Is 3 nights in Granada too many

We were happy with our two nights in Granada. We visited Alhambra first thing in the morning, walked through the old town and caught the hop on hop off train for an overview of the city. It was enough for us although I’m sure there is plenty more to see and do.

I’d spend extra time in Seville. There’s a lot to see in the city itself, plus it’s easy to do day trips to places such as Córdoba by public transport.. We stayed in Barrio Santa Cruz which was a vibrant, exciting area with tapas bars everywhere.

I spent 4 nights in Granada, arriving late and leaving early, so 3 full days and no more. I would have been satisfied with 2. I love Sevilla and Cordoba both and never have enough time in either, after 3 visits to both.

Granda is my favorite of the 3, and I think 3 nights is perfect. I've spent 6+ nights there, but I had a car for day trips. For the city itself, 3 nights is good. You want time for the Alhambra, for wandering the Albayzin, for the central city (Cathedral etc). However, it could be done in 2 nights if that's more your style - Granada to me is place to linger, wander, hang out. If you're more of a fast-pace sightseer, then it could be done with 2 nights.

Of the 3, I think Seville has the most to SEE, so 4 nights there would be reasonable, but 3 is fine. Cordoba is fine with 2 (actually, I think 1 is fine, I don't love Cordoba, but others disagree).

First of all, the Alhambra is not remotely overrated. It's a spectacular work of architecture with an incredible history. Plus, there are gorgeous views of the Albayzin and wonderful gardens to linger in. It's easily one of the top sights in Europe, if not the world. Don't be afraid to get your hopes up, because it easily met my wildest expectations.

As for three nights in Granada, I say go for it. I spent two nights there and could have easily spent another.

The cathedral and royal chapel are interesting enough for a couple of hours. There are tons of inviting shops and worthwhile restaurants. The Albayzin is well worth exploring, as is Sacromonte and the modern city of Granada. I know a lot of people love the Arab baths as well.

Personally, Granada was my favorite city of the three. Seville has more to do than Granada, so it may be worth an extra night. Cordoba is also quite lovely, but three nights may be pushing it.

If you have 9 nights to split between the three cities, I would do 4 nights in Seville, 3 nights in Granada and 2 nights in Cordoba.

I don't think three nights in Granada is too many, although it does depend how many nights you have overall in the region - is it nine nights, currently split equally between the three cities? For what it's worth (not much I realise since you likely have different interests to me), my impressions are:

• Sevilla is the grandest and has the most specific "sights"; even without going to Italica, there is plenty to fill three full days or more (we're returning in March for seven nights, although we will be taking several day-trips this visit);

• Cordoba has the least to see in specific "sights", though one is the absolutely top must-see cathedral; but Cordoba is the most pleasant for walking around the walls, old town & river areas and also enjoying evening bar-hoping & strolls after the crowds have gone. There is also an easy half-day trip to the ruins of the Medina Azahara palace; and

• Granada has the Alhambra, of course, but also the Albaicin which is wonderful (including several specific sights such as the palace) and much to see in the "downtown" area (e.g. monastery, royal chapel, etc., although I wouldn't bother with the cathedral when compared to those of the other two cities).

If I had nine nights, I'd split 4:2:3.

To me, having been to each city multiple times, one can adequately see the popular sights in Granada in a day and a half; so two nights should be sufficient depending on when you arrive and when you depart. The royal chapel is nice, but after seeing other cathedrals in Spain (e.g., Santiago de Compostela and Sevilla), Granada’s cathedral was a let down. Córdoba is also worth two nights. Its historic center is relatively small. If you’ve never been to Sevilla, it’s worth at least four nights as Nick and Mira said. You’ll spend the better part of one day visiting the cathedral and Alcazar alone.

I’m with Mira and nathanboley8 — Granada is my favorite place in Spain. I like the feel of it; not too chaotic, but plenty to see. It is a great place to chill and feel like you’re in Andalucía. Lots of good walking around, tapas crawls, street activity, plus the sights.

I agree with the others that Sevilla has more to do, meaning, more destinations to “see” as a tourist. So definitely plan some time there. But for really sinking in to the feel of being in southern Spain, Granada is my favorite.

Well worth 3 nights.

P.S. — it’s funny how we all like different things. Granada’s cathedral is one of my favorites; so light and airy, vastly different from the dark and ornate cathedral in Sevilla. To each his own! And all are worth quality time; there is so much history in each place you will visit.

I totally agree with all the points Nick makes above. Thumbs up. Just hanging out in Albaicin is time well spent. Make sure you have dinner at a mirador restaurant soaking up the spectacular view of a floodlit Alhambra.