Malaga to Granada Day Trip: How to Get There, Best Tours & Top Tips!

Need help planning your Malaga to Granada day trip? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know to plan the perfect Granada day tour from Malaga. Including how to get to Granada, what to do once there, best tours, where to stay and more.

Being the home of the famous Alhambra, it’s no surprise that Granada is so popular. But the iconic palace isn’t the only thing to do in Granada, there’s also a lively city centre with historical buildings to discover.

You could spend weeks in Granada and not see it all, which is why this guide focuses on what you can do during a day tour. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning your perfect Malaga to Granada day tour!

About Granada

Granada is famed for its long history as an Islamic stronghold in Andalusia.

Surrounded by mountains, the area has long been an important settlement — the Iberians, Romans, and Visigoths ruled the city before the Umayyad invasion of Spain in the 8th century.

It was ruled by various dynasties, from the 11th-century Almoravids and then Almohads until the Nasrid dynasty took over, forming the Emirate of Granada in the 13th century.

Then in 1492, the emirate surrendered to re-conquering Catholic forces. The Islamic influence is strong in Granada, with many historic monuments pointing back to the centuries of Moorish rule — not least the iconic Alhambra.

How to get to Granada from Malaga

If you’re wondering How to get from Malaga to Granada, don’t worry: there are several different options for you to choose from…

By car

Two major roads make up the journey from Malaga to Granada by car: firstly the A-7 and then the A-44 motorway. Pretty straightforward, and the route takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to drive (132 kilometres).

But this does mean that a day trip from Malaga to Granada takes around 4 hours of driving time if you want to get there by car.

By train / public transport

Is there a train from Malaga to Granada? There sure is! Getting from Malaga to Granada by train is relatively simple. Direct trains between the two cities run regularly throughout the day, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Prices vary, with tickets costing from 23 Euros, and fast trains that cut the journey by around 30 minutes are also available (more expensive though).

With a tour

Travelling to Granda from Malaga by taking a tour might be the most expensive way to do it, but it’s also the easiest. You won’t have to worry about working out schedules, getting to and from the station, or missing the train. 

You can book a private tour like this one, but it will obviously be more pricey.

You could also book yourself onto one of these classic big bus tours. Yes, you’ll be sharing with lots of people, but they’re well-organised and feature a guide for the whole day, plus it’s much cheaper than a private tour.

Tours to Granada from Malaga can be pretty fun, but mostly they really take the hassle out of any travel arrangements you’d otherwise have to consider. 

Check out prices & availability for a private Malaga to Granada tour here, or for a classic big bus shared tour here!

What to see in Granada in one day

Alhambra

The Alhambra is easily the most famous sight to be seen in Granada. Not only that but it’s also considered one of the most significant historic Islamic sites in the world.

Impressively set on the dramatic heights of the Sierra Nevada, the opulent palace complex started out as a defensive fortress.

But since it was first built in the 9th century, additions have been made — notably by the Nasrids in the 13th century, who changed the Alhambra into the sprawling place it is today.

There are various sights to see within the Alhambra complex. It really needs at least a day for exploration. At the heart of the fortress lies the Nasrid Palaces.

This was where everything from administration and private residences could be found.

The Palace of the Lions is another must-see within Alhambra. It was built in the 14th century by Muhammad V. You can see lavish palatial rooms and courtyards adorned with marble lions (hence the name!).

Here you’ll also find the Nasrid summer estate, the Generalife. Elegantly laid out with courtyards, waterways, fountains, and staircases, it’s a feast for the eyes.

There’s so much more to see at the Alhambra, so it’s worth carving out time to see it properly (admission €19; opening hours 8:30AM to 8PM).

If you join a guided tour from Malaga, the guide will already be included. However if you arrange your own day trip, you’ll have to purchase Alhambra entrance tickets. While you can visit it independently, I highly recommend booking a tour.

It’s a huge sprawling complex with a rich history, and visiting the Alhambra with a local guide who can tell you details about its history will be a much more enriching experience.

If you opt to do your own thing, make sure to purchase fast track entrance tickets. The Alhambra is a must-see on everyone’s Spain bucket list, save time by purchasing a ticket beforehand!

Click here to purchase your Alhambra entrance ticket, or click here to purchase your entrance ticket + guided tour!

Catedral de Granada

This Renaissance structure took over 200 years to be built, from 1523 to 1704. It was built on the site of what was originally the city’s mosque.

Originally the cathedral was supposed to be Gothic in style, but over the centuries that it took to build, styles and tastes changed, resulting in a Renaissance layout with a Baroque facade.

One of the biggest cathedrals in Spain, the enormous building feels utterly cavernous when you step inside. A must-visit! Entry costs 6EUR and it’s open from 10AM to 6:15PM.

Stroll around Albayzin (or Albaicin)

Located on the slopes of the hill leading to the palatial Alhambra, this district is the old Moorish heart of the city.

The historic neighbourhood is a must-visit for those who want to get a glimpse of what life was like in Spain under Arab rule.

Here you’ll find narrow lanes to wander, the remains of medieval fortifications, and even a handful of well-preserved buildings like El Bañuelo; the remains of a hammam (bathhouse), complete with arches and pillars.

Much of the bathhouse was built using marble and stone taken from Roman and other structures in the city.

Sacromonte Caves Museum

In the neighbouring district of Sacromonte, you’ll find this fascinating museum. Set among 11 surviving homes built into the hillside itself, it was here that the city’s Roma community lived.

But the caves have long been used by Granada’s marginalised communities such as Jewish people and later Muslim populations after the Reconquista.

Today the interesting dwellings are arranged to evoke a sense of typical life during their occupation by Roma communities. It’s 5EUR to enter and is open from 10AM to 8PM.

Eat at Mercado San Agustín

Get your fill of local culinary delights at the San Agustin Market. Situated right in the centre of Granada, near the cathedral, the colourful marketplace is home to a mouthwatering choice of food vendors.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating, so simply take your pick, grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere for your lunch break. It’s open from 9AM to 3PM.

Best tours to Granada from Malaga

Private Alhambra Tour From Malaga & Surrounds

Join this private tour for a comprehensive Malaga to Alhambra day trip. Leave Malaga on this 6-hour tour and visit the Alhambra (skip-the-line ticket included) with an art historian guide leading the way.

It’s a really personal tour, so a great option if you don’t want a busy bus tour.

Click here to purchase your private Malaga to Granada day tour!

From Malaga: Granada Full-Day Trip with Alhambra

On the other side of the coin, this is a classic big bus tour with lots of people. But it’s well organised and you’ll have a guide for the whole day.

The tour includes skip-the-line tickets for the Alhambra and other sites. You’ll also get some free time to explore the city, so you can head out and grab a delicious local lunch before joining the tour again.

Click here to book your shared big bus Malaga to Granada day trip!

From Malaga: Alhambra Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

This 8-hour full-day tour offers up the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of Granada. You’ll be collected from a central meeting point in Malaga, then relax on a comfy ride to the city.

On arrival, you’ll be guided around the Alhambra and get an in-depth insight into the architecture, take in views of the watchtower, and stroll among tranquil gardens.

Check out prices & availability for your guided tour of the Alhambra from Malaga!

Click here to book your Alhambra & Granada private tour from Malaga!

This Malaga to Granada day tour embarks via minivan to the wonders of the Moorish city.

Take a guided tour of the Alhambra and see all the main sights of the Islamic palace complex. There’s also free time to explore the city before being whisked back to Malaga.

Click here to see prices & availability for your private Malaga to Granada day tour!

Is doing a day trip from Malaga to Granada worth it?

Yes and no. I would definitely say that Granada and the Alhambra are well worth visiting, but maybe not on a day trip to Granada from Malaga.

The issue is the travel times involved. It’s around a 2-hour journey from Malaga to Granada, meaning you’ll be travelling around 4 hours in one day.

On a train or tour bus, it’s doable, but still quite long. We did it as a day trip and were pretty tired on the bus back to Malaga. Especially if you’re driving yourself, it adds up to quite a lot of driving in one day.

I would say that it’s much better to travel from Malga to Granada, and actually stay in the city at least one night, and see more of the city itself (there’s a lot to take in here), not just the Alhambra.

Where to stay to visit Granada?

Obviously the best choice would be somewhere in Granada, but since this article is about visiting Granada on a day trip from Malaga, I have included options for all budgets in both Malaga and Granada.

In Malaga

Budget – Hotel Don Curro: The colourful and contemporary Hotel Don Curro is perfectly situated in the centre of Malaga. It’s a warm and welcoming place to stay, with spotlessly clean rooms, on-site restaurant & bar, and also room service.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Don Curro in Malaga!

Mid-range – Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano: Just a stone’s throw from the Roman Theatre, this mid-range hotel provides a home away from home when you’re staying in Malaga, without breaking the bank. 

Check out prices & availability at Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano in Malaga here!

Luxury – Molina Lario: If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. Their rooftop pool with cathedral views is simply stunning! 

Don’t miss out, click here to book your stay at Molina Lario in Malaga!

In Granada

Budget: Smart Suites Albaicin – These affordable suites are perfect if you want to stay somewhere modern and nice with Alhambra views, but without breaking the bank.

Click here to book your stay at Smart Suites Albaicin!

Mid-range: Palacio de Santa Inés – Set in a 16th Century building, this property is simply gorgeous for a very affordable mid-range price.

Click here to see prices & availability at Palacio de Santa Ines!

Luxury: Shine Albayzín – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. This property has a traditional inner courtyard, modernly refurbished bedrooms and Alhambra views. What more do you need?

Click here to book your stay at Shine Albayzin in Granada!

How to get around Granada

Buses are a good way to get around. They run from 6AM to midnight; tickets cost 1.20 EUR (a travel card reduces this to 0.79 EUR). Night buses (numbers 111 and 121) run between midnight and 6AM (fares 1.30 EUR).

There’s also the Granada Metro. Opened in 2017, it’s just one line with 26 stops, and a single ticket costs 1.35 EUR. A one-day tourist ticket costs 4.50 EUR and gets you unlimited travel.

The metro in Granada runs from 6:30AM to 11PM on weekdays, and; 7:30AM to 2AM weekends.

Do you need travel insurance to visit Granada?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on doing a Malaga to Granada day trip

There you have it, the ultimate guide to doing a day trip to Granada from Malaga! Have you been to Granada before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I visited Granada twice, once as part of a wider Andalusia itinerary where we stayed overnight in Granada, and once on a day trip from Malaga. While I enjoyed both, I personally think it’s better to stay in Granada instead of doing a day trip.

Granada is a beautiful city, with lots of things to do and places to see. There is more to it than simply rocking up, spending a few hours in the Alhambra and then heading back to the beaches of Malaga.

To me, it’s on the same level as other famous Spanish destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca and Tenerife, where people often spend days if not weeks.

Obviously it doesn’t have the same type of attractions, like the beaches of Mallorca, hikes of Tenerife or Instagrammable spots of Barcelona, but it has so many fascinating historical and culture corners to discover.

Instead of doing a day trip from Malaga, I suggest then travelling on to Cordoba and Seville, and going for a full on Andalusia road trip.

That said, this article was meant to be a guide for those who have no option but visiting Granada on a day trip from Malaga. As such, I hope it answered any questions you might have on the topic! 

Enjoyed reading about how to get from Malaga to Granada for a day trip? Pin it!