Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and sitting on the confluence of four rivers, Granada has been one of Andalusia’s finest cities for centuries. During the Moorish era, Granada was transformed into a seat of power and was lavished with architectural wonders. Chief among these is the towering Alhambra complex that is home to the stunning Nasrid Palaces and other gems from that long-bygone era. In the city below, you’ll encounter the grand Granada Cathedral and historic neighbourhoods infused with charm and history. The best way to experience this city’s enormous and visibly breathtaking past is to sign up for expert-led guided tours that help you navigate the relentless crowds of visitors and skilfully unpack Granda’s magnificence. Here’s a comprehensive list of Granada’s best guided tours.
What are the advantages of the Granada guided tours?
Insider knowledge
A city with deep historical roots, every nook and cranny of Granada has a story to tell. From the lavish rooms and pillars of the Nasrid Palaces to the tower bell of the Alcazaba at Alhambra, the opulence of Granada Cathedral, and the lore that surrounds its markets and squares – there is plenty to marvel at in Granada. And with a guided tour, you’ll be able to delve into all the big and small details that make Granada incomparable.
Expert guidance
For centuries, Granada has been Andalusia’s pride. From being central to Spain’s Moorish era and the Spanish reconquest that unfolded centuries later, the city is infused with a rich history and culture. You’ll have a lot to unpack on your trip here and with a guided tour, you’ll be guaranteed a local expert who will know to lead you in the right direction and ensure you make the most of your time here.
Save time
Instead of spending hours planning and then figuring your way around the city and its many monuments, guided tours offer you the comfort of knowing you’ll be taken care of and your trip will be hassle-free. On guided tours, you’ll also get to skip the lines and get fast-track access to tourist-heavy sites.
The best Granada guided tours
Typically, guided tours in Granada are centred around its three leading historical sites. First, there is Alhambra – the grand citadel from the Nasrid era that sits proudly over the city. Then, you can make your way back to the heart of Granada to experience its ornately embellished Cathedral that was built on the site of a mosque after the Spanish reconquest. Finally, you can tour the historic districts of Albaicin and Sacromonte to soak in the city’s rich heritage.
Best guided tours of Alhambra
The high point of the Granada experience, Alhambra draws in millions of tourists every year (this should be reason enough to sign up for a guided tour). Sitting on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the city, Alhambra is a majestic, 13th-century royal complex that is a shining example of Islamic architecture in Europe. On your guided tour to Alhambra, you’ll be led through the vast complex whose main highlight is the Nasrid Palaces which is made up of a series of salons, chambers, porticoes and gardens that are covered in awe-inspiring stucco, wood and tile work.
The complex is also home to a mighty Alcazaba or fortress and the Palace of Carlos V which is from the Renaissance era after Catholic Spain took over. Often, guided tours include a stop by Generalife – a serene, whitewashed summer palace that sits close to Alhambra.
Best guided tours of Albaicin and Sacromonte
Get a true feel of Granada by touring its historical neighbourhoods. Walking along with a guide, you’ll weave your way through Albaicin which sits in a hilly landscape. Here, you’ll make your way past Moorish-era houses, markets, squares and baths. Then, the guide takes you to Sacromonte which intrigues visitors with its cave houses that have been standing since the 15th century.
Best guided tours of Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel
A baroque-style basilica built on the city’s main mosque in the aftermath of the Reconquest, the Granada Cathedral is a vision to behold. On a guided tour, you’ll be ushered past the rather sedate exteriors to find yourself spellbound by the ornately decorated interiors. Your guide will point out the soaring naves supported by slender pillars, the gleaming golden central altar that features Corinthian columns, glass paintings and effigies, and the frescoes by leading artists from Granada. Then, you’ll also be guided through the nearby Royal Chapel that houses the graves of Isabella I and Ferdinand II.
Granada guided tour: What to expect
When you choose from the best-guided tours Granada has to offer, then, your trip starts off on a high note! Once you purchase your tickets, you are given a time slot for your visits. Reach the attraction at the correct time to meet up with your guide. When you’ve met with your guide, all you have to do is follow their instructions. Usually, guided tours come with skip-the-line privileges so you can easily access Granada’s top sites. Inside, the guide will take you through the monument, sharing its history, details on its architecture and all the interesting lore that surrounds the attraction.
Know before you go on a guided tour of Granada
- When visiting religious sites, you will have to adhere to the dress code. You will be expected to cover your knees and shoulders during these visits.
- Alhambra is a popular tourist attraction. Make sure you get to the complex well in advance so that you can make your way past the crowds on time.
- Entry to the Nasrid Palaces is timed and you will not be able to get in if you miss your time slot. This is a strict rule so make sure you are early.
- If you are visiting Granada during the summer, do not forget to stock up on sunblock. The sun tends to be quite harsh and will leave you sunburnt if you are not careful.
- Pottery, local wine and cheese are some of the things you can take back home for friends and family. The locally produced wine has a unique flavour and is worth tasting. You can purchase cheese from any of the open-air markets in the city.
- If you are eating out, a tip of 10 to 15% is considered the norm. Similarly, customers are expected to tip in taxis as well.
- If you are new to Granada carry a map when you step out. Navigating the narrow streets and by-lanes can get confusing. A map of the city will help you find your way.
