Granada Outdoor Activities

Granada is a city that mixes medieval monuments with natural surroundings, making it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Thanks to its privileged location, the climate will be in your favour, with mild winters and warm summers. This will allow you to enjoy the best things to do in the city, such as excursions to the Sierra Nevada or the Geopark. You can also walk through the historic quarters and discover the gypsy and flamenco history, or take a Segway tour of the main attractions.

Hop on the tourist train and get off at the most interesting stops, or discover the traditional Cármenes on foot. If you prefer extreme adventures you can go hiking or canyoning in its forests, parks and mountains. Or perhaps you can try your hand at canoeing and paddle surfing on one of the rivers.

Granada is the perfect fusion of modernity and tradition, something you can explore on board an electric scooter. This type of experience takes you through picturesque streets and narrow passages to witness the local beauty. During the tour it is possible to enjoy a visit to the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods which reflect the Moorish roots.

In the Albaicín you can enter the heart of the city, where every corner evokes medieval Moorish elements. While in the Sacramento you can get a glimpse of the birthplace of Granada's flamenco, or admire the gypsy Granada hidden among its caves.

The experience usually takes in the Mirador de San Nicolás and from here you'll be treated to privileged views of the Alhambra monument. You will also make stops at the Paseo de los Tristes, considered the most romantic street in the city. One advantage is that these tours usually include safety equipment and the company of a local guide.

Alternatively, you can book a historical segway tour, to delve deeper into the context behind each monument. Or sign up for an electric bike tour of Granada.

Details of interest

• Price: you can hire a Segway by the hour from €20 per person, or sign up for a guided tour from €58.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Timetable: if you prefer to rent a segway by the hour or by the day, the timetable is up to you. On the other hand, guided tours depart between 10:00 and 18:00.

See the main historical sites on a dynamic ride on the city's tourist train. In general, you will have access to 13 stops and the frequency of the trains ranges from 30 to 45 minutes. You can get off and on wherever you like, to enjoy natural landscapes such as the Mirador de San Cristóbal viewpoint.

If you want to learn about the history of the Nasrid kingdom, take advantage of one of the stops and book a visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens On board you can find an audio guide, which makes it easy to walk around the Plaza de Toros, the Plaza de la Romanilla, the Cartuja Monastery and other monuments.

The experience has different modalities, you can buy tickets for a non-stop trip, ideal for planning activities for rainy days in Granada. On the other hand, to take advantage of the sunny and clear atmosphere, you can opt for 1 or 2 day passes that include free stops.

Interesting details

• Price: from 7 €.
• Timetable: generally operates daily from April to October from 9.30am to 9pm, November to March from 9.30am to 7.30pm.
• Duration: The full tour can take an hour and a half, while the free stop system allows you to manage the time of the tour at your convenience.

Granada is a destination that captivates travellers for its historic neighbourhoods, where the passage of Arab and gypsy communities in the Andalusian region is evident. For this reason, you cannot miss an in-depth tour of Sacromonte and Albaicín. They are neighbouring areas located on the same hill, so the secrets of each castle, palace, wall and fortress can be revealed on foot.

You will find different panoramic viewpoints, ideal for contemplating the city from above. Enjoy the walk along the slopes, cobbled streets and the view of the Darro River from the Puente de Cabrera and Puente de Espinosa. As these are the oldest quarters, it is advisable to visit them with a professional guide, or book a tour with a visit to the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral of Granada

Sacromonte

Granada's gypsy quarter is a place known for the Caves of Sacromonte, the home of this community which was immortalised for its contributions to flamenco. Today, the heritage is celebrated in the tablaos, restaurants and monuments, but Spanish cultural traits predominate. The area is also home to a concentration of flamenco culture, so some of the best flamenco shows in Granada come to life.

Albaicín

Visit the oldest quarter of the city, famous for being the cradle of the Arabs during the Middle Ages. Among its streets you will discover medieval history, which dates back to the Moorish Nasrid empire. You will see ancient mosques converted into churches, as well as Arab baths and ancient walls.

Interesting details

• Price: guided experiences start from 17 € per person.
• Duration: touring both neighbourhoods on your own can take between two and four hours, but will depend on your physical condition, points of interest and the pace of the walk. You also have the option of visiting the most important sites on a guided tour of at least two hours.
• Time: The tour is recommended after 18:00, to take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere and pleasant temperatures.
• How to get there: there are different bus lines connecting to both neighbourhoods.

There is no excuse for missing out on a hiking tour in this wonderful city, which is surrounded by greenery and exotic parks. Choose from mountains, rivers and forests that offer different routes adapted to any level of experience. Grab your trekking poles and head out to see dreamy places such as the Cerro del Sol, the Silla del Moro and the Santa Elena hill.

Some of the Granada hiking routes I recommend include:

• Hiking excursion to Caminito del Rey, a spectacular path that crosses the Guadalhorce river gorge.
• Hiking tour to Los Cahorros, a simple route, where you can swing on the suspension bridges over the Monachil river canyon and discover the separation with the Sierra Nevada. During the walk enjoy the caves, natural pools and waterfalls.
• Hiking excursion to the Gollizno route, venture to the hanging bridges over the Velillos river and admire Granada from the viewpoints.

I recommend you to do this kind of adventure and nature activities in Granada with an expert guide, to choose the most appropriate destinations according to your tastes and physical needs.

Interesting details

• Price: you can find guided experiences from 35 € per person.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Timetable: generally, the tours take place in the morning.

Enjoy a trip back in time to the Geopark, a national jewel that hides the typical Megalithic cave houses. During the tour, keep an eye out for traces of prehistoric civilisation.

In addition, you will find archaeological sites and more than 70 places of geological interest, such as the Baza Fault and the sismites of Galera.

Excursions from Granada will take you to discover this natural beauty, where outdoor activities are plentiful. The options not to be missed are:

• 4x4 routes in the desert of Gorafe.
• Tours of the palaeontological sites, where you can see the remains of extinct mammals.
• Adventure activities such as abseiling, climbing, cycling and hiking.
• Astronomical tourism, ideal for those who want to explore Granada at night and are looking for different plans. You will be able to observe the clear sky, while learning about constellations and astronomical phenomena.

Details of interest

• Price: from 99 € per person.
• Duration: depends on the places you want to explore, but I recommend spending at least 9 hours.
• How to get there: if you're driving you can take the A-92 from Granada to Guadix or Baza, then follow secondary roads to the main points of interest. There is also a bus every four hours, but then you would have to take a taxi to Baza. The most cost-effective in terms of comfort and price is to take the guided tours that usually cover the transfers.

During the Nasrid period the houses were luxurious and noted for their peculiar architecture and charming gardens. The most famous one still standing is the Carmen de los Mártires, located in the last Moorish strongman's house in Granada. Inside you will find open-air spaces, scented with flowers and decorated in different styles including Baroque, French and English gardens. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, Sierra Nevada and La Vega.

This experience can be combined with a visit to the Nasrid Palaces in Granada. Or you can take a tour of all the city's Cármenes, among which the following stand out:

• Carmen de la Victoria, which stands out because it has hardly been altered since its creation.
• Carmen Aljibe del Rey, a quiet place where you can appreciate the largest cistern in the city, created to store water.
• Carmen del Ave María, where you can discover the life of the composer Manuel de la Falla.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance to the Carmen de los Mártires is free, however, you can find guided tours from 17 € per person.
• Opening hours: from April to October it is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 20:00. From November to March it is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Location: Paseo de los Mártires.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot from the city centre, the rest of the city is connected by different transport lines, the nearest stops being Auditorio Manuel de Fallas and Recogidas.

Visiting the Sierra Nevada is a must during your stay in Granada. You will reach the top of one of the highest mountains in the Iberian Peninsula, open all year round. In summer it is the perfect place for hiking, mountain biking or diving into the heated swimming pool.

However, if you plan to visit Granada in December you can take advantage of the best season, when snow-capped peaks decorate the landscape. This is the ideal time to enjoy a snowshoeing trip that will take you to snowy locations inaccessible on foot.

Alternatively, you can go skiing or sign up for a mountain bike ride along the Silla del Moro for unparalleled views of the sierra. You can also enjoy a home-cooked lunch with Spanish flavours.

Details of interest

• Price: it all depends on the activity you want to do, but there are options from 70 € which usually include a brunch.
• Duration: I recommend a minimum of four hours.
• Opening hours: In summer the hiking trails are open all day. In winter the ski resorts are open from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Location: in the Sierra Nevada National Park.
• How to get there: if you go by car you can take the A-395, although there are also public transport options from Granada bus station. In addition, guided tours usually include transport, which makes the experience easier.

If you plan to visit Granada in August you can cool off in the Genil river, while doing outdoor activities. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities, as you will descend the river in a double or single canoe. The intensity is medium to high, so some experience is necessary.

Paddle surfing, on the other hand, allows you to paddle down the river to discover its flora and fauna. You will have to combine fun and balance and you will get a dose of adrenaline without risk. The waters of the river are generally calm, which is perfect for exploring and descending at your own pace.

Details of interest

• Price: both activities can be found from €20 per person.
• Duration: Canoeing can take an hour and a half to three hours, while paddle surfing takes around an hour.
• How to get there: the easiest way to get to the river is to take the 0390 bus from Área de Granada which runs every hour.

Canyoning has become a popular activity in Granada, especially for those who enjoy breathing fresh air. There are different levels of difficulty and anyone can enjoy canyoning, preferably in the company of a professional. Some of the most outstanding canyons are:

• Barranco Río Verde: it offers a route with fun obstacles such as abseiling and natural slides.
• Lengentí: if you enjoy adventure you can take advantage of walking on the river.
• Barranco del Poqueira: if you plan to go on an excursion to the Alpujarra, you can't miss this plan with descents for professionals.

Details of interest

• Price: generally between 30 and 80 € per person.
• Duration: depending on the canyon and the level of difficulty, the activity can take from 3 to 7 hours.

Granada is the perfect place to see birds in their natural habitat, as it is a city surrounded by nature. You'll find diverse species in spectacular ecosystems that will leave you speechless. There are audio-guided tours for those who enjoy spending time alone or with the family, with accessible locations offering viewpoints and pedestrian areas.

If you are planning to visit Granada in September you can sign up and visit some of the places highlighted for this activity:

• Laguna de Padul: this is one of the most visited places, as around 158 species have been recorded, including aquatic and migratory birds.
• Paseo de los Tristes: if you are looking for an urban area, you don't even have to go far from the city centre, in season there are a variety of birds that are familiar to people.

Details of interest

• Price: from €30 per person.
• Duration: can take three to four hours.
• When: there is the greatest influx of migratory birds from March to June and from September to October.