Few cities bewitch like <b>Granada</b>, where Moorish palaces glow at sunset, <b>free tapas</b> accompany every drink, and <b>flamenco</b> echoes through candlelit caves.
This 3-day itinerary distills its magic—architectural wonders, hidden tea houses, and Lorca’s legacy—into one unforgettable escape.
<h3>Day 1: Alhambra Immersion</h3>
Morning:
- Fuel up at <b>I Need Coffee</b> with <b>mollete con aceite</b> (€3.50), then hike 15 minutes uphill to the <b>Alhambra</b>.
- Book <b>Nasrid Palaces tickets</b> (€19, including Alcazaba and Generalife) 3 months ahead via the <b>official site</b>. Arrive 30 minutes before your timed entry.
Afternoon:
* Start at the <b>Alcazaba fortress</b> for panoramic city views, then wander the <b>Generalife gardens</b>—its fountains inspired by Quranic paradise.
* Save the <b>Nasrid Palaces</b> for last. Marvel at the <b>Court of Lions</b> and intricate <b>stucco calligraphy</b>.
Evening:
* Tapas crawl along <b>Calle Elvira</b>:
* <b>Bar Poë</b>: Creative bites like <b>berenjenas con miel</b> (€2.50 with drink).
* <b>Los Diamantes</b>: Fresh <b>gambas al ajillo</b> (€3).
<h3>Day 2: Moorish & Baroque Treasures</h3>
Morning:
- Stroll the <b>Río Darro</b> path to <b>El Bañuelo</b> (€5, or free with Dobla de Oro ticket). This 11th-century <b>Arab bathhouse</b> whispers of Granada’s past.
Afternoon:
* Sip <b>mint tea</b> at <b>Tetería La Oriental</b> (€4) beneath hanging lanterns.
* Tour the <b>Cathedral</b> (€5) and <b>Royal Chapel</b> (€5), where <b>Isabel and Ferdinand</b> rest.
Evening:
* Sunset at <b>Mirador San Nicolás</b>—arrive by 7:30 PM for front-row views of the Alhambra turning pink.
* Dine at <b>Las Tomasas</b> (€65 tasting menu), pairing <b>ajo blanco</b> soup with sherry.
<h3>Day 3: Lorca & Flamenco</h3>
Morning:
- Bus 0335 to <b>Fuente Vaqueros</b> (€2.50, 30 mins) to explore <b>Lorca’s birthplace</b> (€3).
- Back in town, lunch at <b>Chikito</b>—their <b>rabo de toro</b> (€18) fueled Lorca’s literary circle.
Afternoon:
* Wander <b>Sacromonte’s cave houses</b>, stopping at the <b>Flamenco Museum</b> (€5).
Evening:
* Cave flamenco at <b>Venta El Gallo</b> (€30 show, 10 PM). The raw <b>cante jondo</b> vocals will haunt you.
<h3>Essential Tips</h3>
- Stay: <b>Casa Bombo</b> (€120/night) for Alhambra views, or splurge on <b>Parador de Granada</b> (€250) inside the fortress.
- Transport: Walk or take €1.40 buses. Taxis to Sacromonte cost €8.
- Avoid: July/August crowds. May or October offer 75°F (24°C) perfection.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Granada lingers in the senses—the scent of orange blossoms, the taste of <b>tinto de verano</b>, the echo of flamenco heels. Three days here feels like time travel. Ready to wander its cobbled spell?
