4 Days in Granada: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

By Cristian G. Guasch •  Updated: 08/16/22 •  5 min read

The municipality and city of Granada is the capital of the province of the same name. It belongs to the autonomous community of Andalusia and is located in the central part of the region of the Vega de Granada.

It has a population of 231,775 inhabitants and is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Spain for its many architectural wonders such as the Alhambra, the Generalife and the Abayzín neighborhood. In this article we are going to explain you all the places to see in Granada in 4 days.

Day 1

The Alhambra

Undoubtedly, the great icon to see in Granada in 4 days is the Alhambra. Inside the Alhambra are valuable points of interest such as the Palace of Charles V, the Generalife Gardens and the Alcazaba. But undoubtedly, the most outstanding are the Nasrid Palaces, the main attraction of this beautiful monumental complex.

In them you will see the Patio de los Leones or Palacio de Comares, a fantastic place to take pictures. However, to visit this space it is necessary to go at the time indicated on your tickets; you should organize your visit carefully because it is the only place in the Alhambra that has a fixed schedule, all the other spaces you can see them when you want.

On the other hand, the Generalife was the summer residence of the sultans. In this place you can walk and admire the ostentatious flower gardens adorned with their respective basins and fountains that are positioned around them.

The Alcazaba was an ancient military fortress dating back to the 11th century. This served as a base for all construction that took place in later years. From it you can advance to several towers and marvel at the views of the city.

Albayzin

Another of the things to see in Granada in 4 days is the Albayzin neighborhood, get lost in its streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture is a very nice experience. It is one of the oldest and most important areas of the city, characterized by its iconic hills and white houses.

You can reach the Mirador de San Nicolas and appreciate the most amazing views of the Alhambra. Similarly, do not hesitate to stroll around the Carrera del Darro and the main square of Granada, the Plaza Nueva. Also at this point stands the Banuelo, one of the best preserved Arab baths of the municipality.

Day 2

Downtown Granada

The city center is home to many places of interest. One of the most striking things to see in Granada in 4 days is the Cathedral of Granada, a monumental masterpiece that was built by order of the Catholic Monarchs. In fact, their tomb is located in the Royal Chapel, a building next to it.

Corral de Carbon

Not far from the Cathedral is the Corral del Carbón, an old alhóndiga that has been kept in excellent condition and has been catalogued as the oldest monument in the metropolis.

Sacromonte

Another of the recommended neighborhoods to see in Granada in 4 days is the Sacromonte neighborhood. It is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Granada for its splendid and curious architecture that you cannot miss if you are a fan of flamenco music. This gypsy neighborhood is widely known for its troglodyte houses or flamenco caves; places where shows related to this traditional dance are performed.

There you will come across the Sacromonte Abbey, built in 1595. You can also visit the Cuevas de Sacromonte museum, where you will learn about the lifestyle and traditional dwellings of the area.

Day 3

Basilica of San Juan de Dios

Although the Basilica of San Juan de Dios is a bit far from the center of the city, it is one of the most admired baroque style monuments thanks to its enormous beauty and sumptuous decoration. It is full of figures, gilded and bones of saints. This basilica is another of the historical places to see in Granada in 4 days.

Monastery of San Jeronimo

Another interesting building to see in Granada in 4 days is the Monastery of San Jeronimo. It is a Renaissance style building that has passed through the hands of different religious orders. Today it functions as a cloistered convent, however, a good part of it can be visited if accompanied by a tour guide.

Basilica of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias

It rises above a church of the early sixteenth century. It is of baroque style and was officially completed in 1671. From its beginnings it has been a sanctuary open to the pilgrimage of locals and foreigners.

Day 4

Science Park

It is composed of different buildings and pavilions that will take your breath away. One of the most emblematic is the Macroscope Building, formed by several pavilions that will help you learn all about the human body, as well as the technological and scientific legacy left by Al-Andalus. Its objective is to bring children closer to science, in a space conducive to knowledge.

Another of the most interesting is the Foucault Pendulum Building, with rooms specialized in physics, medicine, the senses, the biosphere and astronomy. Do not forget the planetarium and the explora room, a place designed especially for the little ones of the house.

Outside, you can see a real open-air museum with an imposing observation tower. Likewise, you can take a botanical tour, visit the Mental Gymnastics Tent, the Butterfly Farm and the Raptors in Flight Workshop.

Sierra Nevada

If hiking is your thing, you’d better head to the Sierra Nevada for a great time and a breath of fresh air. It’s a place quite different from the others in the area, and if you like skiing, it’s an incredible option to visit in winter.

The Alpujarra

One of the most beautiful areas to see in Granada in 4 days and Andalusia is La Alpujarra. This is due to the beauty of its villages and landscapes that are located there. Throughout its demarcation you will see impressive viewpoints that give you splendid views.

Cristian G. Guasch

I have traveled the world visiting 18 countries, including Japan, most of Europe and North America. I love to learn about the culture and history, taste the different dishes and enjoy the beauty of this planet. I also work completely remotely, and this helps me discover new places all year around.

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