Due to it´s central location in Andalusia there are plenty of day trips around Granada province and beyond. After a short drive you find yourself in a totally different landsacpe. Choose beaches, Mountains, quaint villages, olive groves, cave houses or even desert landscapes,
Here are ten suggestions for day trips to take from the city of Granada. The options are arranged by travel time from Granada city.
Pinos Genil , Granada
Where? East of Granada, direction Sierra Nevada
Distance: 10 kms from Granada city centre
Time: 15 minutes by car
What to see? This is a nice little escape from the heat in summertime. Watch the ducks on the river as you sit and see the world go by. This quaint village at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains also makes a pleasant day trip in winter months too.
Where to eat? Locals love the restaurant Los Cazadores which is right next to the bridge in the main square.
Lecrin Valley, Granada
Where? South of Granada, direction Motril
Distance: 45 kms
Time: 30 minutes by car
What to see? Stop off at some of the different villages around the valley. Notice the abundance of Orange and lemon trees. The lush landscapes here will please photography enthusiasts. If you are a greenfingers stop to visit the romantic Jardines Mueller in Niguelas.
Where to eat? If you love wine head over to Bodega Señorio de Nevada in Conchar. The locals frequent Los Naranjos in Melegis.
Sierra Nevada , Granada
Where? South East of Granada
Distance: 35 kms
Time: 45 minutes by car. In Ski season (Nov to April) there is a regular bus from Granada bus station to Pradollano.
What to see: The Pradollano ski resort and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are lots of outdoor activities all year round; horse trekking, mountain biking and climbing.
Where to eat? El Gato montés is on the Road to Monachil. A cosy place in the ski resort is the Bar El Cartujano on Plaza Pradollano. Good for a quick coffee or glass of wine with a tapa.
Guadix , Granada
Where? North of Granada, Direction Murcia
Distance: 85 kms
Time: 55 minutes by car, also buses from Granada bus station
What to see? See the cave houses at the top of the town. The Cathedral is impressive. Hop in the car to see the Calahorra Castle nearby or the Trópolis centre in Alcudia de Guadix. Some of the hands on workshops look interesting in this newly opened centre.
Where to eat? If you like fish head to the Pequeña Taberna in Guadix town. Meat lovers will appreciate the Brasería la Tinaja. For the cave experience Las Cuevas de Tio Tobas are a long standing favourite in the area.
Almuñécar, Granada
Where? South of Granada, Direction Motril
Distance: 77 kms
Time: 55 minutes by car, also buses from Granada bus station
What to see? You can walk along the beaches and see the typical fish skewers being barbecued. Families will enjoy a visit to the Aquarium in the centre of town. The Parque El Majuelo is also a good place to stop off to see the tropical plants and botanical garden. Archaeological enthusiasts maybe surprised to see the Museo Arqueológico Municipal open 10.30h-14h daily.
Where to eat? In town try Los Geranios. On the seafront head to Mar de Plata for fresh fish
Nerja, Malaga
Where? East of Granada
Distance: 90 kms
Time: 65 minutes by car, also there are buses from Granada bus station
What to see? In nearby Maro you can visit the underground Caves of Nerja. In Nerja itself the beaches are fabulous. Enjoy a swim in the clear turquoise waters. This coastal town is one of the larger ones on the Tropical coast. You will find plenty of restaurants here and a variety of shops to browse in too.
Where to eat? El Avalon Nerja at Urbanizacion Punta Lara 22, not far from El Playazo
Priego de Córdoba
Where? North East of Granada Direction Córdoba
Distance: 80 kms
Time: 75 minutes by car
What to see? The town has a certain charm. Wander around the flower lined streets of Barrio de la Vila. Enjoy the panoramic views across the Andalusian landscape from the Balcon de Adarve. Unwind at the Baños Arabes.
Where to eat? Enjoy the views from the Asador La Muralla en Calle Abad Palomino, 16
Alpujarra Granada
Where? South of Granada
Direction Motril Distance: 70 kms
Time: 65 minutes by car. Buses from Granada bus station also have routes to Orgiva and Lanjaron
What to see? A few of the different villages Capileira Pampaneira are some of the more quaint places to stop. Local crafts and food.Where to eat? Ruta del Mulhacen in Pampaneira on the open roof terrace with views of the landscape. Balcon de Pitres
Málaga city
Where? South west of Granada
Distance: 123 kms
Time: 90 minutes by car, also buses from Granada bus station
What to see? The glass museum is difficult to find but worth the trek across town. Shop on the popular Calle Larios and watch the boats from Muelle Uno. Enjoy birds eye views from the Gibralfaro Castle or get arty inside the Picasso Museum.
Where to eat: The most popular place is Bar el Pimpi on Calle Granada, perhaps a little touristy but good fun. On Muelle Uno try Toro. In the city itself Cerveceria los Gatos. An authentic Málaga bar which is always bustling with locals.
Almería
Where? South east of Granada
Distance: 175 kms
Time: 2 hours by car. Also routes on ALSA buses throughout the day from Granada bus station.
What to see? Visit the Alcazaba fortress for views over the city and port. Wander around the old quarter and see the Plaza Vieja or the Cathedral.
Where to eat? For tapas pop over to Casa Puga or Bodega Aranda, close to Puerta Purchena. If you want a cup of tea and cake stop at La Dulce Alianza on the Paseo de Almeria.