Road-Tripping Spain and Southern France Plus Ibiza in 12 Days – DAY 3
Since the last 2 days, we have been soaking ourselves up in Moorish culture and architecture. We started with Seville – the capital of Andalusian region of Spain. We experienced original Andalusian culture, monuments, traditions, and artistic heritage. Later, we explored the picturesque Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of Andalusia, where a captivating world of Moorish glamour was awaiting us. Our final destination in the Andalusian region was Granada. It is a city that perfectly mixes vibrant, Moorish culture with Andalusian charm, and showcases an artistic hippie vibe. We plan to spend a night here before heading to Madrid province.
Highlights of the Day
- Alhambra Palace Hotel
- Lunch at Hicuri Art Vegan Restaurant
- Alhambra
- Hammam Al Andalus Spa
- Strolling in Granada
Drive to Granada and Check-In at Hotel
Previous night, we had stayed in a beautiful house in cave village. It was Casa Rural Cuevas del Sol in Setenil de las Bodegas. We were carrying breads and vegan dips – so that was our breakfast, thanks to the toaster in the kitchen. Next, we checked out from the beautiful place in the extraordinary white village and headed to Granada. It was around 1o AM. Granada is a little more than 2 h away from Setenil de las Bodegas.
We drove directly to Alhambra Palace Hotel where we had booked our overnight stay. We checked in there at around noon. It is a luxurious, beautiful hotel that is located just outside the walls of the Alhambra Palace complex. Parking is available at an extra fee.
Lunch at Hicuri Art Vegan Restaurant
We have been quite a few days in Spain, we have not had a fancy meal. The tapas we had in Seville was delicious, but now we were looking for something heavy and fulfilling. Granada is flooded with restaurants, and we being vegans, it was not too difficult to spot one. Hicuri Art Vegan restaurant was just 500 m away from our hotel and we had one of our best vegan meals in Spain there.
– I could have another slice of that almond tiramisu any time
The Alhambra
Real de Alcazar in Seville has blown my mind, and I was expecting more from the Alhambra in Granada – both have left me amused because of their interesting history and grand style.
If you are in Granada, you cannot miss visiting one of the biggest tourist attractions in Europe – the Alhambra Palace. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its major role in the history of Spain and its grandeur in architecture. It is one of the most famous palaces in the world, and also one of the most visited tourist attractions.
Beautifully located on the La Sabika rocky hill overlooking the city of Granada, the phenomenal palace complex of Alhambra is the last remaining Moorish stronghold in Europe, as well as the oldest Muslim palace in the world. It is one of the finest monuments of Islamic architecture in Spain and also in the world. It consists of an assembly of splendid Moorish palaces and landscaped gardens. Highlights include the stunning Generalife gardens, Palace of Charles V, Nasrid Palaces, and Alcazaba. We took around 3 hours to visit the whole complex.
Visit The Generalife Gardens
Our first stop was the most beautiful and well-maintained ornamented gardens I have ever seen – the Generalife Gardens. Lovely beds of flowers, soaring fountains, pools, and Baroque courtyards have landscaped the gardens. The Nasrid Kings used to spend their summers in these sumptuous gardens.
Palace of Charles V
After the Generalife Gardens, we visited the Palace of Charles V. It is a Renaissance structure built in the 16th century to serve as the royal residence of Charles V.
Nasrid Palaces
Finally, we arrived at the most famous and visited zone of the whole complex – Nasrid Palaces. There are three palaces, each one built in a different time. The interiors of the rooms of the palaces are shamanistic. Even though the rooms are empty, it just takes a little bit of imagination to picture the grand furnishings that would have been filled the spacious rooms back in the 14th century.
The Alcazaba
Finally, we were in the last section of the Alhambra – the Alcazaba. It is the oldest part used for military purposes. Its towers offer you the best views of Sierra Nevada and the city extending out below.
Tips to Plan Your Visit to Alhambra
- Always purchase entrance tickets in advance due to the high demand, especially during peak season. Granada limits the number of visitors who can visit the Alhambra to 6,600 per day, and the tickets get sold out early.
- Arrive early morning to beat the crowds; doors open at 8.30 AM.
- Guided tour of the palace is highly recommended.
- You need at least 3 hours to completely visit the palace, so keep time in hand..
- Even if you have bought tickets in advance, arrive ahead of time, especially on weekends or holidays
- Only 300 visitors per 30 min are allowed at a time in the Nasrid Palaces. You would be granted access to the Nasrid Palaces during the time indicated on your ticket, otherwise you cannot enter the area.
- As visiting Nasrid Palaces takes at minimum 30 min, so if your entrance time coincides with the last pass, i.e. 1 h before closing time, then you will have to visit the Generalife and Alcazaba.
Hammam Al Andalus
After exploring every corner of the huge Alhambra Palace for almost more than 3 hours, we needed a body massage. How about getting pampered as Arabian prince and princess in a Turkish bath, also called Hammam spa? Of course, it was a great idea! We headed to Hammam Al Andalus, which was just 1 km away from the Alhambra.
Firstly, we headed to the warm bath, then hot, then hotter, then steam room, and then the cold one. Lastly, we plunged into the freezing cold water – that was one-of-a-kind experience. Later, we chose one of the oils available and taken for an amazing, relaxing oil massage for 15 min. Later, we relaxed on a hot stone before heading to wash ourselves and change.
Strolling in Granada
There are so many other things to do in Granada. We could not do everything. But here is a list of what all you can do after you have visited the Alhambra and taken a hammam spa. Even strolling in the city is a great experience.
1. Visit Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel
From the plaza, you can head to one of the biggest churches in Spain – Granada Cathedral. Also, visit Royal Chapel if you have time, otherwise you can skip it. Both have separate tickets. Taking a well-organized informative self-guided audio tour is recommended.
2. Explore the Arabian Markets – The Alcaiceria
Strange independent shops selling Middle-Eastern goods line up narrow streets near Granada Cathedral. It is more of a Middle-Eastern souk than a Spanish market, so the other name is Arabian markets.
3. Free Tapas
Granada is popular for its free tapas. You visit any tapas bar and order your drinks, the bar would serve you free tapas along with your selection of drinks.
4. Albaicin and Mirador San Nicolas
Albaicin is an old Moorish neighborhood, located on a hill facing the Alhambra. Tiny squares and magnificent view points have ornamented the place. Witnessing sunset from the viewpoint called Mirador San Nicolas is a great experience. Though we could not visit Albaicin because we had to choose between one of the two neighborhoods – Albaicin or Sacromonte. We headed to Sacromonte.
5. Dinner at Sacromonte
Sacromonte caves is another popular neighborhood in Granada, popular for flamenco show held in the caves. You can choose to experience the show with or without dinner, plus with or without hotel pick-up and drop-off. We skipped this as we have already watched flamenco show in Seville. Watching it for second time is not a problem, but we were really hungry and were looking for some vegan food. We found delicious vegan cous cous in El Rincon del Chapiz – a warm, inviting cafe in the neighborhood full of cave dwellings.
Back to Alhambra Palace Hotel
We walked a lot today. We were tired after visiting the vast Alhambra palace, but then got refreshed by the invigorating Hammam spa. Later we walked to the neighborhood of Sacromonte as well. Now all we needed was an amazing sleep – deep sleep!
You must visit a city like Granada at least once in a lifetime. There are so many things to do in the city – you would always be on your toes to explore. I would suggest fellow travelers to spend few nights in Granada. Dedicate one whole day to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alhambra, followed by Hammam spa at Hammam Al Andalus. On the other day, explore the neighborhoods of UNESCO-listed Albaicin and Sacromonte, along with other sites in Granada. Do not forget the free tapas though!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN EUR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 3 in Spain – Granada.
- Stay at Alhambra Palace Hotel for twin sharing (1 night): 60
- Food in Granada: 20
- Guided tour to the Alhambra Palace: 55
- Hammam Spa: 70
- Fuel: 15
- Miscellaneous: 10
Total expense (roughly): 230 EUR
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Beautiful pictures! This is not an area I have explored before, so I will add it to the travel bucket list. I also like that you added the costs. Very helpful!
Thanks so much!
This is a beautiful area that I was not really familiar with but am not intrigued. I particularly love the decor at Alhambra Palace hotel, and only $120 a night?!
Yes, the stay was not so expensive and it was grand!
Since I’m living in Spain I’m just looking at the map where I can go and what can I plan to chance my routine. I put Granada on my list too, this tips would help me for sure, thanks for sharing! 🙂
You are always welcome!
I love Granada and never miss an opportunity to go back. Your photos are awesome, and makes me want to return even more. It’s a stunning city in Spain!
It is in fact!
That is a lot of things you have done in one day. Well done. There is an interesting architecture, quite unusual for an European eye.
Yes, I am so glad you liked it!
When I went to Europe, I will make it a point to visit Spain. The vegan restaurant caught my attention. I’m a new vegetarian and finding food during my travels has been proven extra difficult for me, so I’m always on the lookout for vegetarian/vegan restos to try. So yeah, when I go there, I’m definitely checking out Hicuri Art. The food looks delicious. Is that a garden maze in one of the photos of Generalife Gardens? The garden looks amazing, like I would have to be wearing a flowy dress when I go there kind of pretty haha…
I mean when I “go” to Europe, sorry haha…
hahahah I got that!
Oh yes, flowery dress would look so lovely in such background. Even a bright yellow color dress would look fab. Glad to know you are a new vegetarian. Welcome to the world of healthy travelers <3
This has been the third time that I became envious today. I would really love to spend a day in Granada. Your article is awesome and well written thank you so much. I would surely dream on visiting this place someday. 🙂
Oh yes Neil, you would love to spend a day or two here. Don’t miss experiencing the Hammam spa after visiting all the places, please!
Granada means granade in Spanish. And true to its name, this city is exploding with surprises. And Game of Thrones!!!
Yes, GOT after all!
Wow, I felt all the Arab influences overflowing in Granada – forts, pillars, gardens, and almonds! I would probably spend a week there.
Yes, one week sounds perfect! Wish we could’ve done the same.
Great trip report, I LOVE reading trip reports so much! Reading it felt like I was there 😉 Alhambra is on my list…and that hotel looks gorgeous! I am quite intrigued with the hammam spa…heard a lot about it but never knew about the cold water splung!
Yes, it is the most visited place and totally makes sense. It is so beautiful. Beautifully preserved! You must plan a trip soon!
this is what I like abt driving other countries. no traffic, wider roads. i have never been to anycountries farther than Israel. but thanks to your article, detailed and seems you had a blast
Oh yes, had a blast! Hope you explore soon!
Spain is definitely there in my bucket list, but it comes after many other places. Looking at your post, now i feel like moving it up. The places are so stunning beautiful, particularly The Generalife Palace. And I must say, you covered a lot of grounds in 12 days!
Yes, it was a jampacked itinerary!
I am happy to have found your post Shreya because I am planning to visit Spain this summer. Grenada is definitely going to be included in my list and I really want to visit Al Hambra, as you mention, a visit to Grenada would be incomplete without it! I don’t think I will have more than 48 hours in Grenada so this post will help me plan my day perfectly, thanks!
Yoo hoo!
I’ve been reading some of your posts about your Spain experience and you made me again feel like I’m traveling with you while checking the photos. Alhambra looks regal and the structures and intricqte designs around the palace of Charles V are all breathtaking. All in all, Granada looks really lovely!
It is really lovely.
Granada is definitely somewhere that’s going on my bucket list – it looks like there is so much to do there! I have to confess, I didn’t know much about it until I read your post! x
Now you know!
I’ve been to Granada years ago, stayed in the same hotel by the way – it´s just so beautiful! And Alhambra was also a great place to visit, It was so crowded when I went though!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Anna
http://atlifestylecrossroads.com
Thanks a lot Anna!
Wow this is really informative. I wish I had known this before my trip to Granada last summer. But I did have an unforgettable souvenir from Granada, which is a scar on my knee after biking off road!
Awww I hope you are doing well now!
Hello, Shreya. Your blog is beautiful! Not to mention the many interesting stories that you have. It still fascinates me that Spain has diverse cultures. The Moors, especially. Their culture, what is it, a mix of Middle Eastern and European? Some of your photos look like they were from old Persia or Fez. Granada is beautiful! Is it quiet? Or is there a section of it that is cosmopolitan?
Ivan, the southern Spain is a complete mix and hence more beautiful than other parts of the country. I loved it. It is completely Moorish.
This was exactly what I needed to hear about Granada. I’m heading to Spain in early June and was wondering I would have time to spend a day in Granada and get all the things I wanted to see and do accomplished. Your itinerary showcased the perfect day, right down to the Hammam. Bookmarked this post for my trip planning!
You would love Spain in summers, Jackie.