Spain is a tried-and-true vacation hotspot, and at this point, you’re probably well familiar with Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca, and the like, all hugely popular destinations that attract millions of tourists every year.
Beyond the national capital and the Mediterranean Coast, however, there’s a lesser-known gem most visitors to Spain have yet to discover, even though it’s just as culturally relevant, not to mention the top-rated city for tourism currently in the country.
Home of one of the largest medieval palaces in Europe and a characterful Old Town, Granada is the destination you didn’t know you needed to be added to your fall bucket list:
It’s Time You Stop Sleeping On Granada
Forget those beach crowds, and don’t you mind the rising anti-tourist sentiment seen across Spain lately: nestled in the Andalusian hills, Granada is a smaller, laid-back town where locals don’t seem to be in a rush to send you on your merry way:
While not exactly the number one destination Americans think of when planning a fall getaway to Spain, Granada is where tourists feel their high expectations are met the most, be it regarding cultural immersion, food, architectural beauty, or even hospitality.
As reported by the OCU, a Spanish acronym standing for Organization of Consumers and Users, Granada is where visitors have felt the most satisfied during their trip to Spain, beating the usual tourism hubs lining the turquoise Mediterranean by a mile.
Now, Granada does not have a beach––it’s tucked away deep in the hilly Andalusian hinterland instead––nor is it your typical summer getaway, boasting resorts and a thriving shopping scene, but that’s not the reason why tourists love it:
This Unique Thing Is What Makes Granada Special
One of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Europe, Granada is built atop hills at the edge of Sierra Nevada, an extensive alpine range traversing the Spanish region of Andalusia, and it’s widely known for its rich Muslim heritage.
Muslim heritage? Spain?
We’ll explain.
We know Spanish History wasn’t on everyone’s school curriculum growing up, so let’s just put it this way: for a little over eight centuries, large swathes of the country you know and love remained under the control of caliphates originating in North Africa.
Spain would eventually be fully reconquered by Christians, but before the Reconquista, the Arabs left their own little mark on the European continent, be it recreational baths, grand bazaars, or large mosques that would eventually be converted into cathedrals.
In Granada’s case, the Nasrid dynasty built an entire palace covering 35 acres, constructed in phases between 1238 and 1358, where they ruled and presided over their own emirate.
One Of The Most Beautiful Medieval Palaces In Europe
Though not as popular among U.S. visitors as the Sagrada Familia in Spain, or Madrid’s Royal Palace, the Alhambra is a monumental hilltop fortress encompassing luxurious villas and exotic gardens that’s enjoyed UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1984.
The Alhambra is a destination in itself.
At one point, it was a self-governing citadel separate from the rest of Granada, the medieval conurbation below where commoners used to live.
Judging by its sheer size, you’ll need at least a half-day to explore it in full.
It features an inner keep, a Friday mosque, a public hamman, residential houses, artisan shops, a tannery, and its very own water supply system, separate than that of the city: you can visit multiple times, and still not see it all.
That’s why we would recommend booking a guided tour to make the most out of your visit, as well as guarantee access to all six palaces contained within the Alhambra’s fortifications, including the landmark Generalife, Palace of the Lions, and Comares Palace.
The Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets activity on GetYourGuide costs only $48.72 to book this upcoming season, and it’s available in at least four different languages, English being one of them.
What To See In Granada Other Than The Alhambra
Beyond the Alhambra, Granada is a charming historic settlement centered around a hilly Albaicín district, which directly faces the Alhambra, and it’s a maze of narrow cobbled alleyways lined by centuries-old whitewashed houses and the odd Nasrid ruin.
It is where you will find Puerta de Elvira, a 13th-century gateway dating back to the Muslim period, the surprisingly well-preserved Palace of Dar al-Horra, once used by the Nasrid rulers, and El Bañuelo, Granada’s once-stately Arab baths.
Following the course of the fast-flowing Darro, one of the rivers that cut through Granada, along the scenic riverside walk known as Paseo de los Tristes, you’ll eventually reach the modern part of town (still fairly old by American standards).
In contrast with the ancient Albaicín and the imposing Alhambra, the 16th-century and onward New Town is a mishmash of beautiful Renaissance civic buildings and Baroque churches, lush-green urban parks, and Belle époque boulevards.
Fall is the best time to visit Granada, as the oppressive Iberian heat has calmed down a little.
However, it’s still balmy enough to be out in summery attire: expect an average daily high of 82°F and a moderately cool low of 57°F, mostly in the evenings, and very little rain.
Granada Is Surprisingly Affordable
Other than the obvious cultural wealth and great fall weather, factors that have certainly contributed to the near-perfect score on that OCU ranking, Granada is perfectly affordable for American tourists, particularly in the off-season when the summer crowds have dissipated.
This September, a non-weekend date at the Barceló Carmen Granada will set you back by $157 per night, or $78.50 per adult if you’re traveling as a couple (with breakfast added, and an outdoor swimming pool commanding a breathtaking view of central Granada).
It can be quite hot in this part of Spain well into October, so trust us when we say you’ll be needing one of those.
For the mid-range option, in the lively Ronda district, Senator Granada costs an acceptable $81 to book for mid-September dates, and if you’re really keeping it low-budget, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort on a rundown youth hostel: overnight rates Urban Dream Nevada start from only $40.
Oh, have we mentioned that tourists spend an estimated $40 on meals per day in Granada or an overall $936 for a full week, all expenses minus flights accounted for?
Spain is no budget destination, don’t get us wrong, but Granada is definitely on the cheaper end.
The customary drop in consumer prices and overnight rates in autumn should make it an even more enticing destination to the odd curious traveler.
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