Today we want to show you the 13 viewpoints in Granada that we like the most and that we usually recommend to tourists (if you’re not a tourist, check out this post because you’re probably missing some).
As you well know, Granada is a city that never stops surprising with its corners. Wherever you look, you’ll always come across part of its history, nature, and unique architecture. Today’s post is dedicated to its viewpoints, as it has some that could easily be World Heritage Sites.
If you’re coming to the city and looking to take the perfect photo of the Alhambra or just take a walk through the city, discover its corners and contemplate the city from a different view, here’s the definitive guide to the 13 essential viewpoints of the city of the Alhambra.
The classic viewpoints you can’t miss
1. San Nicolás Viewpoint
If you come to Granada, you can’t leave without seeing the famous San Nicolás Viewpoint, the king of viewpoints. In fact, during a visit by Bill Clinton, he said he saw “the most beautiful sunset in the world” there. Here you can contemplate the most iconic view of the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada in the background. Prepare yourself for the atmosphere: improvised flamenco and lots of people.
2. San Cristóbal Viewpoint
And another of the best viewpoints in Granada, possibly with fewer people than the San Nicolás Viewpoint, is San Cristóbal. It’s located in the highest part of the Albaicín. Right next to it you have our Albaicín flamenco tablao. It’s perfect if you want a panoramic view that includes not only the Nasrid palace, but also the Zirí wall and a unique view of the most modern part of the city.
The hidden viewpoints of Albaicín and Sacromonte
3. La Churra Viewpoint
Another of the city’s emblematic viewpoints, it’s located right at the foot of the Alhambra, in the Churra neighborhood, hence its peculiar name. It’s an intimate and less-traveled balcony, ideal for appreciating the details of the towers and the vegetation of Sabika hill.
4. Los Carvajales Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located in the lower part of the Albaicín. What makes this place different is that you can look at the Alhambra from bottom to top, which accentuates its majesty. It’s also less famous and usually has fewer tourists.
5. La Tomasa Viewpoint
It’s near San Nicolás and is a quieter option. It offers a similar perspective but with a private garden atmosphere and serenity that’s appreciated during peak hours.
6. Vereda de Enmedio Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located in the heart of Sacromonte. You can contemplate the Alhambra in profile, flanked by the caves and characteristic agaves of the gypsy neighborhood. This viewpoint represents the purest essence of the city.
7. Lavadero de la Plaza del Sol Viewpoint
A little-known but spectacular corner. It’s a former meeting point for washerwomen. Today you can get a privileged view of the rooftops of the Albaicín and the Cathedral.
Viewpoints with breathtaking views
8. San Miguel Alto Viewpoint
It’s located at the highest point of the city. Although getting there on foot requires extra effort (you can also drive up), it will be well worth it, I assure you: you’ll see Granada literally at your feet. It’s the locals’ favorite spot to watch the sunset with a beer.
9. Silla del Moro Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located in the Dehesa del Generalife. In ancient times it was a watchtower. You can see the entire city, the Darro valley, and the Alhambra complex from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Viewpoints that are corners with history
10. La Lona Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located near the Dar al-Horra Palace. Unlike the previous viewpoints, this one looks toward modern Granada and the Vega. It’s the ideal place to see another perspective of the city, and truly see its expansion beyond its ancient walls.
11. Alixares Viewpoint
It’s one of the most beautiful and least-known viewpoints. It’s near the hotels in the upper area, and has a different view of the Generalife Gardens and the southern part of the city.
12. Torreón Cenador de la Cartuja Viewpoint
A magical and also little-known corner. It’s near the Cartuja Monastery. It offers a view of the northern part of the city and the majesty of the surrounding baroque architecture.
13. Torres Bermejas Viewpoint
To finish, we wanted to highlight this military bastion, which offers a unique view of the Realejo (the old Jewish quarter) and a side perspective of the Nasrid Palaces that few get to see.
Our advice: If you’ve come for a short time, it’s better to do the route at sunset. The stone of the Alhambra changes color, going from golden to deep pink in a matter of minutes.
And you know, if you’re from the city of Granada and you still haven’t seen some of these viewpoints, what are you waiting for? Get your camera and comfortable shoes ready and enjoy your city.
