Granada: Day Trips and Tours from Málaga

Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia, Spain, is a city that echoes its Moorish past. The Alhambra, with its iconic palace-fortress, is one of Granada’s biggest draw-cards and stands as a testament to the sophisticated craftsmanship and artistry of the Nasrid dynasty.

Day trips to Granada from Málaga give visitors a chance to meander through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Albaicín, discover the wonder of the Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid Palaces and learn details of this unique destination from an expert local guide.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Granada, one of the most appealing destinations for day trips from Málaga.

How to get to Granada from Málaga?

The city of Granada is located in the north-eastern interior of Spain’s Andalusian region.

From Málaga to Granada by car

It is an easy 1,5 hour, 130 kilometer drive from Málaga to Granada along the A-92. If your preference is to travel along the coast, the road trip along the A-7 and A-44 is roughly 148 kilometers long and will take around 1 hour 45 minutes.

From Málaga to Granada by train

You can catch a train that travels directly between Málaga Maria Zambrano and Granada. This route operates every day and takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Guided tour to Granada from Málaga

A guided tour allows you to fully appreciate the history and culture of Granada. Guided tours from Málaga are usually full day activities, lasting anywhere from 7 to 12 hours.

Multi-day tours from Málaga are also an option. Meeting points vary, depending on the tour option, and some tours include collection from your hotel or the cruise terminal.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a day trip to Granada, you will typically be met and collected by your guide from your hotel or cruise ship in the early morning. Transport by minivan or private vehicle will see you arrive safely in Granada where you will spend the day exploring the city streets and the fortress, palaces and gardens of the Alhambra.

Most tours include skip-the-line tickets to the attractions, giving you more time to explore with your guide and independently. While meals are not included, your tour will allow time for you to enjoy a light meal or refreshments.

After a full itinerary, you will begin your return journey to Málaga to arrive back at your hotel or at the cruise terminal in the early evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Granada?

While most tours to Granada refer to sightseeing tours of the city of Granada and the nearby Alhambra, Granada is also a coastal province, and some day tours travel to the Granada coast instead.

Guided tours to Granada from Málaga

To fully appreciate the incredible history and culture of Granada, a guided tour provides information, insight and entertainment. Join a small group and a knowledgeable professional guide to travel inland from Málaga to Granada.

Spend the day learning about the monuments and significant landmarks and gain a better understanding of this fascinating city. Apart from the beautifully constructed architecture, there is also time to appreciate the breath-taking scenery and lush vegetation of the Generalife.

In case you wish to opt for a shorter experience, consider a day tour from Málaga to the Alhambra that doesn't include a visit of Málaga city itself.

Private tour to Granada from Málaga

Although similar to a small group tour, a private tour from Málaga to Granada offers you the chance to personalize your tour experience. Your guide will be able to customize the tour to cater to your own preferences and allow you to prioritize your time in the way you prefer.

A private guide, vehicle and entrance tickets to The Alhambra are all included in this type of tour. Food and drinks will be for your own cost.

Multi-day private trip to Granada, Córdoba plus Seville

A private multi-day trip is the best way to experience the highlights of Andalusia. A guided tour removes the hassle of planning, booking and navigating and lets you relax and enjoy the experience without any bother.

From Málaga, many tours of this type operate with Málaga as the overnight base, with daily trips to destinations such as Córdoba, Seville and Granada.

As this tour takes place on a private basis, you can customize each day of touring to suit your needs and preferences. Accommodation is for you to arrange, and meals are paid for at the time, but all other details are taken care of by your knowledgeable and experienced guide.

Seven-day Málaga and Granada guided cycling tour

Spain is a wonderful destination offering plenty of touring options, for outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers. A cycling tour of the province of Granada explores the rolling hills, olive groves and citrus orchards that lie between sleepy towns and charming villages.

This type of tour operates with a ratio of one coach-guide per three cyclists, ensuring personal attention and an unforgettable experience. For those who prefer a bit of an easier ride, e-bikes are also available, and accommodation and meals as well as nutritional advice are all included in the experience.

How much does a day trip to Granada from Málaga cost?

Guided tours to Granada from Málaga are round trip small group activities and start from around €100 per person. Meanwhile, a private tour to Granada from Málaga with your own vehicle and guide costs from €750 for 2 people to €2,300 for larger groups of up to 8 participants.

Multi-day private trips to Granada, Cordoba plus Seville from Málaga take place over 3 days and cost from €500 per person for groups of up to 8 people. A minimum of 2 people at a total cost of €2,150 applies.

Seven-day Málaga and Granada guided cycling tours are all inclusive experiences costing from €2,200 per person with bikes and equipment, accommodation, all meals and a coach-guide.

What will you see and do?

The ancient city of Granada is a trove of Moorish history and architecture. On a day trip to the city, some of the most visited sites include:

Granada Town

On a walk through the historic streets of Granada, you will see Plaza Nueva, the oldest square in Granada and the 16th-century Real Chancillería Palace is its center.

The Arab baths of Bañuelo are one of Granada’s most historical sites, and on the route to the Abaicīn you can find Chapiz Houses, Moorish structures dating back to the 14th century.

Several significant churches including the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel are situated along Oficios Street and provide excellent examples of Renaissance and Gothic styles of architecture.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra, named for its reddish walls, is considered the most important work of European Islamic Architecture. Established in the 9th century or earlier, it came to prominence during the Nasrid dynasty.

Originally a fortress, the complex contains the Generalife, a tranquil garden with pools and water features. The nearby Carmen de los Mártires is an emblematic palace close by and may be seen on your tour.

Located close to Granada, The Alhambra is often the focal point of day trips and excursions.

When is the best time to visit Granada?

Spring (April to June) is widely considered the best time to visit Granada. The temperatures are moderate, and flowers are in full bloom. Easter week or "Semana Santa" is celebrated elaborately, but it also means larger crowds.

Autumn (September to November) is another good time with moderate temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter is the best time to visit if you want to experience the Sierra Nevada mountains nearby, which offer winter sports opportunities.

It is not recommended to visit Granada in the summer, as temperatures can get swelteringly hot making exploring outdoor sites like the Alhambra a bit challenging. However, if you plan your visits early in the morning or later in the evening, it can still be manageable.

What are the best day tours from Málaga?

• Caminito del Rey tour from Málaga
• Ronda day trip from Málaga
• Nerja day tour from Málaga
• Mijas experience from Málaga
• Marbella tour from Málaga

Are there any tours to Granada from other cities in Spain?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Spain:

• Day trips to Granada from Madrid
• Day tours to Granada from Córdoba
• Granada day trips from Managua
• Granada day tours from Seville

Travel tips

• Leave early in the morning from Málaga to maximize your day in Granada.
• Pre-book your Alhambra tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly. Opt for a morning slot to avoid the heat.
• Remember to bring your ID, as it's often checked against ticket details.
• Given time constraints, focus on must-sees: Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, and the Albayzín district.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes – Granada is hilly with cobblestone streets.
• Bring water, especially in warmer months.
• Use sunblock and wear a hat during the summer.
• Consider having lunch in the Albayzín district with a view of the Alhambra.
• Granada is famous for its generous free tapas with drink orders – take advantage!
• Remember to be respectful when visiting religious sites – cover your shoulders and knees and keep noise levels down.
• If you have time, explore the Alcaicería, Granada's old Moorish silk market, for souvenirs.