As you cross Spain, mainly along the coast, beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, hills, and diverse types of fields will be unveiled. And the best way to explore the beauty of Spain as you make your way to Granada, is by a private car service like Daytrip.

You will be able to add your personal touch to your car trip from Barcelona and Granada by adding any sightseeing stops along the way, such as Tarragona, Valencia, or even the Caves of Villa rich in history from the Muslim period.

Granada's beginnings date back to the 8th century when the Moors established the city. Moving forward to the 13th and 15th centuries, the Alhambra was constructed, becoming one of the symbols of the city to this day. In 1492, the city was reclaimed from the Muslims, as Christians took over the territory. These events laid the foundation of Granada, shaping the city we know today, as it is reflected in Granada’s Moorish architecture and unique culture.

Despite Spain's historical ties to coffee and chocolate, Granada has a strong tea culture influenced by the Moors. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to sample Moroccan mint tea at one of the many teterías (tea rooms) which you can mostly find in the Albaicín neighborhood.

Granada is also a very tourist-friendly city. In comparison with other cities in Spain, it is not only relatively affordable but also walkable, with its main attractions located centrally. The best way to explore this Andalusian city is by wandering around with no set plan.

As you stroll around, you will find lovely cobblestoned streets, the emblematic white-washed houses from the Albaicín region, charming squares, flamenco bars, as well as the best cafes or teterías to relax and observe the surroundings after a long day of exploration.

Book your tickets to the Alhambra in advance

If you are planning to visit this fascinating palace, make sure you book your tickets online in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially in the peak season. You can also book a guided tour to learn more about its history.

Use the public transport card

Although Granada is a walkable city, it also has a well-connected public transport network. Consider purchasing the rechargeable Credibus card which might be handy if you want to explore more of the city.

From Barcelona to Granada by bus

If you travel by bus, make sure you choose a bus company that offers direct routes, as otherwise, you might end up spending more than 24 hours on the road. One of the best travel time and ticket price ratios is offered by the company ALSA with the lowest ticket prices starting from $99 (€93). The approximate travel time is around 13 hours.

If you don’t want to spend the day traveling, ALSA also offers overnight buses. They depart once a night (usually at 1 AM), but you will reach the destination in around 17 hours, as the route also includes a transfer to Valencia. Make sure you check the schedule of the buses on the official website.

From Barcelona to Granada by train

Another great option to reach Granada is by train. You can opt for either the regular or high-speed train. The lowest high-speed train tickets cost around $107 (€100). These trains are very fast, with a speed of 217 mph (350 kph), so the journey will take just around 6 hours and 26 minutes.

Renfe also offers direct long-distance night trains (Trenhotel), but these trains do not depart regularly. Make sure you check the schedule and prices online.

From Barcelona to Granada by plane

A quick and budget-friendly way to reach Granada is by plane. The flight company Vueling offers direct flights with quite cheap tickets for just $24 (€22), and the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Although going by plane might seem like a fast way to reach Granada, you should schedule your arrival at the airport 2 hours before departure and be prepared for potential delays.

From Barcelona to Granada by private car service

Although there are more cost-effective and quick ways of reaching Granada, none of these modes of transportation will give you the unique experience a private car service like Daytrip offers. With Daytrip, you are given the freedom to personalize your journey by choosing any sightseeing stops you wish to explore along the way.

One of the most intriguing stops you can make on your way from Barcelona to Granada is the Spanish port city of Tarragona, which is known for being home to an amphitheater that was built in the 2nd century AD. You will also not be disappointed by the town of Alarcón, where you can visit several historic buildings, such as the church of San Juan Bautista, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For some contrast, you can also explore the modern architecture of Valencia.

Daytrip offers several benefits, including an English-speaking local driver who will pick you up from your accommodation, help with your luggage, provide insider tips, and take you on an unforgettable 8-hour and 20-minute journey. Daytrip cars are spacious, clean, and comfortable, so you can relax and enjoy the ride without any worries!

Stroll around the Generalife Gardens

Located close to the Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens should be on your list! In the 13th century, it was a summer residence of the Nasrid dynasty rulers. These gardens are among the oldest Moorish gardens in Spain and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can combine your visit to Generalife Gardens with a tour of Alhambra.

Climb the San Nicolás viewpoint

Once you climb the Mirador de San Nicolás, which is one of the most famous viewpoints in Granada, you will be greeted with a magical view of the Alhambra palace with the Sierra Nevada mountains peeking from behind. It is known that the best sunsets in the city can be seen from this viewpoint!

Enjoy a flamenco show or relax at Arab baths

If you are searching for ideas on what to do in the evening, then attending a flamenco show should be at the top of your list, as the Andalusian region is the land of flamenco. There are several tablaos (flamenco clubs) you can choose from, but some of the best ones are Jardines de Zoraya, Cuevas los Tarantos, and Peña la Platería. You usually have to book a table, so make sure you make your reservation in advance!

After a long day of exploring, another great way to unwind is by relaxing at the Arab baths, which reflect Granada’s ties to Arabic influence. This experience has become an integral part of the city’s culture, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a serene atmosphere steeped in culture.

Try Granada’s cuisine

Granada is not only rich in history and culture but also in delicious cuisine which has been influenced over the centuries. Here are three dishes that you should add to your menu:

• Plato Alpujarreño: although the ingredients of this dish can vary, it is usually made of potatoes, fried eggs, ham, morcilla (blood sausage), and chorizo.
• Remojón Granadino: a refreshing salad perfect for the warm days in Granada. It is typically made of oranges, cod (although it can be replaced with tuna or anchovies), eggs, red peppers, garlic, and olives.
• Habas con Jamón: a very typical dish from Granada that is made of broad beans with ham, as the name suggests.

The best time to visit Granada is during the shoulder season when the sunlight is not as strong and there may be occasional rainfall to refresh you as you explore the city.

If you plan to visit in winter, keep in mind that due to its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada's higher altitude means there is a low chance it might even snow in the winter months.