During the Easter holidays, we spent 2 days in Granada as a family. I already knew the city, but wanted to introduce it to the children during our Andalusian road trip. Granada is, of course, famous for its magnificent Alhambra. I booked tickets well in advance because demand is extremely high. Granada is also a beautiful, manageable city that is enjoyable to explore on foot — although the hills make it quite energetic. Here is a summary of our stay in Granada with the children.
Children’s ages: Ticoeur was 14 and Titpuce 12.
When we travelled: we were in Andalusia during the Easter school holidays, but after Semana Santa because I wanted to avoid the crowds. It was perfect, both for visitor numbers and the weather.
Granada with children: what can you see in 2 days?
Here is the itinerary for our 2 days and 2 nights in Granada with the children:
Views of the Alhambra
The day before visiting the Alhambra, we went in search of the best viewpoints. Seeing the monument from a distance was an excellent introduction before exploring it in detail. We began at Mirador de San Nicolás in the Albaicín. It is the best-known and therefore busiest viewpoint, but undeniably beautiful and not to be missed.
We then continued to a viewpoint that is less familiar to tourists, higher up and farther away near the monastery: Mirador de San Cristóbal . Plenty of students were picnicking, having drinks and playing music, which created a wonderful atmosphere. On our way down, we wandered through a maze of bohemian — sometimes rather dilapidated — lanes in Sacromonte. It felt completely different.
Visiting the Alhambra with children
The following morning was devoted to the Alhambra itself. I had bought our tickets 6 weeks in advance, which is important because visitor numbers are limited and tickets frequently sell out. We began in the lower part of the complex at the Alcazaba at 10 a.m. and had an 11 a.m. time slot for the Nasrid Palaces, the architectural highlight. We continued to the Palace of Charles V, where the Fine Arts section did not particularly appeal to us, although we greatly enjoyed the Alhambra Museum. Finally, we climbed towards the Generalife gardens. I had previously visited in winter, and the gardens are unquestionably more beautiful in spring. We spent 3 hours at the Alhambra in total. Find information and bookings on the official Alhambra website. Bring the original identity document associated with each named ticket. Children also need their own admission ticket; check the current official identification rules for their age.
The Albaicín neighbourhood
This is where we stayed and is probably Granada’s most picturesque neighbourhood. The former Arab quarter is steep and forms a genuine maze. We loved walking around it, particularly away from the main streets. There are many beautiful little cobbled squares and plenty of terraces where you can sit and relax.
Granada’s souk area
At the bottom of the Albaicín, you reach the Alcaicería and its bazaar-like lanes, which feel almost Moroccan. During a short shower, we stopped for mint tea and fruit juice in one of the many tearooms, at Café l’Oriental.
Granada Cathedral
The Alcaicería lies at the foot of the imposing cathedral. We did not visit it this time.
Along the River Darro — Paseo de los Tristes
We also enjoyed walking beside the river and its old stone bridges.
Whenever you look up, the Alhambra seems to be watching over you.
Gran Vía de Colón
At the bottom of the Albaicín, you reach Gran Vía de Colón, one of the city’s main thoroughfares:
We walked as far as Corral del Carbón to admire the exterior architecture of this former caravanserai.
You must try tapas in Granada
Tapas are popular throughout Spain, but in Granada they are a genuine tradition. Many bars still serve a complimentary tapa when you order a drink, and the portions can be very generous. Add another two paid dishes and dinner is sorted. We ate extremely well. These were our favourite places:
- La Sitarilla: a tapas bar popular with tourists and young local people because it is inexpensive. We queued shortly before lunchtime opening and had no trouble getting a table. The tapas served with our sangria and the children’s fruit juices were generous, including black cuttlefish risotto.
- Bar Provincias: delicious seafood tapas, including razor clams and baby squid. We stood at the counter one evening and loved the atmosphere. This was our favourite.
- Los Diamantes: another bar serving excellent fish and seafood tapas, but quieter than the previous one — potentially useful with young children.
Granada with children: watching flamenco
Granada offers many flamenco performances, including shows held in the traditional cave venues known as cuevas. We chose a non-touristy and inexpensive alternative: a dance performance by local schools at Teatro Isabel la Católica. Thank you to Cahier de Coco, who lives there and gave us the tip. Follow her on Instagram and read her blog if you would like to learn more about expatriate family life in Granada. Cultural programmes change constantly, of course, so check listings online or visit the tourist office.
Granada with children: where to stay
We absolutely loved our accommodation in Granada: the lovely Smart Suites Albaicín in the Albaicín, with beautiful local architecture and a magnificent courtyard. The family suites were new, spotlessly clean and as white as the façade. They were also very comfortable: the children had twin beds in their own room, separate from ours. It offered excellent value and a very friendly welcome. We also reserved an affordable, convenient space in the hotel car park. A warning, however: driving through the Albaicín is extremely difficult. Many lanes are too narrow for a vehicle, so follow the hotel’s directions precisely. A good co-driver is essential. We spent 2 nights in Granada.
Excursions around Granada
Just before reaching Granada, we enjoyed a magnificent family hike in the Gorafe Desert.
After leaving Granada, we went walking in Las Alpujarras and explored 3 villages: Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. I will tell you about that in another article.
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Would you be tempted by a family stay in Granada?
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