Granada: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Madrid

While Madrid provides endless sightseeing opportunities and historic attractions, it is still well worth your while to venture outside of the capital city for a few days and see what other places in Spain have to offer.

Granada multi-day trips from Madrid allow you to experience a fascinating city that is vastly different from the capital. Embark on an unforgettable Andalusian adventure with an experienced local guide ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Granada, one of the best overnight trips from Madrid.

How to get to Granada from Madrid?

Situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in eastern Andalusia, the city of Granada is roughly 420 kilometers south of Madrid.

From Madrid to Granada by car

The drive from Madrid to Granada is fairly straightforward as all you need to do is head out of the city in a southerly direction and make use of the A4 and A44 highways to get to Granada. There are also plenty of vehicle hire companies in Madrid to choose from.

The car journey from Madrid to Granada should take just over 4 hours depending on traffic.

From Madrid to Granada by train

Several trains leave from Madrid for Granada every day and provide a safe and somewhat affordable way to reach the Andalusian city. Keep in mind that not all trains are direct, and in some cases, you’ll have to navigate changing trains.

Train journeys from Madrid to Granada usually take between 3.5 and 4 hours depending on whether the train is direct or not.

Guided tour to Granada from Madrid

Sit back and relax as a professional tour guide takes care of all your travel arrangements, allowing you to simply enjoy the exciting experience of visiting Granada. With plenty of different types of guided tours available, there is something to suit everyone.

Guided Granada tours from Madrid provide an easy and convenient way to see more of Spain, and these experiences can last anywhere between 1 day and a week.

What is the typical itinerary?

When you book a guided tour, you’ll make your way to Granada either by train or by private vehicle, with your transportation expenses included in the tour's cost. Your guide will either pick you up from your hotel or you’ll meet at one of the metro stations.

Once in Granada, your guide will show you some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Alhambra, Alcazaba, the Generalife Gardens and more. In most cases, you’ll also visit a few of the nearby towns, including Seville, Cordoba and Toledo among others.

If you’ve booked a multi-day trip, you’ll stay at comfortable hotels each night of your tour. You’ll eat your meals at your hotel and local eateries and your guide will be there every step of the way to answer questions and provide insight into the various places you visit.

Once your trip has come to an end, you’ll make your way back to Madrid, where you will part ways with your guide.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Granada?

If you’re interested in visiting Granada from Madrid, there are a few different types of yours available, including guided tours, private excursions and trips that include a variety of other locations in their itinerary.

Guided day trip to Granada from Madrid

Join a small-group tour as you make your way from Madrid to Granada by train with a local guide. Once in Granada, you’ll visit the Andalusian city’s main sites before visiting Cordoba on your way back to Madrid.

This is the perfect time of excursion for those who are short on time and are looking for an affordable and enjoyable way to visit Granada.

Private day trip to Granada from Madrid

Enjoy a personalized experience as you join a private guide on a day trip to Granada, where you’ll see all the famous sites and gain an introduction to Andalusian culture. On your way back to Madrid, you’ll make a quick stop in Granada.

You and your travel companions will be the only tour participants, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to chat with your knowledgeable guide.

Four-day guided tour to Granada plus Cordoba, Seville and Toledo from Madrid

Meet your guide at a central bus terminal, board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and spend the next 4 days exploring some of the most iconic sites in all of Spain. In addition to Granada, you’ll also visit Cordoba, Seville and Toledo.

With accommodation and meals taken care of for you, you can simply relax and enjoy visiting a variety of historic landmarks and natural attractions.

Seven-day guided tour to Granada plus Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, Valencia and Barcelona from Madrid

Spend a week traveling through Andalusia, the south and east coast of Spain with a professional local tour guide and a small group of like-minded tourists. You’ll make your way from city to city in a deluxe motor coach, driven by an experienced driver.

Not only will you visit Granada, but you can also look forward to seeing Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, Valencia and even Barcelona. You’ll enjoy an action-packed itinerary and the opportunity to see some of Spain’s most-loved attractions.

Eight-day guided tour to Granada plus Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, Ronda and Costa del Sol from Madrid

Make the most of your time in Spain when you book an 8-day guided tour that visits Granada as well as some of the most popular destinations. Meet your guide and other tour participants at the Barajas Airport and begin your 8-day-long adventure!

This tour also explores Madrid’s main attractions, so it is the perfect excursion for those who only have a week to spend in Spain.

How much does a multi-day trip to Granada from Madrid cost?

Basic Granada day trips from Madrid typically cost around €490 per person for a shared group experience, while private day trips usually cost around €1,400 for a trip that can accommodate up to six people.

Four-day trips from Madrid to Granada that also visit a few nearby towns usually cost between €590 and €780 per person depending on what type of accommodation you opt for. All meals are included in the cost of your tour.

Seven-day Granada trips from Madrid, which also visit several other locations, typically cost around €1,000 per person, including accommodation and breakfast but excluding lunch and dinner.

Eight-day Granada trips from Madrid, which visit a variety of other locations in Spain, cost approximately €1,080 per person for an excursion that is inclusive of accommodation and breakfast but exclusive of lunch and dinner.

What will you see and do?

Home to dozens of architectural and artistic monuments, Granada is one of the most fascinating cities in all of Spain. Some of the places that you are sure to visit during your time in Granada include the Alhambra, the Alcazaba and the Generalife Gardens among other landmarks.

The Alhambra

Originally designed as a military base, the Alhambra was soon transformed into a palace and is now one of the most important monuments of Islamic architecture. The palace was built on top of Roman ruins and is often referred to as the ‘Red Fortress’ based on its rusty coloring.

The structure was built between 1238 and 1358 and is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most famous architectural gems.

The Alcazaba

Located on the western tip of the Alhambra, the Alcazaba is the oldest part of the fortress and is steeped in history, myths and legends. The enclosure was built by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar as a residence for the royal guards.

The Alcazaba is the most-visited and most historically important part of the Alhambra.

Generalife Gardens

The Generalife Gardens offer incredible views over Granada and provide the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The Generalife estate was built as a summer palace and its manicured gardens are truly breathtaking.

The gardens are filled with indigenous plants and water features, making them attractive to local birdlife.

When is the best time to visit Granada?

The best time to visit Granada is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), which present the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, as well as fewer tourists.

If you don't mind the heat and want to experience Granada's summer events, you can plan your trip to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife and outdoor events. Be prepared for high temperatures and consider visiting the Alhambra early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

Travel tips

• Book your tour well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season.
• Check the weather forecast for both Madrid and Granada during your travel dates and pack accordingly.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the city and its attractions.
• Consider packing layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you, especially during the summer months.
• Learn about Spanish customs and etiquette, such as appropriate dress codes when visiting religious sites like the Alhambra.
• Make sure to have some cash on hand for small purchases and tips.
• While many people in the tourism industry speak English, it's always appreciated when you make an effort to speak some basic Spanish phrases.
• Be vigilant about your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.
• Don't hesitate to ask your tour guide questions about the places you're visiting. They can provide valuable insights and historical context.
• After your trip, consider leaving a review or providing feedback to the tour operator. Your input can help them improve their services for future travelers.