5 things you need to know before visiting Granada

Granada is the perfect destination for a city trip, a summer break, or even a semester of your academic year. If Granada isn’t on your bucket list yet, it’s time to add it now because you don’t want to miss out on this beautiful Andalusian city. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 things you need to know before visiting Granada.

1. History

Granada is a picturesque city with a rich history. The cozy cobblestone alleyways take you through the city center and to spectacular landmarks, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Alhambra (a palace and fortress complex in Moorish architectural style) and The Albaicín (the Jewish quarter). It’s one of the most visited attractions in Spain, and we can understand why! 

Our tip: Get a Granada Card. With this card, you’ll get access to the major monuments of Granada. 

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2. Climate

It’s the perfect destination to visit any time of year. You can enjoy Andalusia’s sunshine all year round, with a very pleasant average temperature between May and October of 20°C to 35°C. In the warmest month, July, temperatures can go up to 40°C.  Even in the colder seasons, you’ll see the bright blue skies, and maybe you’ll even find some snow, too. Otherwise, you can enjoy some skiing on the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada, the national park close to Granada. 

3. Activities

Because of Granada’s rich history and optimal location, there are many different activities that you can do. Visit a flamenco show, a Moorish tearoom, or a Hammam (an Arab bathhouse). If you like to go into nature, a short drive out of the city takes you to Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, where you can ski in winter and hike in summer. In summer, when the heat is at its maximum, you can take a weekend trip to the beaches of Playa San Cristóbal and Playa Calabajío. 

Our tip: Let yourself get lost in the city and explore all the hidden alleys and architectural sites. Then, climb up to San Miguel Alto to enjoy the most beautiful view over Granada. 

4. Food and drinks

One of the best things about Granada is the tapas culture. When you order a drink, you’ll often get a free "tapa" with it! So, get your tinto de verano and enjoy the appetizers. If you order from their daily tapas menu, don’t expect to get a small bite because the portions are very generous. 

Our tip: If you like tapas, you can also join a tapas tour. That way, you’ll really get a taste of what the city has to offer :)

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5. Student city

With a third of the people in Granada being students, you can really call this city a student city. The largest university, Universidad de Granada, has faculties spread all over the city. And it’s not just for Spanish-speaking students! Even internationals can find their way here (but learning a little bit of Spanish is always appreciated by the locals). Compared to other Andalusian cities, Granada is pretty affordable, which makes student life so much easier here. :) 

Our tip: If you’re looking to rock your student life in Granada, you can now book your studio for the academic year ‘24/’25.