Gay Granada · City Guide

Granada

The capital city of the province of the same name and part of Andalusia. Granada is home to over 200,000 people and the heart of Spain's 13th largest urban area, with just under 500,000 people in the surrounding areas.

While Roman ruins give us a clue about the city's ancient history, it is the architecture leftover by the Moors that really stands out. In 711 the Moors invaded and completed the iconic Alhambra in the 14th Century. In 1492, the city was taken back by the Spanish, but the city was left with a great legacy of fantastic Islamic architecture.

Other than being one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, Granada is one of Spain's main University towns which gives the city a youthful buzz. Tourists can spend many hours sampling great food in the city's many restaurants, drinking fine wines in terrace bars and getting lost in its maze-like streets.

Gay Rights in Spain

For information about gay rights in Spain, please see our Gay Madrid City Guide page.

Gay Scene

Birthplace of the legendary queer poet Federico García Lorca, Granada does not really have much of a gay scene in comparison to other Spanish cities. All bars and clubs are welcoming of gay custom, but if you really need the company of other men there is a well-maintained sauna for you to visit.

In July there is a modest gay pride festival. It attracts from visitors from across Andalusia and a few visitors from overseas. In typical Spanish style, fiesta vibes prevail.

Getting to Granada

By plane

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) is a small airport located 15km west of Granada. It offers a few international services to desinations in the UK, France and Italy but mostly serves other airports in Spain.

From the airport you can take a bus into the city centre and tickets cost €2.90. The journey takes 45 minutes in total but that is to the end of the line- your stop may be nearer. Services run from 5.45am until 10.30pm with longer waiting hours at night.

Taxi firms from the nearby towns serve the airport and can be hailed from the airport. Queues shouldn't be too much of an issue but if time is of the essence you can book in advance. To the city centre, the journey should take around 30 minutes and cost around €30. Car hire is available at the airport.

Due to the limited services available at the airport in Granada, many visitors choose to fly to nearby Málaga Airport (AGP) which is the busiest airport in Andalusia. There is a direct bus link between the airport and Granada but can take in the region of 2 hours.

By train

Granada has its own train station but it is not well connected to over Spanish cities (other than Almeria). Antequera is the main point of arrival from other major Spanish cities and is connected to Granada by bus. Jounreys from Antequera into Granada take 1hour and 15 minutes and should be marked on your tickets.

Getting around Granada

On foot

In some ways, Granada is a great city to explore on foot- all of the major sights are in close proximity, and it offers great views. In others, not so great- winding streets that are easy to get lost in, scooters driving up side-streets, some extremely hilly areas (especially close to the Alhambra), dog excrement (mostly away from the main tourist spots).

By bus

Buses marked with a C cover the city centre of Granada and the main tourist sights. Journeys start at €1.20 but multi-journey tickets can be purchased to save money. Timetables for the lines are not available however if you are at a major stop there will be an electronic sign displaying next services/at smaller stops there is a text service.

By metro

Recently opened in September 2017, the Granada Metro currently operates 1 line that is mostly used by commuters. To travel you will need to purchase a Metropolitan card for an inexpensive price which can be topped up. Single journeys start at 82 cents.

Services run from 6.30am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and close at 2am on Friday nights. On weekends services start at 7.30am and finish at 2am on Saturday night and 11pm on Sunday. On holidays the services run more like weekend services and there can be disruptions to service on the day of football matches.

By taxi

Taxis can be hailed on the street at most places in Granada and there are taxi ranks throughout the city but its best to order in advance, especially in busy times. Prices can vary depending on the time of day or whether it's a weekend or holiday.

Where to Stay in Granada

For some of the best Granda hotel selections and great deals, visit our Gay Granada Hotels page.

Things to See & Do

The Alhambra - going to Granada and not seeing the Alhambra would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower! This Moorish Citadel is possibly the best preserved example of Islamic architecture in Spain. Entry price varies depending on what you want to see, but some parts are extremely popular so advance booking is advised.

Albayzín - situated on a hilltop opposite the Alhambra, this white-washed neighbourhood oozes character. Traditionally a Muslim neighbourhood, this area oozes character and has many boutiques selling North African trinkets and souvenirs.

Federico García Lorca Museum - a museum dedicated to one of Granada's gay sons. This museum, situated in beautiful grounds, was the summer residence of Federico García Lorca and his family. Here you can find out more about the poet's life until his murder by the fascists during the Spanish Civil War.

Royal Chapel of Granada - an ornate building constructed in the Isabelline style. This is the final resting place of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II who were endowed with the title of the Catholic Monarchs by the pope for their defence of the faith in Spain.

Mirador de San Nicolas - if you can't afford to actually go into the Alhambra, this is one of the best vantage spot to take a selfie. It does, however, get very popular with tourists and pick pockets have been known to operate in the area.

Parque de las Ciencias - an arresting modern building with a variety of intriguing interactive exhibitions inside. It has a special section dedicated to the Moorish scientists who once resided in the region.

Sacromonte - formerly the gypsy quarter of Granada, Sacromonte is known for its cacti and distinctive cave dwellings. It is also one of the best locations in Granada to take in some live flamenco dancing. 

Alcaiceria - market built in the distinctive Moorish style. A great place to buy gifts or souvenirs.

When to Visit

Due to its position in the mountains, Granada does not get as hot as neighbouring Seville and Cordoba but temperatures can reach the 40's. It doesn't get too busy in summer but spring and autumn visits mean that you're more likely to get tickets for the Alhambra. Winters are cool and wet and frost is common.

A wide range of events take place throughout the calendar in Granada. February 2nd is the feast day of Granada's patron saint San Cecilio and it is celebrated with a fantastic food festival. May 25th commemorates the execution of Granada's local heroine Mariana Pineda by Franco.

Money

Spain is a Euro area country. Cash dispensers are widely available. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Hotels, banks and some local businesses also operate foreign exchange desks.