Getting around Granada

Public transport

The easiest way to get around Granada is on foot. However, there is a also a good, reliable city bus network operated by Transportes Rober (tel: +34 900 710 900; www.transportesrober.com), including services to the Alhambra and Albaicín.

The small red and white minibuses with 'Alhambra Bus' printed on the side are the best way to explore Granada, the Albaicín and to get to the Alhambra - routes 30 and 34 connect the city centre to the Alhambra, with the 31 traveling up to Albaicín. Most routes run from approximately 0700 until midnight. There are two circular routes (111 and 121) that offer a night service from midnight to 0600.

Taxis

Taxi companies include Radio Taxi Genil (tel: +34 958 132 323) and Tele-Radio-Taxi (tel: +34 958 280 000). Tipping is not expected, though you may choose to round up the fare to the nearest euro.

Driving

Driving in Granada should be avoided. Narrow, one-way streets restricted to buses, taxis, scooters, and tourists with hotel reservations combined with strict fines for violators mean it can be a stressful affair.

Car hire

A car is more of a hindrance than a help in Granada's convoluted one-way system but if you plan to tour outside the city, it's the ideal transport. To rent a car you must be at least 21 (the minimum is 23 with some companies).

EU driving licences are valid in Spain: if you have a non-EU licence you are supposed to show an International Driving Permit too, but for purposes of rental and dealing with traffic police, a national licence is usually acceptable. You must have held your licence for at least one year.

Car hire companies in Granada include Avis (tel: +34 958 252 358: www.avis.es), Enterprise (tel: +34 958 288 755; www.enterprise.es) and Hertz (tel: +34 958 204 454; www.hertz.es).

Bicycle hire

With its hills and busy traffic, Granada is not ideal for cycling but bikes are a great way of exploring the surrounding countryside and Sierra Nevada if you're feeling adventurous. Granada Rent A Bike (tel: +34 958 553 228; www.rentabikegranada.com) rents out good-quality road bikes and can drop them off at your hotel.

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Fonda Sanchez Hotel

One of Granada's best value hotels, Fonda Sanchez boasts a central location close to the cathedral in the university district. No frills, but perfectly clean and comfortable with helpful English speaking staff. Following a recent renovation, the rooms are modern and all have balconies, air conditioning and a TV.

Hotel Molinos

It might only have a single star to its name, but this surprisingly chic city centre hotel is a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. To add interest, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the narrowest hotel in the world. The roof terrace, with its spectacular views, is an added bonus.

Hotel Anacapri

This cosy and comfortable 3-star hotel is located just off Plaza Nueva in the heart of the historic centre. The staff are welcoming and palm trees enhance its 18th-century patio, while highlights inside include the still lifes in the reception and cafeteria, plus several silk screen prints from well-known modern painters throughout.

Hotel Plaza Nueva

It's all about location at the Plaza Nueva, which overlooks Granada's oldest and most central square. This is a 3-star boutique hotel with 25 rooms spread over three floors, which has built up a reputation over the years for sterling service. The Alhambra is just a 10 minute walk away.

Pension Suecia

Set in a former house in a quiet residential area, the rooms here are small and simple but attractively furnished in traditional style, and the owners are welcoming. Breakfast is served for a small surcharge on a terrace with lovely city views. There's also a sitting room and small garden.

Parador de Granada

Built in the 16th century, this former monastery inside the Alhambra was the initial burial site of the catholic monarchs, Isabel and Fernando. The luxurious parador has unbeatable location and historical atmosphere, but you'll need to book well ahead. Each bedroom is individually designed and most have views of the famous buildings that make up the Alhambra site.

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