Visiting Granada Spain in winter is very different from other Andalusian cities, especially because the temperatures are way colder than for example in Malaga or Marbella in Costa del Sol.
Yet, there are many reasons to visit Granada in winter.
The cool temperatures give a special touch to the cobbled streets in the historical center, lit up with Christmas lights and people chatting energetically in bars and restaurants.
Winter in Granada is perfect for indulging in sweet treats and taking in spectacular views of snowcapped mountains.
Even though I’m not a big fan of the cold, I always enjoy the Granada winter vibes and it’s easily one of my favorite times of the year to visit the city.
In this guide, I’ll go through the top reasons to visit Granada in the winter as well as everything you need to know before planning your trip.
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Table of Contents
Reasons to visit Granada in winter
The views of Alhambra are spectacular
The views of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra from the city are nothing short of spectacular. With the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountain range as a backdrop, it’s easy to forget that you’re in southern Spain. I admit that these views don’t get any better than in winter.
For the best view, head to the Mirador de San Nicolás where there’s a large square with the church of the same name and spectacular views of the Alhambra complex.
The viewpoint is set in the historic Albayzin neighborhood, so it’s a natural stop on your itinerary.
If you choose to visit the Alhambra itself, be ready to explore a mesmerizing blend of Spanish and Moorish history. The complex is a combination of palaces, fortresses, and beautifully groomed gardens.
Note that you need to pre-book tickets to the Alhambra as they sell out quickly. To get a more immersive visit, I highly recommend this guided tour of the complex.
👉BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF ALHAMBRA
You can go skiing
Granada also offers you the unique opportunity to combine culture with thrilling outdoor adventures like snowshoeing or skiing in Sierra Nevada.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Granada, Sierra Nevada offers an incredible Granada winter wonderland for all skiing enthusiasts.
There are slopes catering to all levels, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier. You can also take classes with local instructors if you’re a complete newbie.
In the village, there are cozy mountain lodges, restaurants, and bars to enjoy after a long day on the slopes.
My favorite thing is the views! Endless white mountain views make it feel unreal that you’re just a couple of hours from Costa del Sol where people are dipping their toes in the sea.
Visit the Christmas Markets
One of the best things to do in Granada in winter is to browse the Christmas Markets for gifts and trinkets.
At the heart of the city, you will find one of the most enchanting markets, Plaza Bib-Rambla, which is located near the cathedral.
I love this market as it has pretty much everything from Christmas decorations and locally made crafts to nativity scene figurines (which I’ve been pretty much obsessed with since I was a kid.)
Other Christmas Markets worth checking out are Puerta Real de España, Carrera de la Virgen, and Plaza Romanilla.
Make sure you try some traditional Christmas treats like Turrón, glazed almonds, and Polverones to snack on while you walk around.
I highly recommend this festive walking tour of Granada so you don’t miss out on the best spots.
Enjoy the Christmas lights in the Old Town
The enchanting holiday spirit that the Albaicin neighborhood in Granada’s Old Town carries is second to none. I’m sure I’m not the only one to fall in love with the festive vibes that a Granada Spain winter holiday entails.
Whether you are exploring the ancient cobblestone streets or just enjoying a festive meal at the local tavern, the Christmas lights in the Albaicin neighborhood and Old Town give extra warmth to the city – which is very welcomed on a cold winter evening.
Go hiking in the lower Sierra Nevada
When the higher sides of Sierra Nevada are blanked in snow during winter in Granada Spain, lower altitudes are perfect for hiking.
One of the most captivating hikes that is just a short bus drive from Granada is Los Cahorros de Monachil. This is a fun hike all year round with hanging bridges and challenging sections through the narrowest parts of the gorge.
If you don’t fancy going alone, I highly recommend this group tour from Granada.
For a less challenging hike, try the Acequia de Fuente del Avellano, which follows an ancient irrigation channel, or the Dehesa del Generalife which can both be hiked directly from the city.
Ring in the New Year with 12 grapes
Do not miss the chance to experience New Year’s Eve eating the traditional grapes for good luck that Spain is so known for.
The twelve grapes of luck is a custom that involves eating one grape each time the clock chimes on the 12 last seconds leading up to midnight, symbolizing twelve months of joy and prosperity.
This communal and delightful experience is filled with cheers, laughter, and the sweet crunch of grapes.
Each grape is consumed with a resolution or wish for the corresponding month, adding a heartfelt touch to the ritual.
But trust me, you gotta be fast because one grape a second easily leaves you with 9 grapes in the mouth by the end of the countdown!
This also means it’s better to know already what you’re planning to wish for each month because I never manage to get through that with each grape.
At midnight, there are fireworks outside the Town Hall at Plaza del Carmen!
Explore the nativity scenes
Spain is famous for its nativity scenes and Granada is no different. There are several nativity scenes you can see throughout the city, starting with the one in the Town Hall.
One of my favorites is the one in the courtyard of Casa Jaen, but you can do like the Spanish and walk a “Ruta de Belenes,” basically meaning Route of the nativity scenes, if you want to see as many as possible.
Experience the Reyes Parades
The Spanish celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January on Epiphany. This is when the three wiser kings brought presents to the Baby Jesus.
On the evening of the 5th of January, the streets of Granada fill up with people watching the Three Kings’ Parade, also known as Cabalgata de Reyes.
The parade is filled with music, colorful costumes, and decorated floats that fill the streets with festive cheer. The participants in the parade also have tons of candy that they throw out for eager spectators to collect (get ready to fight for candy with people of all ages!)
The end of the parade includes the Three Wise Men who traditionally are the ones bringing gifts to Spanish children.
Take advantage of the January sales
If you’re all about shopping, make sure you wait for the January sales, which begin after Epiphany on January 7th.
Note that if the 6th happens on a Sunday, the Spanish will move their public holiday to the coming Monday (the celebrations still happen on the 6th) so all shops will be closed on Monday 7th of January, and not open until Tuesday 8th.
Whether you are hunting for locally crafted souvenirs, fashion-forward finds, or just a new addition to your home décor, the January sales are an excellent opportunity to snag deals and take home a piece of Granada.
Try traditional Christmas sweets
If you’re all about Christmas sweets and cakes, this is for you! Spain has a lot of delectable Christmas treats to try.
Turron is one of the most popular Christmas treats. It’s traditionally made of honey, almonds, and a hint of citrus to leave you with a crunchy, brittle, smooth bite.
But nowadays, there are hundreds of different Turron types, from chocolate to caramel and lemon – with or without nuts. Whatever you prefer, I’m sure you’ll find a favorite.
You can also try Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake filled with candied fruits. Traditionally, there was a bean inside the cake, but these days it’s usually a figurine of a king. Whoever gets the figurine in the Roscón de Reyes will be king for the day.
For a truly unique experience, venture into the historic monasteries of the city where nuns sell exquisite homemade sweets called Monjas (Spanish for Nuns.)
The perfect time of the year for Churros and Chocolate
Winter in Granada is the best time of the year to indulge in hot chocolate and churros. There is no better way to treat your taste buds and warm up than ordering a plate of churros and a cup of thick chocolate.
Churros are long, golden-fried dough sticks that are crispy on the outside and amazingly soft on the inside.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Churros con Chocolate, but I don’t know a single person who doesn’t go crazy about them, so I have accepted that I’m the minority in this case.
Does it snow in Granada Spain?
Before we continue, let’s stop for a moment to answer the question I get the most when it comes to winter in Granada Spain.
Does it snow in Granada Spain?
Well, it happens. In the city itself, it doesn’t snow very often, and when it does, it’s usually not a lot of snow. Personally, I’ve never experienced it.
But you don’t have to go far to experience snow, as the ski resort of Sierra Nevada is only a 50-minute drive away.
And there, I’ve experienced snow more than once. In fact, I wasn’t really sure how to get my car down once as I didn’t have chains for my wheels.
It is pretty magical, and if you’re in luck, you might even experience a light snowfall over Granada’s cobblestoned streets and old Moorish buildings.
Granada Spain winter weather
Now that we’ve cleared that, we can look closer at Granada’s winter weather. Granada gets cold in winter and compared to other Andalusian cities on lower altitudes, it can feel biting cold.
While snowfall isn’t very common and temperatures rarely go below zero, rain and wind can make the felt temperature lower than the actual temperature. It’s also quite common with frosty mornings from December to February.
That said, you can enjoy walking around the city and visiting Alhambra even on a rainy day. Granada winter temperatures generally mean you must dress warmer than other places in Andalucia in winter.
What to pack for a Granada winter break
Due to the cool temperatures in winter, Granada requires a heavier packing list than elsewhere in Andalucia. First of all, you must bring an umbrella, but I also recommend wearing warm shoes and a coat.
I’m usually just wearing trainers or Converse all year but in Granada the cold bites through.
Here are the basics to pack (other than toiletries and the obvious):
- Jacket
- Warm, comfortable shoes
- Umbrella
- Beanie
- Skarf
- Mittens
- Sweater
- Long pants
Where to stay in Granada Spain in winter
When looking for where to stay in Granada in winter, I usually recommend staying around the old town of Albaycín, especially if you only have a day in Granada or two.
This gives you the opportunity to walk to all the top attractions, including the Alhambra and the cave houses.
It is also great to stay in the modern center of Granada, where you can walk to Albaycín or take the bus in no time.
Here are my top picks for hotels in Granada for every budget.
LUXURY: Parador de Granada – Set inside the Alhambra complex, you will stay in a 15th-century convent with a restaurant, family rooms, private parking, and facilities for disabled guests.
MID-RANGE: Áurea Catedral by Eurostars Hotel – a modern and stylish hotel with family rooms and a restaurant on site. It also has private parking.
BUDGET: Palacio de Santa Inés – set in a 16th-century palace in Albaicín, this is a beautiful place to stay with an Andalusian courtyard. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within a short walking distance.
Reflections on winter in Granada
Summed up, Granada in winter is a great experience that will stay with you for years to come. I love the vibe of the city, the old meets the ultimate holiday spirit and the cold gets warmed up by the festive lights and the wonderful people.
If you’re looking for a cultural and historical destination with a sprinkle of snow, Granada is a fabulous Andalusian place to visit.
Happy travels!