April 25, 2023 
Reading time: 8 minutes Are you planning a trip to Andalusia and want to visit one of its most emblematic cities? Then you can’t miss Granada, a city full of history, culture and beauty. If you are in Malaga, an excellent option is to make the trip by car to enjoy the scenery and have more flexibility in your itinerary. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip from Malaga to Granada, from how to rent a car to the best places to visit in the city. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
At the end of this article, you will find the recommended road route to reach Granada. Before that, however, we are going to recommend some visits that you should not miss.
What to see and do in Granada
Granada is a city full of history and culture. Its streets and monuments transport you to another time and invite you to discover its rich history. From the impressive Alhambra to the charming Albaicín neighbourhood, there is much to see and do in Granada. A walk through its streets is essential to get to know the essence of this city.
There are many interesting places to visit in Granada while you stroll. Some of the most popular places that we recommend you visit are:
Alhambra of Granada
Firstly, there could be no other monument than the Alhambra of Granada. It is one of the most impressive and visited monuments in Spain. Known as the eighth wonder of the world, this fortress and palace located on top of a hill offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
If you are thinking of visiting the Alhambra from Malaga by car, we recommend that you plan your visit in advance, as tickets tend to sell out quickly. Once at the Alhambra, you can enjoy its stunning gardens, courtyards and palaces, as well as its rich history and architecture.
Don’t miss the Palace of Charles V, the Court of the Lions and the Generalife, among other essential places. In addition, if you have time, we recommend that you also visit the Albaicín neighbourhood and the San Nicolás viewpoint to enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra and the city.
Suggestions: It is essential to walk up early in the morning to enjoy its stunning views and rich history
Parking near the Alhambra
There is a car park at the Alhambra where you can park your car. The approximate price is €2.82 per hour and the daily maximum is €19.25. Keep in mind that the average time to visit the Alhambra is at least 2 or 3 hours, so you may prefer to look for another car park further away.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QMuRqhvgrZugssVU6
Albaicín neighbourhood
If you are visiting Granada by car and want to get to know the Albaicín before or after visiting the Alhambra, we recommend that you park in one of the nearby car parks and explore the neighbourhood on foot. The Albaicín is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets that will transport you to another time. Don’t miss its viewpoints, such as the San Nicolás viewpoint, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra and the city.
In addition to its viewpoints, the Albaicín also has a rich history and architecture that is worth discovering. Stroll through its streets and discover its squares, fountains and monuments. Don’t miss Plaza Larga, Arco de las Pesas and San Salvador Church, among other essential places.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rkfuu52ntfMBLrnR8
Granada Cathedral
The Granada Cathedral is an impressive Renaissance cathedral located in the city centre. Known as the Holy and Apostolic Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation of Granada, this Catholic temple is the seat of the city’s archdiocese.
Its impressive architecture and rich history make it an essential place for any traveller visiting Granada. If you decide to visit the Granada Cathedral, we recommend that you take time to explore its magnificent interiors and appreciate its rich history and architecture. Be sure to see its beautiful chapels, the breathtaking main altarpiece and the awe-inspiring dome.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/V2xnz3Yh6zuDcVWh6
Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel of Granada is an impressive Gothic building located in the city centre. This chapel houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabel and Fernando, as well as their daughter Juana la Loca and her husband Felipe el Hermoso.
The Royal Chapel of Granada is an essential place for any traveller visiting Granada. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it a unique and unforgettable place.
If you decide to visit the Royal Chapel of Granada, we recommend that you take time to explore its impressive interiors and enjoy its rich history and architecture. Don’t miss its impressive tombs, its stunning main altarpiece and its impressive art collection.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is a stunning place to visit in both summer and winter. In summer, the Sierra Nevada Ski and Mountain Resort becomes a sunny spot where you can enjoy nature, mountains, camps, competitions, music and many more activities for families and young people.
If you are visiting Sierra Nevada by car, you can park your car in one of the more than 3,900 public spaces distributed in the different car parks of the resort. The Sierra Nevada ski resort has four supervised parking areas so you can leave your vehicle with complete peace of mind.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rr4Ta9ggU8eh4GoG6
Summer activities
In summer, Sierra Nevada offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. You can go hiking in its breathtaking mountains and enjoy its amazing views. You can also go mountain biking or have a family day out at one of its theme parks.
Winter activities
In winter, Sierra Nevada becomes a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. You can snowboard, ski or sled on its fantastic slopes. You can also have a family day out at one of its theme parks or relax at one of its spas.
Monachil and popular routes
Sierra Nevada also has magnificent hiking routes that take you through beautiful landscapes. Monachil is a popular starting point for many of these routes. Don’t miss the Los Cahorros route, which takes you through impressive gorges and hanging bridges.
Don’t miss its stunning viewpoints, such as the Cruz de la Atalaya viewpoint, from where you can enjoy amazing views of Sierra Nevada and the city.
There are several places where you can park near Monachil. In the centre of the village, there is a public car park where you can leave your car. You can also find parking on the streets near the village centre. However, keep in mind that during peak season or weekends, parking may be harder to find.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4fvM8gqPBCX7xvr88
Tips for getting to Granada
If you are planning to visit Granada and Sierra Nevada for the first time, here are some tips that might be helpful:
- Granada is a popular destination during the summer months, long weekends and holidays. To make the most of your visit, we recommend getting up early and keeping in mind that there may be more tourists in the area. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during mid or low season. Sierra Nevada, however, is more popular during the winter months.
- A recommendation is to take a guided tour to learn more about the city’s history in detail. However, you should also explore Granada on your own, both during the day and at night.
- There are many beautiful places to see in Granada and Sierra Nevada. Some popular places include the Alhambra of Granada, known as the eighth wonder of the world, and the Albaicín neighbourhood, Granada’s oldest neighbourhood. In Sierra Nevada, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or snow sports.
How to get to Granada from Malaga
Do you feel like visiting Granada? We’ll give you suggestions, so you can choose the best means of transportation according to your needs.
Rent a car in Malaga
To visit Granada, you can rent a car at Malaga airport. This way you can explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Book on our website and choose the vehicle and dates. You can also add extras such as child seats or electric scooters. Indicate the flight number and number of passengers to formalize the reservation. You don’t need to pay in advance and you can cancel without cost. Book today and take advantage of our offers.
We also have rental motorcycles if you want to experience a two-wheeled adventure.
Other transportation options from Malaga to Granada
You can go to Granada by bus or train, with the latter perhaps being the most comfortable of the two.
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- By train: If you decide to go by train, it takes an average of 1h 49m to travel from Malaga to Granada by train, over a distance of around 89 km. There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Malaga to Granada and tickets for this journey start from €20.45 when you book in advance
- By bus: The average bus journey between Malaga and Granada takes 1h 46 m and the fastest bus takes 1h 30 m. The bus service runs several times per day from Malaga to Granada. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays. The price for a one-way ticket starts at €9
