15 Best Things to Do in Granada in September, October and November

If you are visiting Granada in autumn, in the months of September or October, you may still find hot days, although the mornings and evenings start to get cooler.


Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Granada. The sun is still very hot during the day, even reaching over 30ºC (86 F) in October.


However, you should take a jacket or jumper because it gets quite chilly at night and early in the morning. This is popularly known as the "veranillo de San Miguel".

Map of the Places to See in Granada in Autumn

1. Relax on the Beach at Costa Tropical

The Costa Tropical is still a great destination in September and October, when there are many sunny days and temperatures can reach 30 degrees.

This is certainly the best time to relax and enjoy a quiet day on the beach, since summer holidaymakers have already returned home.

The Mediterranean Sea is now warmer than at the beginning of the summer in Almuñécar, Salobreña or La Herradura, and it shows its most beautiful colours now.

Insider tip: high season is over by mid September, when accommodation prices become more affordable and you could find great deals.

More information in Costa Tropical.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Virgen de las Angustias Festivities

September is a great time to visit the beautiful Basilica de las Angustias. During this month the Virgen de las Angustias festivities are held.

There are popular religious and non-religious activities taking place, such as the popular floral tribute, a solemn procession and the traditional autumn market.

On the 15th of September, thousands of people come to the Basilica to place a bunch of flowers on its facade. It’s the Ofrenda Floral.

The Basilica is full of flowers and the bells are tolling particularly loud these days.

It is the big moment everybody has been waiting for in Granada: the solemn procession of the Virgen de las Angustias. It´s held on the last Sunday of September together with the autumn market.

If you visit Granada these days, you will be able to experience the amazing atmosphere that makes this festivity such a great event.

Insider tip: try a piece of Torta de la Virgen at some local cafe or visit the autumn market and buy one to take home.

More information in Virgen de las Angustias.

3. Enjoy the Alhambra and Step into its Forest

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit the Alhambra. The scorching hot days of August are gone and so are the herds of tourists.

The golden colours of autumn start to show up in the forest of the Alhambra, and it gives you the opportunity to feel how beautiful is this season in Granada.

The Alhambra is surrounded by a forest where more than 60 different type of trees grow together.

You will be able to step on a crunchy carpet of brown leaves coming from the chestnuts, poplars, elms and laurels.

Insider tip: sit on a bench and feel the lovely smell of autumn, enjoy its bright colours and hear the sound of water coming from nearby fountains and canals.

More information in Alhambra Free Areas.

4. Discover a New Viewpoint at the Albaicín

The festivity of San Miguel Arcángel is celebrated in the Albaicín on 29 of September. It is a very popular event in Granada´s oldest neighbourhood.

The Romería de San Miguel is a colourful procession that attracts thousands of people.

They come from the heart of the Albaicín to the small chapel (Ermita de San Miguel Alto) located on top of Aceituno hill the last Sunday of September.

Insider tip: take the opportunity to visit the small chapel on top of the hill, you will discover one of the most beautiful and unknown viewpoint of Granada. Don’t miss it!

More information in The Albaicín.

5. Enjoy the first snowflakes in Sierra Nevada

If you come to Granada in late autumn, you will probably be able to enjoy the first snowfalls in Sierra Nevada.

Sierra Nevada ski resort is often the first one in Spain to open for the winter season. This usually takes place in November.

Whether you are keen on being one of the first who can ski in Spain, or just want to enjoy the amazing view of the Alhambra or the Albaicín framed by the snowy mountains of Sierra Nevada, this will be a golden opportunity.

Insider tip: the best photos of Granada are usually made at this time of the year, with a backdrop of autumn colours, blue skies and white capped mountains.

More information in Sierra Nevada.

6. Walk the Alpujarra Beautiful Routes

Hiking in the Alpujarra during the autumn is surely one of the best experiences you can have if you love nature.

In the Alpujarra you will find wonderful routes to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Spain.

The Barranco de Poqueira displays an explosion of autumn colours while Sierra Nevada shows proudly its white summits.

The air smells of burning wood, fireplaces and roasted chestnuts. This land is full of very old chestnut trees.

In many villages, such as Capileira and Bubión, a Chestnut Festival is held at the beginning of November.

Insider tip: to celebrate All Saints Day a big amount of chestnuts and a typical liquor named "anis" are served at the main square of villages. Everybody is welcome!

More information in The Alpujarra.

Routes and Nature

Dehesa del Camarate

In Dehesa del Camarate, you'll find the Enchanted Forest, a hidden gem of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, located in the town of Lugros.

This place is famous for its incredible colors in autumn. What makes La Ruana special are its mixed Mediterranean forests, some of the best-preserved in Andalusia. In the fall, the trees put on a vibrant show of colors, turning the whole area into a huge botanical garden.

Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden

Visit the Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden, recognized for its rich diversity of flora and peaceful landscapes.

This garden is located in the Sierra Nevada, at an altitude of 1,950 meters, about 30 minutes from Sierra Nevada, just before reaching the ski resort.

This natural environment is home to the typical flora and vegetation of the region, with one of the richest botanical varieties in Andalusia, including many rare species.

The garden is especially stunning in autumn and spring. In autumn, it transforms into a vibrant display of colors, with trees turning shades of yellow.

Migratory bird watching in the Padul wetland

If you’re looking for a pleasant and relaxing walk, the Padul Wetland is a great option. It offers a beautiful setting, ideal for family visits. During spring and autumn, the area takes on a unique charm.

In the wetland, you’ll find a giant fig tree, a tunnel of lush vegetation, and viewing points where you can enjoy the scenery and watch the birds.

The Mammoth Route, which surrounds the wetland and is approximately 4 kilometers long, is easy to navigate and can be completed in about an hour and a half, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Autumn Wine Route

Wine tourism has become a popular alternative in Granada, allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy tours through stunning natural landscapes.

The wines of Granada are characterized by a rich array of fruity and floral aromas, ranging from vibrant notes of peach and citrus to delicate hints of flowers like jasmine.

You can also opt to stay among the vineyards in Molino de Morillas, Bodega Polingo or Bodega Rambla Huarea, offering a unique wine tourism experience.

Granada's Neighborhoods and Parks

The Albaicín Festival

The San Miguel Arcángel festival is celebrated on September 29th, and the vibrant neighborhood of Albaicín honors it with great enthusiasm. This lively celebration is in honor of the patron saint of Granada.

During autumn, the Romería de San Miguel takes place, beginning at the Iglesia del Salvador and concluding at the Ermita de San Miguel Alto on the Cerro del Aceituno, on the last Sunday in September.

This festival has deep historical roots in Granada, dating back to even pre-Islamic times.

You can enjoy a pleasant walk to the Ermita, where you can take in one of the most beautiful and hidden views of Granada. In this historic area, you'll also discover remnants of the ancient Zirid wall. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Federico Garcia Lorca Park

In Granada, one of the spaces dedicated to the renowned 20th-century poet and playwright Federico García Lorca is the park that bears his name.

This place is perfect for leisurely walks along its many trails, especially in October and November when the landscape transforms with warm colors, and the fallen leaves create a picturesque atmosphere.

The park is great for family visits, as it offers a variety of workshops throughout the year. You’ll find wooded areas, canals, gardens with fountains, and a river that invite you to enjoy a pleasant stroll.

During the fall, the park takes on a special charm with its vibrant foliage of golden and red tones, making each visit a unique experience. There’s also a kiosk with a terrace, ideal for enjoying a drink while taking in the surroundings.

Autumn Festivals and Celebrations in Granada

Chestnut Festival

One of the classic autumn activities is the tasting of roasted chestnuts accompanied by anise. At the beginning of November, and sometimes at the end of October, many towns in the province celebrate festivals and events in honor of the chestnut.

This ancient tradition of roasting chestnuts at night was revived about 30 years ago, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music and dancing.

In towns throughout the Alpujarra, such as Mecina Bombarón and Capileira, the festival often coincides with All Saints' Day. The Chestnut Festival is also celebrated in Niguelas, Valle de Lecrín, and many other locations. Additionally, you can enjoy freshly prepared roasted chestnuts at local markets.

Granada International Jazz Festival

The Granada International Jazz Festival is a must-attend event for jazz lovers. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in Europe and the only one of its kind in Spain.

Typically starting at the end of October, the festival offers a diverse program of concerts and activities related to jazz that extends throughout November.

It highlights some of the most outstanding international artists. Local bars and clubs also participate in the event, contributing to a vibrant and unique atmosphere.

All Saints' Day in Granada

On October 31, many young people in the city gather to walk the streets in costumes, influenced by Halloween. The Albaicín Association is organizing a party for children on the Paseo de los Tristes.

In Soportújar, located in the Alpujarra, Halloween night is also a popular celebration.

The following day, after the spooky festivities of Halloween, it’s time for a more solemn and traditional commemoration. November 1st marks All Saints' Day, a national holiday.

Lanjaron, a charming spa town, bursts to life on October 31 with a lively festival blending Halloween and the Chestnut Festival. Festivities include a lively costume parade winding through the main streets, feria, and a DJ in the central plaza.

Autumn Markets

During autumn, several markets and fairs dedicated to local products and crafts are held.

One of the most notable events is the autumn market, which takes place on the last weekend of September in Puerta Real.

This market, held in honor of the Virgen de las Angustias, the patron saint of Malaga, features a variety of stalls where visitors can find flowers, cakes, fruits, religious items, and other traditional flavors of local cuisine.

At this special market, attendees can purchase a selection of seasonal fruits.

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