Granada

 Friday 6th-Tuesday 10th March 2026.

Friday was a very early start,  alarm set for 03.30 for an 06.30 flight to Malaga and then a 90 minute coach ride to Granada. We didn't realise the coach station was located 5km from the city centre (poor research) but soon decided to hop on a local bus that dropped us right outside our hotel!

Palacio Gran Via was a bank in a former life and has retained many of its original features and is now a luxury hotel. We even had hand decorated cookies with our initials on!

The roof terrace has a fantastic view of the Alhambra Palace and a great place for our first beer and the Hamaam and Turkish Bath and relaxation pool was very relaxing.

Dinner was in a Tapas Bar very close by so not far to walk, full of locals enjoying a Friday night. 

Saturday 

The highlight of Granada is the Moorish City of Alhambra, set on a hilltop location overlooking the City itself.

There are many well preserved examples of palaces, fortresses, defensive walls and places of worship.

The gardens are well cultivated and provided food for the City and decoration too, the pools even doubled up as mirrors!

The oldest part is the 13th century Alazaba which is topped with a cross, bell tower and banners of the region.  We could make out the roof top terrace of our hotel from here.

The Palacios Nazaries is the most intricately decorated part of the complex and home to the classic central water channel with Mrtyle hedges either side.

Palacio de King Carlos V dates from the 15th century has a much more modern facade and has a circular 2 tier courtyard resembling a Roman Collaseum.

There is also a Christian Church de Santa Ana where we were privileged to see a bride and groom and some rather cool wedding cars.

After all this sight seeing we had a relax in the spa.

We saw a  splendid parade heading to the Cathedral from our room before heading out for dinner a very excellent curry!

Sunday

We explored the central part of Granada today starting at the Cathedral which is opposite our hotel and dates from the 15th century.  It boasts 2 magnificent organs.

An adventure lab cache took us to 5 fountains which were set in interesting locations. So many beautiful buildings and public squares.

International Women's Day hosted a very noisy but peaceful march campaigning for Women's rights and equality.

After a reviving dip in the spa and a bit of a rest we headed out for dinner and found a cozy restaurant specialising in typical Andulasian food.

The food was amazing with just 2 chefs in a tiny kitchen.  I opted for Cod with aioli and roasted vegetables and Colin Arabesque Lamb.

13300 steps 6.2 miles.

Monday 

Today we headed to the oldest area of Granada the Unesco World Heritage site of Abacin. Originally a city in it's own right a labyrinth of winding streets built on the top of a hill. The Alhambra Palace complex is built on an opposing hill  and the development below and in-between is modern Granada.

The hilltop location offers great views of the Alhambra and the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada beyond. 

Infact we visited 5 different Mirodors (viewpoints) today at one point following a steep fortunately downhill off road path past traditional cave dwellings still very much inhabited today.

A lunchtime pitstop for a beer came with a side of tapa-a tasty lentil salad.

Time for a rest and visit to the spa before heading out for dinner.