Granada is one of those Spanish cities that feels both ancient and alive at the same time. It is home to grand palaces, narrow cobblestone streets, and flamenco echoing through cave homes. Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in southern Spain, Granada is rich in culture, history, and family-friendly experiences.
We spent a few days here on our Spain road trip with kids and loved how walkable and compact the city is. Here’s our full Granada with kids guide, where to stay, what to see, and the best things to do with children, from exploring the famous Alhambra to discovering Roma cave homes in Sacromonte.
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Where is Granada, Spain?
Granada is located in Andalusia, in southern Spain. It’s about 1.5 hours from Málaga by car or bus and roughly 4 hours from Madrid by high-speed train. And if you prefer to fly in, good news: Granada has its own airport, making it easy to connect from other cities in Spain or Europe.
Granada’s location near the Sierra Nevada Mountains makes it one of the few places in Europe where you can ski in the morning and enjoy tapas in the sun by afternoon.
Where to stay in Granada with kids
If you’re visiting Granada with kids, I recommend staying in the historic center or near Plaza Nueva for easy access to all the main attractions.
We stayed at Líbere Granada Catedral, an affordable modern apartment-style hotel that was perfect for our family. It had a kitchen and laundry, which made things so much easier with kids. Plus, it was within walking distance of the Granada Cathedral, Albaicín, and dozens of tapas bars.
Things to do in Granada, Spain, with kids
How to visit the Alhambra in Granada with kids
The Alhambra is the reason many people visit Granada, and yes, it’s worth the hype. This massive UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a royal palace and fortress of the Nasrid dynasty. Kids will love the towers and gardens, and older kids might be fascinated by the palace’s Islamic art and architecture.
Tips for visiting Alhambra in Granada with kids:
- Book your Alhambra tickets early; we reserved ours a month in advance.
- The Nasrid Palaces require a timed entry and often sell out well in advance, so booking early is essential. It’s crucial to arrive on time, as late arrivals may be denied entry. To avoid any stress, it’s recommended to arrive at the Alhambra complex at least one hour before your scheduled time slot to allow for security checks, walking between sites, and unexpected delays.
- The rest of the complex, including the Alcazaba, Partal, and Generalife gardens, can be visited at your own pace, anytime between 8:30 a.m. and closing on your date.
- Plan your route: allocate time for each section, and consider starting with Generalife Gardens and ending with the Nasrid.
- Bring snacks and water; the complex is large and takes a few hours to explore. We personally spent 4 hours!
- Highlights include the Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba fortress, and the intricate Palacios Nazaríes.
You must present the original ID card or passport to access the monumental complex in Alhambra, Granada.
Kids under 12 enter the Alhambra in Granada for free, but they still need a ticket. For daytime visits:
- Children ages 3–11 must have their tickets reserved at the time of purchase and booked together with the adults.
- Children ages 0–2 will receive their free ticket directly at the ticket office.
- If you’re visiting with more than 3 children, contact the Alhambra Call Center at +34 858 889 002 or use their live chat to book.
Visit the Catedral de Granada
Built on the site of a former mosque, the Granada Cathedral is a must-see. It’s the first Renaissance cathedral in Spain and a striking mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles.
The admission to the Cathedral de Granada is 7 euros per person! One of our favorite things about visiting sights and museums in Europe with your family is that most of the time, kids enter for free. In this case, kids under 12 enter the Catedral de Granada at no charge.
Even if your kids aren’t into architecture, they’ll be wowed by the sheer size of it, especially the high ceilings and stained-glass windows. It’s located right in the city center and doesn’t take long to visit.
Explore the Albaicín neighborhoods in Granada
Wandering through the Albaicín feels like stepping back in time. This old Moorish quarter is filled with narrow, winding alleys, whitewashed buildings, and panoramic views of the Alhambra from spots like Mirador de San Nicolás.
We had lunch at El Higo restaurant, a cozy tapas spot in the Albaicin with a relaxed, boho vibe. The shaded patio was perfect after our morning walk, and the kids’ menu was approved by our daughters.
From there, continue uphill into Sacromonte, the historic Roma (Gypsy) neighborhood famous for its cave homes and flamenco culture.
We really wanted to catch a flamenco show in Granada, it’s one of the most iconic experiences in town, but unfortunately, we ran out of time. If you’re planning, check out Zambra María la Canastera or Cuevas Los Tarantos, both located in Sacromonte and known for their intimate performances inside original caves.
Many shows start around 8:30–9:00 p.m., so if you’re visiting with younger kids, consider booking dinner beforehand or choosing an earlier time slot if available.
Visit the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte in Granada
Visit the open-air Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte, a small but engaging museum set inside original whitewashed cave homes carved into the hillside. Each room is set up to show what daily life looked like for the Roma families who lived here, complete with old tools, kitchenware, weaving looms, and even a traditional forge.
Our kids loved peeking into each cave and seeing how people once cooked, worked, and slept in these unique spaces. The museum also shares the history of flamenco in Sacromonte and how this area became the birthplace of the dance. Plus, the panoramic views of the Alhambra across the valley are absolutely stunning, worth the visit alone!
Ski in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Spain with kids
Yes, you can ski near Granada! The Sierra Nevada Mountains are just a 45-minute drive away, and the ski resort here is one of the highest in Europe.
Even if you’re not visiting Granada in winter, the mountains are worth exploring in warmer months too.
In winter: ski or snowboard at Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, which offers gear rentals, beginner areas, and lessons for kids.
In summer: hike in the surrounding trails or drive up to Güéjar Sierra, a small mountain village with local restaurants and scenic river walks.
Bottom line
Granada might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family trip to Spain, but it should be. Between its walkable size, rich culture, and one-of-a-kind experiences, such as cave homes and mountain day trips, it’s a destination that feels magical for all ages.
If you’re planning an Andalusia family itinerary, definitely carve out a few days for Granada with kids. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left, and your kids might just ask to come back.
