How Many Days in Granada Do You Need?

Overview – How Many Days Do You Need in Granada

How many days do you need in Granada? Well, just like the Alhambra wasn’t built in a day, you can’t see everything in 24 hours. But spending a day in Granada is a good start to get a feel for the city’s vibe and see some major sights.

If you have more time, you can see more. It’s as simple as that – and here’s a basic itinerary to give you an idea of what you can see in different amounts of time.

1 Day in Granada

Having just one day in Granada is better than not having any time there at all. With only a day in this Moorish Jewel, you can check out one main attraction, and I’d say your best bet is the Alhambra.

You know, I’ve seen some online itineraries saying you can do everything in Granada in just one day. While it’s technically doable, especially if you hop on one of those Alhambra Palace and Albaicin Tours from Seville or Malaga, but honestly, it would feel pretty rushed.

While the historic center of the city is amazing, you can’t see everything at once. I suggest taking your time to enjoy the main attraction that made the city famous. Although you can stroll around the charming streets of Granada during the day and visit the Alhambra at night, it’s best to explore the palace complex while the sun is up.

Then you’ll have time to stroll through the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife gardens, soak up the city’s vibe, and check out other sights like the Royal Chapel of Granada and the Mirador de San Nicolás. You could also take a quick peek at the Albaicin and Sacromonte neighborhoods.

2 Days in Granada

With two days in Granada, you’ll have enough time to see more of the city’s main attractions. I’d say that the Alhambra, the Albaicin, and the Cathedral of Granada are must-sees if you have two days.

You’ll also have time to stroll around the historical center of Granada, see the same sights listed in the previous itinerary from the outside, and maybe even squeeze in a food tour in the evening. Sounds delicious, if you ask me!

3 Days in Granada

With three days in Granada, you can take it easy and really enjoy the city. It’s perfect for a long weekend getaway.

You can see all the main sights mentioned earlier, but just take your time and maybe check out the inside of a few more places.

For example, you could go into the Cathedral of Granada, spend extra time wandering the Generalife Gardens, maybe explore the Sacromonte Caves, or even take a quick trip to nearby villages of the Alpujarras. You’ll get to experience more of what Granada has to offer.

4 Days in Granada

The same is true for four days in Granada.

You’ll have more time to soak up the feeling of the city. Dive into local life with some food experiences at Granada’s top tapas bars, explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy leisurely walks along the Carrera del Darro or even discover hidden gems like the Carmen de los Mártires.

Things to Take into Account when Choosing How Many Days in Granada

When planning a trip to Granada, deciding how many days to spend there is obviously a big decision.

Basically, it depends on how much time you’ve got and how much you want to spend. It’s all about finding the right balance between those two things, but also…

Arrival and Departure Times into Granada

Three days in Granada when you arrive at night and leave early in the morning is different from three days in Granada when you arrive early in the morning and leave late at night instead. You also have to think about whether you’re flying into Granada Airport (GRX) or Malaga Airport (AGP).

The plans mentioned earlier are for full days, so make sure to plan your arrival times carefully. If you’re exploring Granada as part of a bigger trip around Andalusia, remember to plan your travel between cities accordingly.

Where in Granada You’re Staying

If you opt for a hotel near the Alhambra or in the historic center, you’ll be conveniently located (although it comes at a cost). This means you can spend fewer days since you won’t need to travel much around Granada.

Picking a place farther from the center saves money, but you’ll spend more time traveling to and from the main sights, so it’s better for longer visits.

Time of the Year

If you’re visiting Granada in the summer, you can stay longer to include a day trip and some outdoor adventures like canyoning in the Rio Verde. But you can skip this if you’re visiting Granada in winter.

If you’re spending Spring Break in Andalusia, the nearby Sierra Nevada is a great place to go skiing! It’s the southernmost ski resort in Europe and just has something special about it, with plenty of sunshine and long-lasting snow.

What You Enjoy

The itineraries above are for people who want to see a bit of everything.

But if you’re really into Moorish history and want to see all the Andalusian gardens, churches, and ruins in the city, you might not fit everything into just 2 days in Granada.

How Many Days for Granada for First Timers

Deciding how many days to spend in Granada for your first visit can be a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to see in the old Arab stronghold, and figuring out how to fit it all in can be confusing.

If it’s your first time in Granada, you’ll probably want to experience a bit of everything.

Spending at least 2 days exploring the city is a good idea, but if you have the time, three days is even better. That way, you’ll have more time to visit most of the main attractions and fully enjoy your Granada experience.

How Many Days to See Granada for History and Art Lovers

History enthusiasts will need more time in Granada, especially if you plan on exploring all the main attractions and museums.

If you want to learn all about the history of Granada, you should plan to spend at least 3 days there. But I think you might want to stay longer.

In addition to the famous sights, there are many hidden gems to discover in Granada, like the Monasterio de la Cartuja, El Bañuelo, and ancient churches such as the Basilica de San Juan de Dios. There are a lot of places to see!

How Many Days in Granada for Foodies

If you’re in Granada not just to see the main sights, but also to enjoy its food scene, then you’ll need 2 days. That gives you plenty of time to try traditional Andalusian dishes and enjoy the local lifestyle.

You won’t be focusing on early morning tours and lots of sightseeing – it’s more about how many tapas bars and flamenco performances you want to enjoy in Granada instead!

How Many Days to Spend in Granada for Nature Lovers

If you’re into adventure, Granada’s got you covered! Whether you’re hiking around the Alpujarras or tearing it up in a four-wheel drive in the Sierra Nevada, there’s excitement waiting for you.

Spending 3 to 4 days here gives you the chance to explore the city and get your adrenaline fix.

How Many Days Do Dou Need in Granada for Families

For families visiting Granada with kids, it’s best to plan for at least 3 days.

Since there could be long lines at the Alhambra, and kids might become restless, consider mixing visits to historic sites with trips to gardens and stops for tejeringos (Granada’s specialty churros).

Three days should be enough time to enjoy all the things to do in Granada with kids!

Tips and FAQ

Is it better to go to Granada for 1 or 2 days?

1 day in this romantic city is better than nothing, but you should definitely try for 2 days in Granada.

Granada is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Take your time here instead of trying to see everything in just one day. Wander through the neighborhoods, savor long meals, and take your time to enjoy the Alhambra Palace, the city’s top attraction.

Should I spend more time in Granada or Malaga?

While I really like Malaga and often recommend it to people, I suggest spending more time in Granada. Although Malaga may have more things to do, I find the atmosphere in Granada to be more enjoyable.

Granada offers a richer experience, allowing you to explore its fascinating history more deeply. If you can, I believe it’s worth seeing the Alhambra both during the day and at night.

Do you need more time in Seville or Granada?

If you’re planning to visit both cities, Seville is usually the better choice. It’s bigger and has more things to see.

But if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Granada could be the perfect place for you. You could spend more time there and just take a fun day trip to the capital of Andalusia.

Best Tours in Granada

No matter how long you’re in Granada, there are some tours you should definitely check out. They’ll make your time in Granada easier and more enjoyable.

Hand picked tour recommendations:

• Tickets for the Alhambra (Includes the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba)
• Gardens of Carmenes Guided Tour
• Sunset Walking Tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte

Where to stay in Granada

Most people say the best spots to stay in Granada are either the Albaicín or the Historic Center. But truth is, it’s different for everyone. You can read more about it in my Guide on where to stay in Granada.

Hand picked hotel recommendations:

• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Casa Morisca
• Luxury hotel: Hotel Casa 1800
• Budget hotel: Boutique Hotel Luna
• Special experience: Casa Cueva Lujo

Final Thoughts

Granada is one of the most stunning cities in the Iberian Peninsula, so it’s only natural that you want to make the most of your time there. I’d typically recommend staying for 2 to 3 days. But in reality, stay as long as you can afford to spend there.