We will be flying into Madrid the day after Christmas. Then planning on taking a flight from Madrid to Granada. Our thought was to find a apartment and rent a car for the 6 days we are there. But as I am looking at apartments in the old part of town close to the Alhambra, it looks like there is very limited car access. We want to be able to walk around while in Granada but perhaps drive to surrounding areas over the week. Does anyone have thoughts on transportation - should we rent a car or take a cab from the airport to apartment and walk around Granada then take buses and trains to surrounding areas? Also any suggestions on day trips outside the Granada area are much appreciated.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7260 posts
I would not stay 6 nights in Granada. There is lots to see in Spain. It would be helpful to know what other cities you will have seen other than Madrid. Are you spending more nights in Granada than in Madrid? That would not, to me, make sense. I've been to Madrid at least 3 times. I've been to Granada twice, counting business, but I wouldn't say it requires more than two nights at most.
Are you aware that many posters here worship Barcelona? 6 nights there could be justified.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I wouldn't plan for 6 nights at Granada in Dec/Jan, unless you wanted to ski the Sierra Nevada. What are your wider plans for this trip?
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
You may consider taking a taxi from the airport to your apartment, as it will be most convenient, since you'll have luggage. The taxi may cost €25- €30
There's a bus that is much less expensive, but it departs the airport within 30 minutes of flight arrival, & if you miss it, youll need to wait 2 hours for the next one.
Here is an informative website about transportation from airport to city center.
Once you're in Granada, there are minibuses that you can take from the city center to the Alhambra, the Albacín, and Sacramonte.
I will echo David and Tim... I too would not plan to stay in Granada for 6 nights.
I'd suggest visiting Sevilla and Córdoba, but definitely not as day trips from Granada.
What is your complete itinerary?
Will you be flying out of Madrid?
Enjoy Spain!
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I've had 5 nights in Granada...in the spring so we did day trips to the coast and to hike in the alpujarras. It was wonderful, but I am not sure about winter.
As far as car access-the Albayzin is not car friendly. But you can leave your car somewhere fairly close and walk to it. We stayed near Plaza San Cristobal, which has a tiny lot mostly for residents, and there is a lot down the road on Carretera de Mercia, for example - but you have to go the long way to get there to avoid driving in the center (restricted).
There are also garages in the newer city, before the restrictions. Near San Geronimo monestary, for example. Walk, cab, or bus to get your car
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you to everyone who has replied. We would be using Granada as a "base camp" and taking day trips to other areas (thus the reason for wanting to rent a car). I have been traveling to various parts of Spain for 10 years. We have visited the typical touristy places like Barcelona and the "off the beaten track" areas like Asturias. Each year going to a different region. We normally fly into and out of Madrid so will probably be in Madrid for 3-4 nights before we leave for home. A few years ago we were in Seville and thought that we could easily get tickets for the Alhambra during the time we were there. But it didn't work out. This time we will plan early. We wanted to visit the Alhambra with my son who is a huge history buff.
Looking at one of the earlier postings, transportation to Granada without a vehicle sounds complicated. And as we would like to see more than just Granada, we may need a way to get around easily.
If anyone has suggestions of interesting day trips to take around the area that would be great. Thank you all again.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I would definitely use a car if you are doing day trips. Getting to Granada and around the city is best on public transit, but I'd want the flexibility of a car for smaller towns and schedule purposes. You could take a train to Granada and get a car there after a few days in the city itself or just get it in Madrid.
On the way between Madrid and Granada is Consuegra and the Quixote windmills. Worth a stop on the way.
Granada day trip ideas
Baeza and Ubeda - beautiful renaissance towns
Jaen - bigger town, interesting cathedral
Alpujarras mountain towns like Pampaneira, Lanjarron - but these are in the mountains often acccessed by tiny roads so snow may cause problems.
The coast - Nerja, but a beach town may be boring off season. Going the other way you hit the Costa Tropical which is much less developed than the other way towards Malaga.
And I really find Granada itself quite magical. I wouldn't discourage you at all from spending your time there! If you could go in Spring or Fall it would be better for day trips, plus the Generalife Gardens will be prettier in season. But I am sure it is good in winter too.
Posted by
US
391 posts
In November I stayed at Granada for four nights, with time to tour the Alhambra at night and during the day. Then took a bus to Capileira and stayed for two nights. It was off season, and village was rather quiet and many restaurants were closed. But the hiking was outstanding, with a touch of foliage colors and the snowcapped Sierra in the background.