Granada, Spain in a Nutshell - Key Information and Tips

Granada is located in the southernmost part of Spain, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and 40 minutes from the Costa Tropical beaches.


It is one of the eight provinces that make up the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.

There are many legends surrounding the origin of the name Granada. Some attribute it to the arrival of Jews in the year 136, when it was known as Gar-anat.

We also know that the ancient Roman city located in the Albaicin was called Hizn Garnata.

The truth is that the name of Granada could simply mean the name of this typical fruit in the city.

Interesting Facts About Granada

Practical Information About Granada

What is the best time of year to visit Granada?

The Province of Granada is a great destination to visit at any time of the year, but the best choice for spending time, whether in the city, mountains, or at the beach, depends on the season.

In spring, the temperatures are pleasant, and the aroma of the orange trees in bloom and jasmine perfumes the squares of many towns.

Between July and August temperatures are around 35 ˚C, even reaching 40 ˚C sometimes. However, the nights are usually pleasant and cool.

This is the ideal time to visit the numerous beaches of the Costa Tropical.

In autumn, Granada enjoys mild temperatures while the city's trees transform with vibrant colors.

In the winter months, when the snow reaches the Sierra Nevada, Granada presents a beautiful picture. This is when you can practice winter sports in Sierra Nevada.

Possibly, spring and autumn are the two best seasons to visit the city of Granada.

Business Opening Hours in Granada

Granada shops typically open at 10 a.m. and close between 1:30 and 2 p.m., reopening at 5 p.m. in winter (a little later in summer) and closing at 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer).

They are closed on Sundays and holidays. Small shops and local bussinesses also close on Saturday afternoons.

There are special opening times during Christmas and local festivities, such as feria (town fair) and Easter.

Bars and restaurants serving food and tapas typically open around 1 p.m. and close around 4 p.m. Evening opening times are usually around 8 p.m., and closing time is between 11:30 p.m. and midnight.

Bars serve tapas while the kitchen is open, typically within the hours mentioned above. Coffee shops or bars serving breakfast open very early, with some even opening before 7 a.m. and others a little later.

Coffee shops might close between 1:30 and 3 p.m. and reopen for coffee around 3:30 p.m. They typically close at 8:30 or 9 p.m.

Do People Leave Tips in Granada?

In Granada, service is typically already included in the bill, so tips are not expected.

However, you may wish to leave a tip if you are happy with the service.

Related information in where to eat in Granada.

Granada Bus Services

To find out about bus routes, schedules, fares, and any other information on Granada's urban bus network, visit: Granada Buses.

There is a bus pass called CrediBus which the visitors can use when travelling by bus in Granada. A trip is much cheaper with this pass.

The Customer Service of Granada's bus company is located in Calle Joaquin Costa 4, Bajo (Puerta Real). From here, you can collect lost property found on Granada's buses, make complains, etc.

How to Reach Granada from the Airport?

There is a bus that travels from the airport to the city center.

The duration of the trip is about 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic. At the airport there are taxis available to take you to the center of Granada. The cost is around 25-35 euros.

Medical Attention in Granada

Granada has good hospitals and medical services.

Anyone from the European Union visiting Granada receives free medical treatment, providing they have form E-111/128 with them.

Visitors from outside the European Union are advised to obtain travel insurance before leaving their country.

Is Smoking Allowed at Restaurants and other Public Places?

Smoking is generally not allowed in public establishments, buses, trains, etc., in Spain. However, bars and restaurants often have outdoor areas where smoking is permitted.

Population and Location

What is the population of Granada?

The capital city of Granada has a population of 230.595 inhabitants. The province of Granada, comprising 174 municipalities, currently has 939.326 inhabitants. Granada province ranks as the fourth most populated in Andalusia.

Location and distances

Granada has access to the Mediterranean Sea and includes many mountainous areas, as it is traversed by the Penibaetic Mountain Range.


The coastal region of Granada is known as the Costa Tropical, with its main municipalities being Almuñécar, Salobreña and Motril.

Geography, Climate, Flora, and Fauna

Granada's Climate and Geography

Granada climate and landscape make it one of the richest regions in Spain.

It ranges from the alpine vegetation and weather of Sierra Nevada to the tropical coast of Motril, where winter temperatures average 15 degrees Celsius.

Perhaps no other region on the Iberian Peninsula offers such a contrasting and manifold variety, unfolding at the foot of snow-topped mountains.

The main rivers of Granada are the Genil, Trevélez and Poqueira. The River Darro flow through the old town, dividing the hills of Sacromonte and Albaicin, that of the Alhambra.

Temperatures in Granada, Spain

Granada has a Mediterranean mountain climate characterized by low humidity and high temperatures in the summer.


The mean annual temperature is 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit), with maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and minimum temperatures dropping to 4 degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit).


The most stable temperatures occur during spring and autumn, making these the best times of the year to visit the city.

Flora and Fauna

Granada's flora comprises a wonderful botanical mix, with tropical plants growing just a short distance from alpine slopes.

Animal life is diverse due to the varied habitats found in Granada.

Wolves, foxes, and large predators such as royal eagles, vultures, and hawks inhabit the mountainous parts of Granada.

Coast and Mountains

Granada's Mountains

Granada has some of the highest peaks in Europe, with the main mountain range being the Sierra Nevada.

Its peaks, snow-capped half of the year, reach their maximum height in the Mulhacén, 3481 m; the Veleta, 3470m; and the Alcazaba, 3314m.

Other important mountain ranges in Granada include the Sierra de la Contraviesa, home to the Alpujarra; the Sierra de Baza, designated as a Natural Park, as well as the Sierra de Huétor; and the Sierras de Almijara and Tejeda, which extend to the coast.

The Alpujarra of Granada

The Alpujarra of Granada spans the area between between Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean Sea.

Towards the East it extends to the province of Almería while to the West it borders with the Sierra de Lújar. Towards the South, it nearly reaches the sea, encompassing the Sierra de la Contraviesa.

There is the Alpujarra of Granada, the Alpujarra of Almeria, and the Alpujarras (with 's'). With 's', we are referring to both, the Alpujarra of Granada and the Almeria collectively.

The Alpujarra region of Granada covers 25 municipalities, some of which are home to some of the highest towns in Spain.

In the fertile valleys of the Alpujarra, citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges thrive, as well as tropical fruits like avocado. Chestnut trees, almond trees, persimmons, and fig trees are also abundant in the area.

Granada Coast

The coast of Granada borders to the East with the coast of Almería and to the West with the coast of Malaga. It encompasses 18 municipalities.

The coast of Granada is known as Costa Tropical due to the exceptional climatic conditions it enjoys, thanks to the protection of Sierra Nevada.

Tropical fruits are grown on this coast, some of which are unique in all of Europe.

Also, the ancient tradition of sugarcane cultivation is still preserved. For further information, please visit: Costa Tropical de Granada.

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One of the most beautiful provinces

Granada is one of the most beautiful provinces I've seen. The monuments are beautiful. Its cuisine is very good, especially its tapas.

The Alhambra as a whole, the Generalife, the Sacromonte caves, the Albaicín neighborhood, the Cartuja Monastery, the Cathedral, etc ... They are beautiful.

Now in October I will go to the Alpujarras, I will visit Salobreña, Almuñécar, Motril, Loja, Guadix, Montefrio, Albolote, etc.

Really enjoyed the trip

I recently visited Granada, Cordoba and Malaga for 4 days and really enjoyed the trip. It was good to see various historical places which are well looked after. I wish I had more time but hopefully I will get another opportunity in the future. Make sure you get Granada card because it's really worth it (Az).