So you’ve had your beachside vacation in Alicante, and now you’d like to head inland to Granada? This 215-mile (350-km) distance can be driven in 3.5 hours, but experienced travelers know that it's the journey that matters the most. In between Alicante and Granada, stop by the Palmeral of Elche, Tropolis, and Guadix, with still enough time for dinner in Granada once you arrive.
Leave the hassle of driving in a foreign country to the experts: locals. With Daytrip, your local driver will pick you up in Alicante for the trip of your dreams in southern Spain. Insured vehicles, English-speaking drivers, and the option to have handicapped-accessible vans or children’s car seats put your mind at ease so you can enjoy your transfer.
About Granada
You’ll notice a few differences as you head inland from Alicante to Granada. Andalusia has more Islamic architecture, desert landscapes, and is more sparsely populated than Alicante. Granada is in Andalusia, an autonomous community in the south of Spain. It is at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and 230,000 people call Granada home.
Granada has a strong Islamic and North African flair, thanks to the Moorish influence from the 8th to 15th centuries. Today, over 2 million people visit Granada every year to watch Flamenco shows, eat tapas, and walk through its vibrant neighborhoods.
From Alicante to Granada: travel tips
These travel tips go a long way to making your Alicante to Granada transfer the best part of your vacation!
### Leave Alicante early in the day
In Spain, the days are long and warm! Beat the heat (and the crowds at popular stops) by leaving early in the morning. Pack your bags the night before and have your outfit already planned.
### Dress for comfort
Speaking of outfits, choose loose-fitting clothes that allow air to circulate and keep the sun off your skin. Natural fibers like linen are far more comfortable than synthetics—and make sure to include sunglasses and a hat!
How to get from Alicante to Granada
Southern Spain is still improving its mass transit connections between cities. The fastest and most convenient way between Alicante and Granada is by private car. Read more to see all your transportation options.
### Alicante to Granada with a private car service
Leave the driving to the local experts while you’re on vacation. Daytrip helps you enjoy all the perks of renting a car without any of the annoyance. You can do your trip on your schedule without having to worry about traffic laws, getting an international license, or refueling.
In Alicante, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you all over the Spanish countryside to the towns and landmarks you’d like to visit. Once you’ve seen it all, they will get you safely to your hotel in Granada—and even help with your luggage!
### Alicante to Granada by bus
Alsa operates the only direct bus between Alicante and Granada. It takes about 5 hours, and tickets are $30-$40 (€27.60-€36.80). You are allowed one piece of luggage per passenger. The bus will take you to the main bus station in Granada, and from there, you can take public transit or a taxi to your hotel.
### Alicante to Granada by train
To get to Granada by train, you will need to transfer multiple times, so it is not the best way to travel through southern Spain. High-speed rail is slowly being implemented across the country, but until then, go with a bus or private car for this trip. If you have the entire day free and want to travel by train, expect the trip to take 7.5-9 hours and cost between $80-$150 (€73.70-€138).
Things to do when you get to Granada
After your trip from Alicante to Granada, you’ll want a good night’s rest before hitting the cobblestone streets to trek to these top landmarks.
### Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens
Easily Granada’s most recognizable landmark, the Alhambra Palace is a metaphor of Moorish influence in Andalusia. This UNESCO World Heritage site sits above Granada and is a prime example of Hispano-Muslim architectural techniques. The arches, columns, and intricate tiles decorate the fortress, and the Generalife Gardens bring greenery to the otherwise arid surroundings.
### The Cathedral of Granada and Monastery of Saint Jerome
If Alhambra Palace is an ode to Spain’s Muslim heritage, then the Cathedral of Granada is for the Catholic side of the family. Just a ten-minute walk from the Alcaiceria market, you can see impeccable examples of the Spanish Renaissance style of architecture.
### Flamenco tablaos
Flamenco’s impact in Granada cannot be understated. This art form developed over centuries due to influences from the Gitano (Romani) people. At a tablao, you can expect singing, clapping, instrumental shows, and, of course, dancing. Some tablaos even do dinner-and-a-show style events. If you’ll be in Granada for at least a week, try to find short-term classes for you and a partner!
### Take a hike in the Sierra Nevada National Park
The Sierra Nevada National Park is very close to Granada and a great day trip out of the city. See the raw Andalusian countryside on the biking and hiking trails. You can even go skiing in the winter at the southernmost ski resort in Europe!
When is the best time to visit Granada
Granada has great weather all year round, so when you visit is entirely up to you! If you are making a trip from Alicante to Granada, you are probably visiting in the summer. One thing to keep in mind is Granada is not on the coast, so you won’t have the nice breeze off the ocean you had in Alicante–temperatures can be as hot as 92°F (33°C).
Spring and fall are great options if you are sensitive to the heat and sun. These seasons have a lower UV index and milder temperatures––averaging around 74°F (23°C). There will also be fewer crowds than in the busy summer months.
Yes, high-speed trains go to Granada, but mostly from the capital of Madrid. There is currently no high-speed, or even direct, train from Alicante to Granada. Expect your train journey to take 7 to 9 hours and cost $80-$150 (€73.70-€138).
The E15 and 92N highways make the drive from Alicante to Granada fairly easy to navigate. Expect the journey to take 3.5 hours by car and anywhere from 5 to 9 hours by bus and train. Flights are not really an option between these cities, as they require a transfer in Madrid.
Yes, Granada is very safe. However, you should still keep your belongings close to you and avoid dark, secluded places. The most common crimes are petty theft and pickpocketing, so keep your phone out of your back pocket and your bags zipped shut.
Andalusia is an autonomous community in the south of Spain. Each city has its own unique atmosphere and claims to fame, so visit a few of them! The most popular are Murcia, Lorca, Granada, and Sevilla. Visit the “White Towns” of Andalusia and go hiking in the Sierra Nevada as well.
Train and bus connections between Alicante and Granada are tricky to manage, especially with luggage. For the fastest and most convenient trip, take a private car. The trip will take about 5 hours by car but 5 to 9 hours by bus or train.
Granada and Alicante are about 215 miles (350 km) apart. You can drive this distance in about 3.5 hours. Traveling by train or bus will take longer, between 5 and 9 hours. For the most up-to-date average travel times, check weather and traffic maps before departure.
沿途参观这些景点
埃尔赫棕榈园
This UNESCO site is the largest palm grove in Europe, transformed into an orchard under Muslim rule. Prehistoric Dating
穆尔西亚
This medieval Moorish city combines historic architecture with some of the best food in the country. Medieval Munchies
洛尔卡
With its slew of ornate buildings Lorca earned its nickname, “the baroque city”, and is considered one of the most important Baroque heritage sites in the region. The Baroque City
韦莱斯-布兰科城堡
Well-fortified with a Renaissance flair, this 16th century castle is so exemplary that its original patio is on display at the Met. Beauty and Brawn
特罗波利斯
Housed in a series of caves, Trópolis features interesting and interactive exhibits and workshops discussing the vibrant history of the Guadix area. Dig into History
瓜迪克斯
One of Guadix’s most charming sites is the elaborate network of whitewashed homes carved into the surrounding hillsides. Carved in Stone
"We had a wonderful drive from Alicante to Granada. Our driver, Rafael was professional, courteous, and prompt. Unfortunately, we were unaware when we booked the trip that it was Espana Day and the street in front of our hotel, our designated pick up spot, was closed. Rafael called our hotel to alert us to the issue and then assisted us in carrying two very large suitcases to his car, which he conveniently parked around the corner. He then proceeded to navigate us around all the road blocks in Alicante and we arrived on time in Granada. Rafael even picked out a wonderful roadside restaurant/hotel for us to stop at for a quick meal and to use the facilities. My highest compliments to Rafael and your service. While it is pricey, it is well worth the cost. We will use your service again next time we need a car ride somewhere in Europe. Thank you Rafael and Daytrip. Sincerely, Craig
"
Craig D.
United States
2022年8月1日
"Thank you for the professional and pleasant trip from Alicante to Granada. The driver David A. was courteous, very helpful and very safe. I will definitely use your services again when in Spain
"
