Granada lies in the foothills of Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains. Many visitors to Spain believe that if there is only one place to visit then it should be Granada.
The city has a population of 240,000 of which 80,000 are students so there is a vibrant atmosphere about the place.
Apart from the University there is only one other major employer, the Alhambra Palace, which attracts over two million annual visitors and is key to a thriving tourism industry.
The Alhambra has been described as 'the Jewel of Moorish Spain' and visitors will be overwhelmed by its beauty.
First time visitors to Granada are surprised (and delighted) to find that the tapas culture thrives in this city. Not only are they good, they're also free! Just order a drink and in most bars you'll be given a tap with it. No wonder so many Spanish students choose to spend their formative years here!
Airport Transfer
Granada airport is located in the district of La Vega del Genil, 17 kilometers from the city center. If you pick up a hire car there then the exit from the airport joins the main A-92 highway into Granada.
Driving in Granada is an unpleasant experience as its one way systems seem to be forever changing direction and access to many hotels is often restricted. Avoid renting a car if you're only going to be in the city.
Until recently, domestic flights to and from Barcelona, Madrid, Melilla and Palma de Mallorca have been the only ones using this small regional airport.
However, Ryan Air are now offering flights from Liverpool and Stansted which has opened up this superb destination to short break visitors. On arrival expect a long wait for your luggage as it seems that all incoming luggage is unloaded and left on the runway whilst the plane is reloaded with the luggage of the departing passengers. This can delay your luggage by over 30 minutes.
Once your bags finally get through there are a number of options for transferring from the airport to Granada city center:
Private Transfers
You can prebook Granada airport transfers and a driver will meet you in the tiny arrivals lounge and take you to your destination. This service is available for all group sizes and destinations including skiers heading up to the Sierra Nevada (see Sierra Nevada Transfers).
Bus Transfers
There is a bus stop immediately outside the arrivals area. This bus goes into Granada along the following route: Airport - La Caleta – Avda. de la Constitución – Gran Vía – Palacio de Congress. The price is 3 Euros.
Taxi Transfers
Taxis are available in the arrivals area. Approximate prices are as follows: Granada center, 17 €; Alhambra, 25 €; Albaycín, 23 €; Sierra Nevada, 63 €.
The local phone number for taxis is 958 280 654.
If you do decide to rent a car we've listed some of the main brokers below who offer good deals with collection points at Granada airport.
The Granada weather involves hot, dry summers and cold, fairly dry winters.
In summer it can be very hot during the day but it does tend to cool down in the evenings and you may even need a light jacket at night. There is very little rain from June to September.
In winter the temperatures can fall as low as 0ºC and if there is a wind coming off the Sierra Nevada mountains it can feel colder. There can be snow occasionally but it does not last too long. If you are keen to see snow take a trip into the Sierra Nevada mountains where you can even ski if you want to.
Many of the winter days are sunny and clear with rain seldom lasting more than a couple of days.
Below is the current Granada Weather. For a 5 day forecast click on the "forecast" link below.
More Information:
Granada Top Tourist Attractions
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