Many visitors come here to see the Alhambra, that magnificent Moorish palace with its exquisite tile work and magical water gardens, but discover many more unexpected pleasures. And most of our picks of the best places to stay in Granada are well situated to access not just the Alhambra, but all the other delights that the city has to offer. We have a wide selection of properties: from a historic luxury city centre hotel, to charming guesthouses that won't break the bank. For those looking for a city apartment or holiday villa just outside the centre, we recommend our online partner, Booking.com.

This is one of Andalusia's freshest, most welcoming cities, with a lively bar scene - each time you order a drink in a bar you get a small tapas dish gratis - and sultry flamenco clubs.

The calm trickle of water greets visitors to the Alhambra, and accompanies you everywhere, despite it being an arid spot. The water features are like art, as are the mosaics, the intricate woodwork and the complex calligraphy rendered in the plaster and tile.

Beyond the Alhambra

Granada's Islamic past has marked the city, and the influence remains - 10% of the population is still North African.

One of the best ways to experience the living culture is to visit a hammam. Try the Hammams de la Andalus, where there are three pools of different temperatures and then the option of having the whole skin scrubbing massage as well.

Food is a big thing in Granada. One of the best places to stay in Granada for foodies is near the Plaza Pescaderia, where the staple is fresh fish and jugs of sangria. Or you could try the Paeso de los Tristes where there's a string of excellent tapas bars.

Where To Stay - which neighbourhood?

• Plaza Nueva - located bang in the centre of town, this is an ideal spot in which to stay if you want to spend your days soaking up all the sights that Granda has to offer. Be sure to check out the bustling Mercado San Augustín, arguably the city's finest food market.
• Sacromonte - this hillside neighbourhood was historically home to the city's gypsies. Nowadays, it's better known as the city's flamenco barrio - and is rather unusual in that certain locals still live in caved dwellings carved out of the hillside!
• Realejo - the Jewish neighbourhood is home to a wide variety of dilapidated yet utterly charming buildings, made even more striking by the works of local graffiti artist 'El Niño'.
• La Cruz - whilst not as aesthetically pleasing as other areas, with plenty of large apartment blocks, La Cruz boasts a large number of delicious tapas bars and a friendly local atmosphere.

What not to miss

• Wander through the Albaicín neighbourhood, the stuff of Spanish dreams with narrow cobblestone roads weaving through traditional homes
• The Monasterio de la Cartuja, a lavish baroque church and monastery, is a must-see
• Spend a day hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Hop from one tapas bar to another in the Paeso de los Tristes to get a real sense of Granada's cuisine

For many people the best places to stay in Granada are those closest to the Alhambra, but don't forget that these will be the most popular properties in town, so early booking is absolutely essential.

The best places to stay in Granada

For a City Break

• The Hotel Santa Isabel La Real is ideal if you're looking for something close to the centre of town. In fact it's possible to book tower rooms with views of the Alhambra. A small and family run guesthouse, this is our recommendation if you value a personal touch. They make you feel as if there's nothing that's too much trouble.
• El Ladron de Agua is a chic manor house conversion in the centre of town. It offers a sophisticated stay with stylish rooms adorned with antique furnishings.
• AC Palacio de Santa Paula boasts a stunning mix of Moorish facades and contemporary interiors. And it's situated within easy reach of all of Granada's best bits.
• The restored 17th century property Casa 1800, Granada, perfectly encapsulates Andalusian elegance in the heart of Granada.

For a hotel with a pool

• Villa Oniria is a gorgeous Andalucian style manor house. Alongside beautiful accommodation there's a gourmet restaurant, and spa with indoor "Effects pool".
• At Hospes Palacio de los Patos you get elegant luxury and a fabulous restaurant, right in the centre of town. Plus there's a top-notch spa with indoor pool, Turkish bath, dry sauna and much much more!

For romance

• If you're looking for something a bit special book the beautifully restored 15th Century townhouse, La Casa Morisca. Built around a galleried internal courtyard with a serene marble pool at its centre, this guesthouse feels like a step back in time.
• Parador de Granada is a luxurious option, that's prefect for a romantic break. You'll find elegant rooms, fabulous Andalucian cuisine and a gorgeous roof terrace with a view.

For those on a budget

• Hotel Villa Sur is a seriously cheap option, in a quiet spot just outside town. You can bag a double room here for as little as €58 per night!
• Casa del Capitel Nazari is the more expensive option (doubles from €125). It offers traditional Andalucian elegance, some rooms with a balcony, plus a courtyard for sitting out.

For a rural escape

• Located just outside Granada the Cortijo del Marques boasts gorgeous countryside views and a fabulous pool.
• The traditional stone built, La Almunia del Valle, has an enviable location in the hills of Sierra Nevada National Park with both easy access to the surrounding park and the city.

For an apartment or holiday villa

• For a self-catering apartment or holiday villa, check out the wide range with our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Granada Airport - located just 15km outside the city centre.
• Best time to visit Granada is either spring or autumn, when the days are warm but not scorching (15°C - 20°C), and the crowds should have thinned. Ideal for days spent sightseeing!
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Granada.
• Expand your search to include all our recommendations in the region of Andalucía.
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Granada