Granada, the final seat of Moorish rule in Spain, is a melting pot of historic Islamic and Catholic architecture and contemporary Spanish culture. Below, we cover where to stay in Granda, Spain — including hotels and neighborhoods recommended by Fora Advisors — to enjoy the best of the city, from its medieval streets to its tapas.
Realejo, Centro
Realejo, officially Realejo-San Matias, is the eastern portion of Centro — Granada’s downtown and historic city center — and extends into Llano De La Perdiz, a massive greenspace with parks and hiking trails. A mix of modern and centuries-old buildings fill the neighborhood’s wide avenues, which often break up into winding, narrow streets filled with homes, eateries and shops. Despite its mostly historical setting, the area has a bohemian, artful vibe.
Fora Advisor Domonique Matthews loves staying in Realejo for its proximity to the Albaicín — the historic Moorish quarter — and the Alhambra. Realejo is also where to stay in Granada if you’re looking for the best hotels.
Highlights: the Alhambra and the Albaicín
The Alhambra palace sits above the rest of Realejo-San Matias, its imposing medieval walls and turrets juxtaposed by verdant forest. The fortress-palace was once the residence of the Nasrid dynasty, and now is the most prominent example of Moorish rule in Spain. Delicate stucco carvings, elegant arches and courtyards with reflective water features create a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere. This seamless integration of architecture, nature and art underscores historic Islamic design principles — it’s enough to earn Granada a spot on any Spain bucket list.
“Schedule both a daytime visit to the Alhambra and, crucially, a magical nighttime exploration,” Fora Advisor Tara Anbudaiyan said. “We visited twice in the same day, and they were completely unique experiences!”
Day-time crowds typically subside by dusk, when carefully placed lighting accentuates architectural details that are otherwise less evident.
The Moors legacy in Granada is also evident in the Albaicín (a.k.a. the Albayzín), an enchanting neighborhood and UNESCO World Heritage Site with labyrinthian streets, whitewashed houses and busy plazas.
“Head to the Albaicín for dinner with a view — there’s nothing quite like watching the Alhambra glow golden at dusk,” Fora X Advisor Marisa Schwab said.
She also recommended a tapas crawl along the neighborhood’s Calle Navas, which is famous for its many eateries. Marisa highlighted the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains if you’re interested in exploring beyond the city. The range is filled with scenic hiking trails, and adds one more reason why Andalusia makes one of the best European trips for families.
“The Albaicín is really special, with some of the best food in all of Spain,” Domonique added.
Many of the eateries in this area are traditional. Moorish influences differentiate Granada’s cuisine from other parts of Spain — especially in the use of spices. You’ll also find teterías — Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-influenced tea houses — sprinkled throughout the Albaicín.
Where to stay in Realejo, Granada: Hotel Alhambra Palace, Seda Club Hotel or Parador de Granada
Image courtesy of Seda Club Hotel
Many of Granada’s best hotels are in Realejo. Standouts include Hotel Alhambra Palace, Seda Club Hotel and Parador de Granada. The first was built in 1910 and emulates the Moorish architecture and décor of the Alhambra. Beyond its historical grandeur, Hotel Alhambra Palace has an elevated Andalusian restaurant and impressive wine cellar. The hotel is a short walk from the Alhambra itself, or around 10 minutes from the busiest part of the neighborhood. Parador de Granada, also in Alhambra, is an upscale boutique property with a stylish, homey design that pays homage to its historical setting.
“My top Grenada recommendation is to stay at the Parador de Granada,” Tara said. “It's the key to an unforgettable Alhambra experience as the only hotel located within the grounds and featuring incredible views from the restaurant terrace.”
In contrast, the luxurious Seda Club Hotel is in the heart of Centro and melds contemporary design with nods to Granada’s history. Moorish motifs, like textured ceilings and Arab-inspired rugs accompany sleek, modern furnishings with bold fabrics and sophisticated décor.
Fora Perks at Hotel Alhambra Palace include a complimentary tapas lunch or dinner, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora’s SLH withIN partner perks at Seda Club Hotel include a $50 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Centro - Sagrario, Centro
Image courtesy of Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula
Granada’s Centro - Sagrario is best defined by its Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Subtle elements of Moorish design are still present, but much of the neighborhood’s current look was designed after the Spanish monarchy drove the Moors from the city. Beyond its architectural allure, Centro - Sagrario offers contemporary eateries and upscale shopping to go along with a more formal atmosphere over what you’ll find in Realejo.
Highlights: the Granada Cathedral and the Science Park
The Granada Cathedral in Centro - Sagrario stands as a literal testament of Granada’s return to Catholicism during the Reconquista era. Its baroque façade gives way to an intricate and elegantly designed interior filled with Neoclassical art, gilded carvings and an ornate pulpit. Though still functioning as a Catholic site of worship, it’s generally open to the public and regularly welcomes architecture and design enthusiasts.
Granada’s Science Park is another highlight of Centro - Sagrario. Part aquarium, part planetarium and part general science museum, the family-friendly site explores a wide range of educational topics. (Check out where to stay in Valencia, Spain if you’re especially interested in Spain’s museum scene. The City of Arts and Sciences complex is one of the most prestigious learning institutions in Europe and a must if you’re visiting Spain with kids.)
Where to stay in Centro - Sagrario: Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula or Hospes Palacio de Los Patos
Image courtesy of Hospes Palacio de Los Patos
Centro - Sagrario’s Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula is a refined boutique hotel with a tranquil vibe. The riad-style space opens up to ivy-lined balconies, potted plants and a small water feature. Expansive rooms and suites are decorated with moody, historic flair. Top-tier options offer elegant accents like Baroque mantels and luxe fabrics.
“The Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula checks all boxes,” Domonique said. “I recommend requesting a room that faces the interior courtyard.”
Hospes Palacio de Los Patos is a vibrant alternative set in a restored 19th-century estate. Some rooms capture the majesty of Granada’s historical architecture; others tastefully tread into the contemporary. Common spaces, however, favor the former style. The hotel also features a high-end spa with a sizable hydrotherapy circuit.
Fora’s Marriott LUMINOUS partner perks at Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Hospes Palacio de Los Patos include a complimentary tapas tasting menu, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-out whenever possible.
La Bobadilla in the Andalusian countryside
Image courtesy of La Bobadilla, A Royal Hideaway Hotel
If you’re enjoying a larger tour of Andalusia, consider staying at La Bobadilla. This exclusive countryside retreat is about 30 minutes outside the city by high-speed train or 45 minutes from Granada (or Málaga) by car. It’s also less than two hours from Seville. The hotel offers a wealth of indulgent experiences ranging from horseback riding to spa treatments. Luxurious rooms pamper you with fine linens, chic décor and views of the Andalusian countryside. Three restaurants and a sophisticated bar treat you to Michelin-caliber regional cuisine and ingredients.
Fora Perks include complimentary spa water circuit access, a complimentary couples’ private bath in the spa, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Advisors’ tips for exploring Granada
Read on for a few Granada travel tips Fora Advisors shared with us.
2–3 days gives you enough time to explore Granada’s highlights
Two to three days lets you delve into Granada's iconic landmarks, stroll through the historic neighborhoods while savoring tapas at local bars and immerse yourself in the city's rich culture. If you're a fan of flamenco, you'll have time to attend a traditional show in the Sacromonte district, otherwise famous for its cave dwellings. More time provides opportunities for day trips into the Sierra Nevada mountains to enjoy the fresh air and nature trails.
Granada’s Centro neighborhoods are walkable (but you can also get around by taxi or bike)
The Albaicín and Granada’s Centro neighborhoods are great to explore on foot or bike (rentals are widely available). Areas outside the main streets can be a little maze-like, but getting lost can be part of the fun. That said, if you’re traveling from one neighborhood to another, consider taking a cab or Uber — hilly terrain in some parts of the city, especially around the Alhambra, can make long distances on foot or bike challenging.
Granada is less expensive to visit than major destinations like Madrid, Barcelona or Seville
Image courtesy of Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula
Of all the amazing places to go in Spain, Granada is one of the more approachable options. Expect to pay lower rates for hotels, restaurants and experiences versus more popular destinations like Barcelona or Seville.
Spring and fall are the best times to go to Granada
Domonique noted that spring is the best time to visit Granada, as the flowers of the Alhambra are in bloom and the weather is comfortable for exploring. She also noted that fall and winter have mild weather and sparser crowds. However, Domonique described the summer months as “oppressively hot,” and advised against visiting in June through August.
You can easily visit Seville or Málaga in Andalusia
Granada is less than an hour’s drive from the cities of Seville, the origin of flamenco, and Málaga, a gorgeous coastal city. You could easily turn your stay in Granada into a tour of Spain’s Andalusia region. (Check out where to stay in Seville and the best hotels in Málaga.)
High-speed rail connects Granada with other Spanish regions
Antequera–Granada high-speed rail links Granada to the AVE network, facilitating direct connections to cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The former trip takes roughly three hours; the latter takes 6.5 hours. Driving those distances would take approximately four or eight hours, respectively (the cost of fuel and a rental car is notably higher than train tickets, too).
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