After exploring the Nasrid palaces of the Alhambra or strolling through the white streets of Granada’s Albayzín district, it’s time for an adventure!
Granada is the ideal starting point for exploring the whole of eastern Andalucia.
Less than a two-hour drive away, you can enjoy a complete change of scenery: from the spectacular landscapes of the Sierra Nevada to the white villages of the Alpujarra, via little-known historical and natural treasures.
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. Here’s our selection of must-do day trips from Granada.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 3 favourite excursions in Granada
Granada is ideally situated between mountains, desert and sea, making it the perfect base from which to explore the natural and cultural riches of eastern Andalucia.
If you’d like to simplify your organization, a number of organized tours are available from the city. Before we go into detail about all the day-trips you can do, here are our 3 favorites:
- Explore the Desert of Gorafe: A still undiscovered site, between prehistoric dolmens, desert landscapes and troglodyte houses – see prices, availability and bookings
- Discover the white villages of the Alpujarra: stroll through villages perched on mountainsides, with traditional architecture, handicrafts and views of the Sierra Nevada – see prices, availability and bookings
- Explore the Sierra Nevada mountains: cycle through this mountainous region – see prices, availability and bookings
WHERE TO STAY IN Granada
Our favorites: hotels and neighborhoods
Downtown
Hotel Luna Granada Centro – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Corrala del Realejo – See prices, photos and availability
At the Alhambra
Alhambra Palace – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Granada
Nature excursions around Granada
1. Contemplating the Gorafe desert
Why do we recommend this tour?
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience, the Gorafe desert is a natural and archaeological gem. It combines desert landscapes worthy of Arizona, prehistoric remains and cave dwellings.
We took the GR-6100 road to the Gorafe megalithic park, and the journey alone is well worth the detour. Here, the unpaved but passable road allows you to explore several ancient dolmens scattered across the desert, while enjoying impressive views over the valley and the small troglodytic village of Gorafe. The atmosphere is unique, almost lunar.
What you will see
- Over 200 prehistoric dolmens scattered along a marked trail
- The Gorafe valley, steep and spectacular
- The troglodyte houses of the village of Gorafe
How much time to allow
Allow at least half a day to enjoy the site and take photo breaks. Access is free, but the road passes through an unpaved natural park – allow 1 hour’s drive from Granada, driving slowly.
Note that if you have a 4WD, you can explore even more remote areas of the desert. For photo enthusiasts, the morning light is ideal for admiring the desert relief and dolmen structures.
Would you like a turnkey tour with a local guide? See prices, availability and book
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
2. Climbing the Caminito del Rey
Why do we recommend this tour?
Caminito del Rey is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a sublime natural setting! Cut into the side of a cliff for the construction of a dam at the beginning of the 20th century, this path has now been rehabilitated as a hiking trail.
We gave it a try and loved this shot of nature!
After an initial walk in the forest, we took narrow paths through breathtaking scenery, observing the flora and fauna along the way.
The ultimate challenge: crossing the 100m-high suspension bridge between the narrow gorges!
What you will see
- The rocky landscapes of the various gorges
- The Guadalhorce River, at the foot of the cliffs
- Local wildlife: if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some birds of prey!
How much time to allow
Allow a full day for this excursion: the hike lasts 2 hours for 7.5km in one direction, but you must add to this the journey time of just under 2 hours by car.
We strongly recommend the option of an organized tour for this hike to simplify your logistics. Ticket includes: bus transfer from Granada, priority access to the site and guided tour (available in several languages).
Don’t wait any longer and book your tour of the Caminito del Rey from Granada!
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3. Venture into the Sierra Nevada
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Sierra Nevada, around 45 minutes from Granada, offers a striking contrast to the province’s arid landscapes. This mountain range is home to the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula, the Mulhacén (3,479 m), and offers spectacular alpine scenery.
In winter, the Sierra Nevada ski resort is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, while in summer, hikers can explore trails offering breathtaking panoramas. The wealth of flora and fauna in this national park, classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers.
What you will see
- Snow-capped peaks (in winter) and verdant alpine meadows (in summer)
- Glacial lakes and alpine valleys
- The unique flora and fauna of the national park
How much time should I allow?
For an excursion to the Sierra Nevada from Granada, plan a full day, especially if you want to hike or explore several viewpoints. The drive is quick (about 45 minutes) and once there, you can :
- Go hiking in the high mountains: see details, prices, and availability.
- Choose a bike tour: view details, prices, and availability.
- Via Ferrata above the void: see info, prices and availability.
In winter, the ski resort lets you spend the day on the slopes or simply enjoy the snow-covered scenery. In summer, remember to set off early in the morning to avoid the heat and benefit from the best light on the summits.
4. Walking the Torcal d’Antequera
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Parc Torcal d’Antequera, a geological masterpiece, is one of Europe’s most impressive natural sites. We loved walking through this labyrinth of stones and admiring the spectacular views over the surrounding valley! Once submerged under water, the rocks have been shaped by tectonic forces and erosion, sculpting this unique lunar landscape.
Walking through this karst landscape, over 150 million years old, is already extraordinary, but the experience becomes even more fascinating when you realize the presence of Neanderthal man, 5000 years BC.
What you will see
- Spectacular rock formations
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Local flora and fauna: you might spot goats, birds of prey or discover endemic plants.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this visit. The journey from Granada takes 1h30 and hiking times can vary (between 3h and 5h). We recommend staying overnight so you can enjoy the city of Antequera the next day. In fact, the old town is full of beautiful sights and places to explore, such as the Alcazaba, and you can also visit the Dolmens d’Antequera. Read more in our forthcoming article.
5. Feeling like you’re in a Western in the Tabernas Desert
Why do we recommend this tour?
A 1h30 drive from Granada, the unique Tabernas desert covers 280 km².
We advise you to visit it at your own pace, taking one of the many hiking trails to enjoy the variations in color.
Nicknamed Andalucia’s Wild West, the natural setting of the Tabernas Desert has served as the backdrop for numerous films since the 1960s, most notably Sergio Leone’s famous spaghetti westerns The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Film buffs can visit the former film studios, now transformed into theme parks.
What you will see
- Geological formations, canyons and ravines
- Abundant flora and fauna
- Fort Bravo and Mini Hollywood film studios, recreations of western towns
How much time should I allow?
If you want to fully explore the Tabernas Desert, it’s best to plan two separate days: one to discover the natural site and its spectacular scenery, the other to enjoy one of the two leisure parks. Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood or Mini Hollywood offer shows that would be a shame to miss!
Are you with your children? Opt for a day with shows – see program and availability.
DISCOVER Granada
- Things to do in Granada
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- Museums
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days
The most beautiful cities to visit from Granada in one day
6. Visit Malaga, the vibrant capital of the Costa del Sol
Why do we recommend this tour?
Situated 1h30 from Granada, the capital of the Costa del Sol will surprise you with its rich historical heritage, natural landscapes and varied museums. Between culture, relaxation and nature, the city offers a varied experience to suit all tastes! We’ve written a full article on the subject.
What you will see
- Eclectic architectural heritage, from theAlcazaba to the Centre Pompidou
- The collections of the Musée Picasso, a native of the city
- Its colourful, lively historic center
How much time should I allow?
If you’ve only got a day in Malaga, you’re bound to have to make some choices, as the city’s attractions are numerous. Rest assured, one day is all it takes to see Malaga’s must-sees: its fortress, the Cathedral of the Incarnation and its historic center. If you have the energy, you can also addone of its fascinating museums to your program.
However, we can’t advise you enough to sleep in and take your time. Check out our 2-day, 3-day, 5-day and week-long itineraries.
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7. Admire Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral
Why do we recommend this tour?
It would be a shame not to take advantage of this pretty city on the banks of the Guadalquivir River! It is famous for its grandiose mosque-cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site that reveals Cordoba’s multicultural history. A leading cultural and scientific city in the Middle Ages, it was the birthplace of philosophers such as Seneca and Averroes…
What you will see
Depending on your itinerary during the free period of your tour or during your personal getaway, you’ll be able to see:
- The Cathedral Mosque, with its breathtaking architecture from the time of the Spanish Umayyads (8th-10th centuries)
- The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a 14th-century fortress with beautiful gardens,
- The Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River
- Numerous museums and palaces
How much time to allow
Allow a full day for a trip to Cordoba, especially if you’re driving from Granada (2h drive). By train, the trip takes just 50 minutes.
We particularly recommend day tours like this one, which includes several monuments: see program and availability.
If you’re taking a trip on your own, we recommend that you spend at least one night in Cordoba to give yourself more time on site. Read our article on Cordoba’s top attractions and where to stay!
8. Fall under the spell of Ronda and its Puente Nuevo
Why do we recommend this tour?
Prepare to be transported by this city and its iconic Puente Nuevo, spanning a deep natural canyon. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from strolling along the narrow streets of the old medina, to discovering its flamboyant past, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery it overlooks.
You can also combine Ronda with other white villages. We can mention Setenil de las Bodegas (22min north of Ronda), or Grazalema.
What you will see
- The 18th-century Roman bridge and its 3 arches
- The old town with its Hispano-Moorish heritage
- The Palacio de Mondragon built in 1314
How much time to allow
As Ronda is a small town, one day is enough to explore it, but you have to include the travel time to get there: 2 hours from Granada.
We especially recommend day-long guided tours like this one, which includes several landmarks:see the itinerary and availability.
Nevertheless, we can’t recommend the White Villages Route enough! Read our articles on where to sleep in Ronda and what to do in Ronda.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Picturesque villages to discover around Granada
9. Explore the surrounding white villages: Montefrío and the Alpujarra villages
Why do we recommend this tour?
Get ready to immerse yourself in authentic, traditional Andalucia!
Just 1 hour’s drive from Granada, Montefrío boasts a church perched on a rocky outcrop and spectacular views over the Andalucia hills.
The Alpujarras region, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, is home to typical white villages such as Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. They have preserved their authenticity and offer a fascinating insight into rural Andalucia life. Narrow streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies create a unique atmosphere.
What you will see
- Picturesque white villages with traditional architecture
- Spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada
- Local craft workshops: weaving, pottery, leatherwork
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion.
Fancy a tour combining several villages? See prices, availability and book.
10. Stroll through the troglodytic district of Guadix
Why do we recommend this tour?
Perched on a plateau surrounded by ochre hills, this Andalucia town is famous for its troglodyte quarter, one of the largest in Europe. What strikes you as soon as you arrive is the contrast between the houses carved out of the rock and the majestic monuments of the town center, such as the cathedral and castle. A fascinating city!
What you will see
- Panoramic viewpoints to admire the town and the troglodyte area
- Troglodyte museums to discover life in these unusual dwellings
- Guadix castle, a vestige of the Muslim era
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day to explore the town center and cave dwellings. Guadix is just a 45-minute drive from Granada and is easy to visit on foot, but a small tourist train can help you reach the high points.
You can also spend the night in a troglodyte house, a unique experience that allows you to admire the spectacular colors of the sunrise or sunset over the surrounding cliffs.
11. Relax at Alhama de Granada and its thermal springs
Why do we recommend this tour?
Another nugget we’d recommend is Alhama de Granada, a charming Andalucia town 45 minutes from Granada, perched on the edge of an impressive canyon. Known for its thermal springs and rich Moorish architecture, it offers a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. From the Mirador El Boquete, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama, marking the start of a hike into the canyon, an easily accessible trail that winds along the foot of the cliffs…
What you will see
- The Mirador El Boquete, with a bird’s-eye view of the canyon
- The old Moorish baths, well-preserved remains from the Nasrid period of Granada (XIIIᵉ-XVᵉ centuries).
- The hiking trail at the bottom of the canyon, between cliffs and vegetation
How much time should I allow?
Half a day is all it takes to discover the main attractions of Alhama de Granada: a stroll through the center, a break at the viewpoint and a walk in the canyon. If you want to relax in the natural hot springs just outside the village, you’d better plan a full day.
Historic sites to explore around Granada
12. Go back in time at the Mota fortress
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Fortaleza de la Mota is one of Andalucia’s most impressive historic sites.
The fortress as we visit it today is a monumental triangular structure, rebuilt in the 16th century, but its history goes back much further. Here you can discover the traces of a complete city: mosque, residential district, market…
What you will see
- Santa María la Mayor church, built between the 16th and 17th centuries
- Mirador San Marcos, for a panoramic view of the entire site
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least 2 hours to explore the citadel, the exhibits and the panoramic views. From Granada, it’s a 1h30 drive.
Make sure you have good shoes, as the ground is uneven, with stairs inside the towers and a slope up from the parking lot.
13. Discover the caves of Nerja
Why do we recommend this tour?
Get ready to plunge into a unique underground universe! Discovered by chance in 1959, the Nerja cave is home to impressive limestone formations and cave paintings. It’s hard not to marvel at the grandeur of the rooms and the magic of the stalactites and stalagmites, enhanced by the play of light.
The highlight of the show? The Cataclysm Hall features a natural column (the meeting of a stalactite and a stalagmite) 32m high – the tallest in the world!
What you will see
- The various galleries for observing unique limestone formations and other cavities
- A virtual reality room to understand the history of the site and, above all, see the remains of rock art (no longer shown today for conservation reasons).
- The Nerja Museum’s collections of archaeological artefacts
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 hour to visit the Grotte de Nerja.
If you’re coming on your own, plan a day out to discover the pretty Moorish village of Nerja and why not take a relaxing break on its beaches!
Some excursions combine the Nerja cave with a visit to the village of Frigiliana – see info, availability and prices.
The most beautiful beaches around Granada
14. Be amazed by the beaches of Cabo de Gata
For lovers of unspoilt nature, the natural park of Cabo de Gata promises exceptional immersion! A 2-hour drive from Almeria, this nature park covers 49,512 hectares, including 37,500 hectares of land and 12,012 hectares of sea. We were captivated by its incredible landscapes and rich biodiversity, recognized by UNESCO.
Hiking and nature lovers will find an exceptional playground here!
What you will see
- Wild beaches with turquoise waters such as Playa de Los Muertos, Playa de Monsul or Playa de los Genoveses
- Spectacular volcanic formations
- Numerous bird species
How much time to allow
Allow a full day for this excursion (the park is vast and well worth exploring), especially as the drive from Granada takes 2 hours.
You can opt for a hike or discover the bay by kayak – book here
Looking for an original visit? Discover the park under the stars – see program and prices
If you come on your own, we recommend staying several days to enjoy all the wonders of the park.
Please also note that as these are wilderness areas, they are not equipped with any special facilities. It’s a good idea to anticipate your needs in terms of food and, above all, to respect the surroundings. See the latest news on the official website here.
15. Bask in the sun on the Costa Tropical
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 1 hour’s drive from Granada, the Costa Tropical offers a well-deserved seaside break between two cultural visits. Lesser-known than the Costa del Sol, this stretch of Andalusian coastline boasts protected coves, crystal-clear waters and a more authentic atmosphere. From La Herradura to Calahonda, via the secluded cove of La Rijana, you’ll easily find a spot to lay your towel, swim or enjoy seafood by the sea. Some beaches are developed, others wilder: the choice is yours.
What you will see
- Agadulce Beach and its lovely seafront,
- La Rijana beach, a secluded cove ideal for snorkeling,
- Relaxed Andalucia coastal villages like Roquetas de Mar, lined with palm trees.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day if you really want to enjoy the beaches, swimming and seaside lunches. Some beaches are directly accessible by car, while others require a short walk (such as La Rijana or Cantarriján).
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