day-trips
Malaga to Granada Day Trip: The Complete Guide (Train, Car & Tour)
Granada is one of the best day trips from Malaga. The Alhambra alone is worth the journey, but there's more: the Albaicin's winding streets, free tapas, and views of the Sierra Nevada.
Granada from Malaga in a day is ambitious but absolutely worth it. You'll trade the beach for one of Spain's most extraordinary cities: Moorish palaces, snow-capped mountains, and streets where every drink comes with free tapas.
The Alhambra is the headline act, but Granada offers more. The Albaicin quarter feels like stepping into another century. The views
from Mirador de San Nicolas are the most photographed in Andalusia. And the tapas culture here is the real deal, generous and delicious. For a comprehensive guide, check our complete list of things to do in Granada.
Here's how to make every hour count.
Day Trip at a Glance
Your Day at a Glance
Depart Malaga
Catch the morning train from Maria Zambrano station or start your drive. Aim to arrive by 9am.
Alhambra & Generalife
Book the earliest Nasrid Palaces entry slot. Allow 3 hours to explore the palaces, Alcazaba fortress, and Generalife gardens properly.
Walk to the Albaicin
Descend from the Alhambra and cross the Darro River. The old Moorish quarter awaits with its maze of whitewashed streets.
Tapas Lunch
Granada is famous for free tapas with every drink. Find a local bar in the Albaicin or El Realejo and let lunch unfold.
Mirador de San Nicolas
Climb to the famous viewpoint for the postcard shot: the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada. Best light in late afternoon.
Cathedral & Royal Chapel
Optional: if time allows, visit the Renaissance cathedral and the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella.
Return to Malaga
Catch the evening train or start your drive back. You'll be on the coast by 8pm.
Book Alhambra Tickets Now
Tickets sell out weeks ahead. Book your timed entry for the Nasrid Palaces before planning anything else.
How to Get from Malaga to Granada
Getting to Granada
Fast, comfortable, scenic. 4-5 trains daily. Book on Renfe or Trainline.
Book tickets →A-92 motorway is straightforward. Allows detours to villages. Parking in Granada €10-15/day.
ALSA buses run hourly. Cheaper but slower than train. Drops you near Granada centre.
Private transfer. Convenient for groups of 3-4. Can be booked through your hotel.
Which Option is Best?
- Train: The smart choice for most visitors. Fast, stress-free, drops you in the city centre. No parking hassles, no navigation. Book in advance on Renfe for the best prices.
- Car: Better if you want to stop at villages en route (Alhama de Granada is lovely), or if you're travelling as a group and can split fuel and parking costs.
- Bus: Budget option. The ALSA buses are comfortable and frequent, just slower than the train.
- Guided tour: Worth considering if you couldn't get Alhambra tickets independently. Tour operators have allocated slots even when the public tickets are sold out.
Local tip
Train tickets are cheapest when booked 2-4 weeks ahead. Same-day prices can be double. Use Trainline or the Renfe website, and pick the AVANT service for the fastest journey.
The Alhambra: What You Need to Know
The Alhambra isn't just a palace.
It's a fortified city on a hill, with palaces, gardens, a fortress, and centuries of history. You need at least 2.5-3 hours to see it properly.
Ticket Types
The General Ticket (€19) includes:
- Nasrid Palaces: The highlight. Intricate Moorish architecture, the Court of the Lions, those famous honeycomb ceilings. Timed entry is strict.
- Alcazaba: The original fortress. Climb the tower for panoramic views.
- Generalife: The summer palace with stunning gardens and water features.
Critical Booking Information
Tickets sell out weeks in advance. This isn't exaggeration.
During peak season, tickets can be gone 6-8 weeks ahead. Book as early as your plans allow.
- Official tickets: alhambra-patronato.es
- Your Nasrid Palaces entry is timed. Miss your slot and you miss the highlight.
- Arrive 30 minutes before your allocated time
- The ticket office opens at 8am if you want to try for same-day tickets (not recommended)
Warning:
The Nasrid Palaces have strict timed entry. If your ticket says 9:00am, you must enter between 9:00-9:30am. Late arrivals are turned away. Plan your morning around this slot.
Alhambra Tips
Get the earliest Nasrid Palaces slot
The 8:30am or 9:00am slots mean fewer crowds and better photos. By 11am, the palaces are packed with tour groups.
The early entry also gives you time to explore the gardens before the midday heat, then head to the Albaicin for lunch.
What to bring:
- Your ticket (printed or on phone)
- Water (it's a big site with lots of walking)
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun protection (limited shade in some areas)
What not to miss:
- The Court of the Lions (Patio de los Leones)
- The Mexuar Hall's honeycomb ceilings
- Views from the Alcazaba tower
- The Generalife's water gardens
The Albaicin: Granada's Soul
After the Alhambra, walk down into the Albaicin. This old Moorish quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden plazas that feels unchanged for centuries.
How to get there: From the Alhambra, walk down the Cuesta de los Chinos path (scenic, 15 minutes) or take the Alhambra minibus to Plaza Nueva and walk up.
What to see:
- Mirador de San Nicolas: The famous viewpoint with Alhambra views. Worth the climb.
- Carrera del Darro: The prettiest street in Granada, running alongside the river.
- Plaza Larga: The local neighbourhood square, good for tapas.
- Moorish tea houses (teterias): Atmospheric spots for mint tea and Arabic pastries.
Tip:
The Albaicin's streets are steep and confusing. That's part of the charm. Get lost, then ask for directions to San Nicolas. Everyone knows where it is.
Free Tapas: Granada's Best Tradition
Granada is famous for free tapas.
Order a drink (beer, wine, tinto de verano) and a tapa arrives with it. Order another drink, another tapa. This isn't a token snack; it's real food, and many people make a meal of it.
Where to Eat
For classic tapas bars:
Bar Los Diamantes
A Granada institution. Known for fried fish, especially boquerones (anchovies). Simple, packed, authentic.
There are two locations. The original on Calle Navas is tiny but atmospheric.
Bodegas Castañeda
Traditional bar near the cathedral. Try the montaditos (small sandwiches) and the house vermouth.
Standing at the bar is more atmospheric than grabbing a table.
In the Albaicin:
- Bar Lara: Local favourite, generous tapas
- El Huerto de Juan Ranas: Views of the Alhambra from the terrace
In El Realejo:
- Om Kalsum: Middle Eastern influences, creative tapas
- Los Manueles: Traditional, reliable, good portions
Local tip
Don't fill up at the first bar. The fun of Granada tapas is hopping between places. One drink here, one there, and you've had lunch without ordering a single dish.
The Views You Can't Miss
Granada has some of the best urban viewpoints in Spain:
- Mirador de San Nicolas: The most famous. The Alhambra framed against the Sierra Nevada. Go late afternoon for the best light, or at sunset if your timing allows.
- From the Alhambra: The Alcazaba tower offers panoramic views over Granada and the mountains. The Generalife gardens have views back to the palaces.
- Mirador de San Cristobal: Less crowded than San Nicolas, with wider views over the city.
- Sacromonte: The gypsy quarter above the Albaicin, known for its cave houses and flamenco venues.
If You Have Extra Time
With a full day, you can add one or two of these:
Granada Cathedral & Royal Chapel (1 hour): The cathedral is impressive Renaissance architecture. The Royal Chapel holds the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who conquered Granada.
Flamenco in Sacromonte (evening): If you can stretch your day into the evening, the cave venues in Sacromonte offer atmospheric flamenco shows. Book ahead.
Shopping in the Alcaiceria: The old silk market, now a maze of souvenir shops.
Touristy but atmospheric. Good for Moorish-style ceramics and lamps.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Granada
Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October)
Spring
March - May- + Perfect temperatures (18-24°C)
- + Sierra Nevada still snow-capped for photos
- + Gardens in bloom at the Generalife
- + Comfortable for walking the Albaicin
- - Easter week is extremely busy
- - Book Alhambra tickets early
Summer
June - August- + Long daylight hours
- + Lively evening atmosphere
- + All attractions open extended hours
- - Very hot (35-40°C common)
- - Peak tourist crowds
- - Alhambra tickets sell out fast
Fall
September - November- + Warm but comfortable temperatures
- + Fewer crowds than summer
- + Golden light for photography
- + University back in session (lively bars)
Winter
December - February- + Fewest tourists
- + Cheaper accommodation
- + Atmospheric with snow on Sierra Nevada
- - Cold (5-12°C), can be wet
- - Some outdoor areas less appealing
- - Shorter daylight hours
How Much Does It Cost?
Granada Day Trip Travel Budget
Estimated costs total in €
| Category | BudgetBackpacker | Mid-rangeComfortable | LuxurySplurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport (return) | €24 | €40 | €160 |
| Alhambra ticket | €19 | €19 | €50+ |
| Lunch | €10 | €25 | €50 |
| Extras | €5 | €15 | €40 |
| Total | €58 | €99 | €300+ |
Budget: train + free tapas. Mid-range: train + restaurant lunch + cathedral. Luxury: private transfer + guided tour + fine dining.
Practical Tips
Before You Go
- Book Alhambra tickets 4-8 weeks ahead
- Book train tickets 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices
- Download offline maps of Granada
- Wear comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones and hills)
- Bring sun protection and water
On the day:
- Arrive at the Alhambra 30 minutes before your Nasrid Palaces slot
- Keep your ticket accessible (you'll need it multiple times)
- Don't try to rush the Alhambra; it deserves time
Getting around Granada:
- The Alhambra is walkable from the centre (30 minutes uphill) or take the C30/C32 minibus
- The Albaicin is best explored on foot
- Taxis are cheap for short hops if you're tired
🛏️ Not sure which neighbourhood to book? We break down the best areas in Granada →
Is a Day Trip Enough?
Honestly? Granada deserves more than a day.
One day gives you the Alhambra and a taste of the city. Two days let you properly explore the Albaicin, enjoy leisurely tapas, and perhaps catch a flamenco show.
But if a day is what you have, it's absolutely worth doing.
The Alhambra alone justifies the journey. You'll leave wanting to return, but that's not such a bad thing.
Tip:
If you fall in love with Granada (and many people do), consider staying overnight on your next trip. The city transforms in the evening, with the Alhambra lit up and the tapas bars filling with locals.
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Common Questions
Can I visit the Alhambra without advance tickets? Risky.
The ticket office opens at 8am for same-day sales, but in peak season they often sell out within minutes. Book ahead.
Is Granada walkable from the train station? It's about 20 minutes to the centre on foot, or a quick taxi/bus ride. The Alhambra is a further 30 minutes uphill from the centre.
What if I can't get Alhambra tickets? Consider a guided tour (operators have allocated tickets) or visit the Albaicin, cathedral, and enjoy the tapas culture without the palaces.
Is it worth driving instead of taking the train? Only if you want to stop at villages en route, or you're travelling as a group. For solo travellers or couples, the train is easier.
Can I do Granada and another destination in one day? No.
Granada alone fills a day. Don't try to combine it with other stops.
More Day Trips from Malaga:
The Bottom Line
Granada from Malaga in a day is one of Andalusia's great day trips. The Alhambra is a once-in-a-lifetime sight, the Albaicin has atmosphere to spare, and the free tapas tradition makes lunch an adventure.
Book your Alhambra tickets first.
Everything else follows from that. Get an early entry slot, explore the palaces before the crowds, then spend your afternoon wandering the Albaicin and eating your way through Granada's bars.
You'll leave wanting more.
Everyone does. But for one perfect day of history, beauty, and tapas, this trip delivers everything you'd hope for.
Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
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