Hire Car Granada Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Granada by Hire Car

Granada is the capital of the province of the same name. The large city with about 241,000 inhabitants is located in southern Spain and borders directly on the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Granada is one of the most visited places in Spain and impresses guests from all over the world with spectacular and elegant buildings, many leisure activities and the fire of Spanish lifestyle and cuisine.

The highlight of any visit to Granada is undoubtedly the Alhambra, the world-famous 13th-century fortress built by the Moors.

Within its walls are several important buildings, such as the palace of Charles V, the citadel and extensive gardens.

The Alhambra is unique in the world and is a World Heritage Site.

Granada old town

Out of Granada’s numerous sacred buildings, which include the Abbey of Sacromonte or San Jeromio, the five-nave cathedral stands out. It dominates the old town as a prominent place. Its annex, the “Capilla Real”, houses the tombs of several queens and kings.

In the narrow streets and alleys of the historic center, visitors to the city can discover many buildings from the Middle Ages or the Moorish period.

A special, almost mystical place is Sacromonte, a remote district of Granada where the famous “cuevas”, cave dwellings, are located. From Granada, many destinations in the surrounding area can be reached with a hire car.

The location between the Costa del Sol and the Sierra Nevada makes for an exceptional holiday, combining swimming and skiing, as year-round skiing- with views of the Mediterranean- is possible in the high altitude mountains.

Excursions that lead to the traces of Roman settlement in Andalusia, such as to Illura and Guadix, are also interesting.

hire car price comparison Granada

Sights in Granada

The Alhambra is undoubtedly the city’s biggest attraction. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as a residence for the Moorish kings.

The richly decorated stucco ceilings inside in particular fascinate visitors from all over the world. But the lion fountain made of pure marble also has an almost magical effect.

The mighty fountain bowl is supported by twelve lions. The Alhambra was declared a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 1984.

You should allow at least half a day to explore the huge complex. Not quite as old, but also worth a visit, is the Albaicín.

On top of this hill is an excellently preserved old town.

Enjoying picturesque landscapes in Granada

In the narrow streets, you stroll past snow-white houses decorated with flowers and find shade from the burning sun.

Here you should sit down in a bar or café and enjoy the enchanted atmosphere for a while. It almost seems as if time has stood still.

Try to find your way to the Mirdor de San Nicolás in the narrow maze of streets. From here you have a wonderful view of the old town and the Alhambra. Incidentally, the often little-noticed cathedral in the lower town is also worth a visit.

The mighty building with its magnificent interior was begun in 1521, but it took until 1704 to finish the work. After visiting the church, you can go shopping in the Alcaiceria, another part of the old town. Countless small shops offer their goods here. Many of them are specifically geared towards tourists.

Find the special hotel

In a city with such a rich history, you’ll also find hotels steeped in tradition. We recommend the Parador de Granada. You’ll stay inside the Alhambra in a 15th-century monastery.

The rooms are stylishly furnished and offer every comfort. Of course, such an exclusive experience comes at a price. You will hardly get a room for less than 300 euros. Nevertheless, you need to book well in advance, because the hotel is often fully booked.

Find the special restaurant

There is no shortage of good restaurants in this city. However, you should do your research beforehand to avoid falling into a tourist trap.

We recommend the “Restaurante Las Tinajas.” The chef knows the old recipes, but knows how to interpret them in a modern way. A culinary delight.

Discover worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area

Direct the hire car up into the Sierra Nevada. The Parque Nacional de la Sierra Nevada is a great place to go for long hikes through a barren landscape.

In winter, skiers will also be happy here. The mountain village of Pampaneira is worth a visit at any time of year. Here you will find delightful cottages built in the traditional style.

You can buy pottery and handicrafts in the shops and then enjoy the tranquillity of the village in a café.