As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
Granada Spain Two Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Granada Spain is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains 1.5 hours from Malaga Spain and must be included on your Southern Spain itinerary. It is difficult to determine how to best use your 48 hours in Granada Spain, there are so many great things to see and do. This 2-day itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, the Alhambra Palace, North African Moorish architecture, souk, viewpoints, and free tapas. Looking for more options? Check these additional things to do in Granada to supplement this itinerary. Have more time? Visit Costa Del Sol. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s how to visit Granada in two days. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Travel Guide to Spain, What You Need To Know
READ Best of Spain Travel Itinerary for First-Timers
READ Must-See Cities In and Around Spain’s Costa Del Sol
Day One: Alhambra Palace and Gypsy Caves
9 am Check into your hotel, drop off your luggage, and make your way to the Alhambra. your designated time. Trip to Granada to visit the Alhambra purchase your tickets online months in advance to ensure entrance. Buy the entrance that includes Alhambra, Nasrid Palace, and Generalife. Spend your day exploring it all. The time on your ticket is the time of entrance into Nasrid Palace. The palace is far from the entrance and there will be a line, allow plenty of time.
5 pm Head down the hill and toward Calle Molinos and wander the street art. Stop for tapas on your way back to your hotel to get ready for the night.
9 pm Attend a flamenco show in a gypsy cave. Choose a venue that offers transportation to and from your hotel and makes a stop at Mirador de San Nicolás for the beautiful view of the Alhambra at night.
Alternative: Make your way to Sacramento early. Walk the Road to the Sacromonte checking out the gypsy caves. Photograph a panoramic view of the Alhambra. Stop in the Sacromonte Caves Museum.
Day Two: Cathedrals, Tapas, and the Alcaiceria
10 am Start your day at the Chillout Monastery Terrace on the 7th floor of Hotel Los Jerónimos for a pastry with a view. Walk next door to the Monastery of San Jerónimo and check out the courtyard and detail of the altarpiece.
12 pm Stop for tapas and a tinto de verano at Bodegas Castañeda. Photograph the facades of the Granada Cathedral. Walk next door to visit the tombs of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon at the Royal Chapel.
“If you were to visit just one city in Spain, it should be Granada” Ernest Hemingway
4 pm Visit an Arabian hammam to relax in a warm bath, enjoy a traditional Arab massage, and sip a mint tea.
6 pm Stop for a traditional dinner of couscous, kabobs, and falafel before wandering the Albayzín narrow cobblestoned maze of streets and shopping the Alcaiceria’s Moorish souk for souvenirs.
8 pm Stop by the Plaza Isabel La Catolica on your way to Plaza Nueva to catch the tourist night train. The train stops at the San Nicolas viewing point for the best view of Alhambra. Stop for a cocktail on El Centro or El Albaicin before heading back to the hotel.
Be sure to check the Spain Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin 48 Hours in Granada Spain
Plan Your Trip to Granada Spain
Spain Travel Guide
Pick up a Spain Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Granada Spain Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Granada Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!