You’ve already visited Granada on more than one occasion and want to see new things.
That’s easy, this is a city that hides innumerable nooks and crannies to discover. We are going to help you achieve your goal.
In this post we are going to recommend 10 charming and less frequented places or activities. Sometimes they are off the beaten tourist track, sometimes they are in the centre itself. And what they all have in common is that they are wonderful places in the authentic Granada.
All the places in this article have been visited by us, so we recommend them as something personal. If you are looking for the 10 best rated places in Granada follow the link. We also recommend you visit our complete guide to Granada.
What you will find here
Carmen de los Mártires
This small palace was designed as a summer residence in the 19th century. It was later extended with gardens. Perhaps the most interesting thing is the tranquility and peace that this place exudes. It is located above the city, of which it has spectacular views. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and the Alhambra. Its well-kept, geometric French garden is inhabited by statues and colourful peacocks. The English-style garden has no order and seems abandoned. At the top, a second garden has a large pond with a fake ruin.
It is very close to the Alhambra and entry is free. It can be visited after the Alhambra or combined with other sites on a route through the Mauror and the Realejo.
Neo-Nazarí space in the Carmen de los Mártires (Rufus Gefangenen. Flickr. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
La fuente del Avellano (The Hazel Fountain)
Today the fountain of Avellano does not usually have a large stream of water, but in the past the inhabitants of Granada used to go to this spring to fill their water jugs. Its water has always been highly appreciated for its purity. Next to the spout there is a plaque commemorating Ángel Ganivet, as this is where the Cofradía del Avellano (Brotherhood of the Hazel Tree) met in the early 20th century for their literary gatherings. The walk from the Paseo de los Tristes is very pleasant and takes about 15 minutes. After a short climb, the path flattens out and runs through lush vegetation.
Resting at the Avellano fountain at the foot of the Sacromonte Abbey.
The “Salón” and some tapas in “Las Titas”
The Paseo de la Salón y el de la Bomba, known as “El Salón”, is a long boulevard built in the 19th century. It is designed in the French style, geometrically landscaped, with fountains and large trees. Alongside the promenade, the wealthy classes built their historic mansions, which still survive today. The promenade runs parallel to the river Genil, which is not very abundant, but its waters come directly from the Sierra Nevada. Strolling along this stately space and having a tapa at the Kiosko de las Titas is typical of Granadan society. Las Titas is a historic place in Granada, a very romantic establishment located in a metal and glass Art Nouveau building. You will feel like in a Parisian café, but in Granada!
We especially recommend you visit when autumn is well underway. The leaves of the centenary trees cover the ground offering a unique spectacle, especially on windy days.
Kiosko de las Titas in Paseo del Salón. Iron and glass architecture in Parisian style.
Placeta Puerta del Sol
Where once there was a medieval gate, today we have a hidden little square with spectacular views. We are in the Realejo, the Mauror in the Middle Ages. In the small square there is an ancient washhouse with a gabled roof and Arabic tiles supported by six classical columns. People no longer wash there, as everyone has water in their houses. Now only a few adventurous people and the neighbours of the neighbourhood enjoy the place. This viewpoint is not accessible to everyone. You have to climb uphill and find your way through the narrow streets.
Placeta del Sol and washing place at sunset. A special place to end the day.
Cuesta de los Chinos
It has nothing to do with the inhabitants of China. The “Chinos” in Granada are small stones, better known as gravel. The name comes from a pavement it had years ago. It is a slope, quite steep in some sections, which ascendsunder the towers of the Alhambra and the Generalife. A river flows through this small natural ravine formed by the surplus water from the irrigation channels that supply water to the Alhambra. In this green setting it is easy to feel small because of the height of the towers. Years ago this path was very slightly frequented and it was common to find people enjoying reading or artists painting the sweet landscape.
It has recently been restored by the Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife. The pavement is now much better, but in our opinion it has lost some of the old appearance that we liked so much. Do you know the guided tour that goes up this mythical slope?.
Late afternoon is the time when the Cuesta de los Chinos has the least traffic.
Library of the Hospital Real
There are places with history and places that contain history. The Library of the Royal Hospital is both at the same time. It is part of the University of Granada and is housed in a building commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs. The walls of the enormous rooms are lined with wooden shelves. The shelves are filled with leather-bound books. The library is open during normal opening hours. To visit the room where the cell of San Juan de Dios is located, it is necessary to make an appointment in advance. This smaller room is particularly beautiful and also houses an outstanding collection of books.
To complement your visit, you can go to the Jardines del Triunfo, crowned by a 17th-century Inmaculada by Alonso de Mena, and drink water at the pillar of Berta Wilhelmi (at the beginning of the Gran Vía).
The value of this library lies not only in its magnificent books, the early 16th century building is a real jewel.
Viewpoint of La Churra
This small viewpoint is one of the least frequented in the city. However, the views are among the most beautiful, as they are similar to those seen from the Alhambra. It is located at the foot of the Palatine City of the Nasrids and can be accessed from Almanzora Alta Street. Its charm lies not only in the tranquillity and views, but also in the access through cobbled streets. This whole area has been known by the same name since medieval times, the district of La Churra or Yûrra. On the way there is also a small pillar where you can drink water and cool off during hot days (we indicate it on the map). 4 neighbourhoods 4 cultures passes by here, do you know what it is?
Mirador de la Churra with unique views of the Alhambra.
Placeta de los Carvajales
It has always been one of those plazauelas de vecinos. Albaicineros come to sit for a while, chat, play the guitar and sing, socialise. In earlier times they would drink a litre of beer with friends overlooking the Alhambra. Today, although more people come here due to the increase in tourism, it still retains some of that local charm. A small elongated fountain crosses the square and a fountain supplies water to passers-by. Depending on the time of your visit there will be more or less people. It is important to remember that in these small squares it is important not to make too much noise, as voices can easily carry into the houses.
The Alcazaba of the Alhambra is reflected in the pool of the placeta de los Carvajales at sunset.
Silla del Moro (The Moor’s Chair)
This is a fortification that rises above the Alhambra, the views from there are spectacular. We are now outside the city, in a periurban park in the eastern part of the city. It is an unfrequented place because it is somewhat off the beaten track. Although it has recently been restored, there are many unknowns about its history. However, its strategic position allowed control of the passage through the Darro, the irrigation channels that supplied water to the Alhambra, the Alhambra itself and even al-Arusa. The ruins of the latter are preserved further up the hill. It is a Nasrid palace on the crest of the hill. If you have the strength to continue, we recommend the climb, as it is the highest point to see Granada and the Alhambra.
Silla del Moro or Castillo de Santa Elena. Archaeological remains and one of the highest viewpoints of the city.
Museum Max Moreau
Do you want to know what a Granadian Carmen is like? You have to visit the Carmen de los Geranios in the Albaicín, where the Belgian painter Max León Moreau lived. Max was a painter of the everyday and was inspired by orientalism, which led him to Granada. Today the Carmen is preserved as it was, a house with a residential area, garden and orchard. The construction is adapted to the slope of the land. The water and nature play a very important role in the configuration of the spaces. In spring and summer you will find it colourful and full of flowers. Whitewashed architecture with blue door and window frames. And of course, always looking the Alhambra.
Access to the Carmen of the painter Max Moreau in the Albaicín (Wenjie, Zhang. Flickr. CC BY 2.0).
Thinking about taking a guided tour in Granada?
4 neighbourhoods 4 cultures you will love. You will walk through the 4 main historical quarters of
Granada through the 4 cultures that have made Granada great.
At Andalucía 360 we are more into getting lost in places in search of that magical moment when you get to feel part of what you are visiting. So we hope you enjoy this list and can expand it with your own discoveries. And if you would like to send us suggestions, they are always welcome.
Looking for accommodation in Granada?
Compare and find your perfect accommodation at trivago.co.uk.
MAP OF GRANADA WITH CHARM
As always, on the map we show you the location of the places to see in Granada described in this post.
