Holidays in Granada

Granada, with its Moorish influence, is a jewel that deserves to be explored: strolling along the cobbled streets of the authentic Arab quarter of El Albaicin, or visiting the caves of Sacromonte; enjoying the tapas in the traditional bars in the city, or going through the several lookouts across the city. And, once every nook and cranny has been explored, what comes next is a visit to the small villages of the region, such as the ones in Las Alpujarras or the Lecrín valley.

ALPUJARRAS

This is one of the most visited regions in the province of Granada. La Alpujarra, isolated and hard to reach for centuries, has been kept virtually unspoilt, giving the impression that time doesn’t pass here. The white houses of the quiet small villages in the region spill over the green hillsides against the large valleys and woods of the area. Having the magnificent Sierra Nevada as an incomparable backdrop, this postcard picture provides only a rough idea of the peace and authenticity that the Alpujarras region can offer to its visitors. Additionally, its great location between the mountains and the sea allows for a short trip to the Costa Tropical to enjoy the villages and beaches of the coast.

COSTA TROPICAL

Located between Costa del Sol and Costa de Almeria, Costa Tropical holds a privileged position that has the best conditions to enjoy excellent holidays. Its Mediterranean position (near Sierra Nevada on the north, and Africa on the south), creates a subtropical microclimate with 320 days of sun per year and an average temperature of 20ºC. The landscape of this area is shaped by cliffs, coves and long beaches, along with many coastal villages such as Almuñécar, Salobreña or Motril, which offer a wide range of possibilities, from visiting beaches to practicing different water sports, to simply strolling along the traditional villages in the area to relax in this unique area of Spain, with the chance of visiting others such as the Lecrin valley, only half an hour away from the Costa Tropical.

LECRIN VALLEY

Just halfway between the city of Granada and the coast, this valley is a fascinating green area located at the foot of Sierra Nevada mountains. Away from the rush of the Costa Tropical (which tends to be more touristy), this quiet region is made up of 8 municipalities (which are, in turn, made up of 17 villages): Albuñuelas, Dúrcal, El Padul, El Pinar, El Valle, Lecrín, Nigüelas and Villamena. The natural beauty of the Lecrín valley, its villages and orchards, make for a great place to spend some quiet and relaxing holidays.

In fact, Granada´s diversity in climates and landscapes, graced with an excellent balance of sunny days, makes it, according to the World Health Organization, one of the healthiest places to live, precisely thanks to its weather throughout the year.

It has a continentalized Mediterranean climate in most of the territory, but there is also a mountain climate in the highest parts, and a subtropical climate on the coast.

Weather in this region is remarkably scarce in rainfall - it has 3,300 hours of sun per year in comparison to London’s 1,400. The bulk of the rainfall is concentrated around the months of November, March and April, not reaching 200mm during the rest of the year.

CLIMATE IN THE DIFFERENT REGIONS OF GRANADA

GRANADA CITY

Granada´s capital maintains a very balanced thermal average throughout the year, as its interstate 19º C represents. However, this average is achieved with strong spikes of deviation, since it is not unusual to reach records close to 40º C in July and August, as well as sub-zero minimums in January and February.

ALPUJARRAS

The valleys and high mountains of Las Alpujarras between Granada and the Costa Tropical give you two different climates. Just a half an hour’s drive separates the orange and lemon trees of the Low Alpujarra from the highest villages in Spain, where snow can fall in winter. 

This region comprises the southern face of the Sierra Nevada mountains from high peaks to low valleys. It ranges through all known Mediterranean climates from semi-tropical to alpine. A common aspect is the virtual absence of rain for approximately 5 months, from early May to October.

The valley of the Low Alpujarra can be beautifully sunny and warm even in March and November, months when holidaymakers and villagers in the High Alpujarra have log fires burning. Summer heat is very bearable even low down, while high up the sun is strong and nights have a delicious temperature. If the swimming pool season in the High Alpujarra is generally from June to September, in the Low Alpujarra it is from May to October.

The mountains of the High Alpujarra are an ideal walking destination in spring and autumn when the light and the colours are often spectacular. In winter, the mountain charm is palpable and sunny days make for exciting outings.

High Alpujarras

The mountainous High Alpujarra has quite long, dry summers, if not as long as other low-lying areas, including the coast.

The south-facing High Alpujarra has plenty of exposure to sun and the altitude means the sun is strong in the hours around midday. The mountain weather is relatively mild most of the year, however, in spite of the high altitude.

Winters can be cold and receive most of the area's rain, which falls as snow on the peaks of Sierra Nevada.

Low Alpujarras

In contrast to the higher Alpujarras, where the mountain topology conditions the weather with a distinct alpine influence, the lower Alpujarras receive a correspondingly subtropical influence.

The situation of the Low Alpujarras between the mountain summits of the High Alpujarras and the Mediterranean Sea, brings the twin benefits of mountain breezes and coastal mildness.

Temperatures are mild for most of the year. Hot summers are pleasant by night. Frosts are rare in winter; winters tend to be short and the occasion for irregular rainy periods.

Costa Tropical

Malaga (AGP) | Almeria (LEI) | Granada (GRX)*

*Note: there are almost no direct international flights to Granada

Alpujarras:

Malaga (AGP) | Almeria (LEI) | Granada (GRX)*

*Note: there are almost no direct international flights to Granada

CAR HIRE

If your villa is up a track, be sure to rent a vehicle with good clearance. This means most normal cars: simply don't be tempted by a low-slung sporty model. If the track is steep, opt for a car with decent uphill power (not the smallest budget option).

If your holiday home is a mountain village (i.e High Alpujarras) with narrow streets a small / medium car will probably suit you best.

Most rural areas in Andalucia have a relatively poor public transport service so you would normally need to hire a car.

It often works out cheaper than taking a taxi from the airport and is then invaluable for shopping, eating out, visiting places of interest, days out at the beach, and making an easy return trip at the end of your stay.

Driving times from airports your holiday property are shown on the villa's property page. You will receive a map with detailed directions to your villa as one of your holiday documents from Rustical Travel.

Rustical Travel doesn't have a professional arrangement with any particular car hire company and we suggest you shop around for car hire using a broker such as rentalcars.com or similar.

It's easy to compare prices of rentals with companies that operate at the airport you fly into, and all the reputable agencies have online payment for advance booking these days. You don't have to use the broker. If you prefer, you can check the car hire companies own websites, compare prices, and book direct.