Things to do in Granada

Canyoning

Enjoy the buzz of rappelling, jumping, sliding and swimming and through gorges, waterfalls and natural slides on a day's canyoning adventure on the Rio Verde near Granada. It takes four to five hours to complete the 3,500m-long (11,482ft) course. Thrill seekers should contact Exploramás (tel: +34 952 477 951; www.exploramas.com).

Check out a bullfight

Bullfighting might be a highly contentious activity, but in Andalusia it's still a cultural totem so if you want to see Granadans in action there's nowhere better than the Plaza de Toros (tel: +34 96 330 85 93; www.entradastorosgranada.com). The cheap seats will be in direct sun, so don't skimp and make sure you get sombra (shadow) tickets.

Get abstract at the Jose Guerrero Centre

The abstract painter Jose Guerrero is one of Andalusia’s favourite artistic sons, and the Centro Jose Guerrero (tel: +34 958 220 109; www.centroguerrero.org) ensures his work endures through the generations. Born in Granada in 1914, his art took him to Madrid, Paris and into the circles of Rothko and Kline, but it’s here he’ll always be revered most.

Get pampered in a hammam

Befitting its Moorish past, Granada is home to traditional hammams, which are the perfect place to while away an afternoon. The Hammam Al Anadalus (tel: +34 958 229 978; http://granada.hammamalandalus.com) has been reopened after being shut back in the 16th century and offers a number of packages to relax body and mind.

Sking and walking

The Sierra Nevada (www.sierranevadaski.com) mountains provide Granada with a dramatic, snow-capped backdrop almost year-round. They are great for hiking in summer and for skiing from December to April. The Estación de Esquí Sierra Nevada (ski station) is 33km (20 miles) southeast of Granada.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

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.

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 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.

Hospes Palacio de los Patos

This 42-room boutique hotel combines 19th-century palatial surroundings with strikingly modern interiors of stone, glass and metal. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, combining old and new such as wooden floors and free Wi-Fi. The UNESCO-protected buildings feature a garden with Arabian-style water fountains as well as a spa, sauna, indoor pool and Turkish bath.

Introducing Granada

While you’re there

Plan your trip

Spain Information

Airports