and Royal Chapel (€5), where Isabel and Ferdinand rest.
Evening:
* Sunset at Mirador San Nicolás—arrive by 7:30 PM for front-row views of the Alhambra turning pink.
* Dine at Las Tomasas (€65 tasting menu), pairing ajo blanco soup with sherry.
Day 3: Lorca & Flamenco
Morning:
- Bus 0335 to Fuente Vaqueros (€2.50, 30 mins) to explore Lorca’s birthplace (€3).
- Back in town, lunch at Chikito—their rabo de toro (€18) fueled Lorca’s literary circle.
Afternoon:
* Wander Sacromonte’s cave houses, stopping at the Flamenco Museum (€5).
Evening:
* Cave flamenco at Venta El Gallo (€30 show, 10 PM). The raw cante jondo vocals will haunt you.
Essential Tips
- Stay: Casa Bombo (€120/night) for Alhambra views, or splurge on Parador de Granada (€250) inside the fortress.
- Transport: Walk or take €1.40 buses. Taxis to Sacromonte cost €8.
- Avoid: July/August crowds. May or October offer 75°F (24°C) perfection.
Conclusion
Granada lingers in the senses—the scent of orange blossoms, the taste of tinto de verano, the echo of flamenco heels. Three days here feels like time travel. Ready to wander its cobbled spell?
