Fam Trip to Granada: A Weekend of Flamenco, History and Lots of Walking

Last weekend, I had the chance to explore Granada on a trip that combined cultural experiences, scenic walks, and delicious food. Here's a recap of the itinerary and some insights into the places we visited.

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Day 1 – Arrival and Flamenco Night

We arrived in Granada around lunchtime and checked into Hotel YIT Casablanca, located in the city centre near the Cathedral. The hotel is simple but well-situated, making it easy to walk to major attractions like Albaicín and Sacromonte. Our room was quite small, but it was clean and had all the basic amenities. The people working at the front desk were very friendly and helpful.

After settling in, we took a walk around the Cathedral area, where we found vibrant market stalls selling spices, teas, and infusions. The mix of aromas and colors gave us a first taste of Granada’s rich cultural blend.

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In the evening, we headed to the Flamenco Cave La Comino, a small flamenco venue located in a historic Arab Aljibe in the Albaicín neighborhood. The show was intimate and powerful, with two dancers performing in the centre of the cave while the guitarist and singer sat among the audience. The venue only seats about 30 people, making it ideal for small groups looking for an authentic experience.

After that, we had dinner at the Tablao-Restaurante La Soleá, located inside Granada’s historic bullring. The restaurant offers traditional Andalusian cuisine with a modern touch. We had a sharing platter of small bites and two different mains: grilled salmon and pork tenderloin. We finished off the dinner with a chocolate cake. We really enjoyed everything we had and though food was fantastic.

They also host flamenco shows and lessons as well as cooking workshops for students, making it a versatile venue for group activities. The space can accommodate up to 250 guests for food.

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Day 2 – Alhambra and Albaicín

Sunday morning was dedicated to the Alhambra, one of Spain’s most iconic monuments. We spent several hours walking through its palaces, gardens, and towers. The site is vast and full of intricate details, so going with a guide is highly recommended for groups. Guided tours typically last around three hours and include access to all visitable areas, such as the Palacios Nazaríes (access only available at a specific time that needs to be prebooked in advance), Generalife, Alcazaba and the gardens.

In the afternoon, we explored the Albaicín area, Granada’s oldest neighbourhood and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses reflect its Moorish past. The highlight was the San Nicolás Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada in the background. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. The area around the viewpoint is lively, with street musicians, craft vendors, and tapas bars.

We ended the day with dinner at a small restaurant in the old town, enjoying local food and wine in a relaxed setting.

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Day 3 – A Quiet Morning in Sacromonte

On our final day, we walked through Sacromonte, a quieter neighbourhood known for its traditional cave houses and deep flamenco roots. Historically home to Granada’s Gypsy community, Sacromonte is considered the birthplace of Zambra Flamenco, a unique style that blends flamenco with Arab influences.

Many of the caves have been converted into venues for flamenco shows or museums, such as the Sacromonte Caves Museum, which showcases the history of the area and the evolution of flamenco. The neighbourhood also offers stunning views of the Alhambra and the city, especially from its hilltops.

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Final Thoughts

Granada is a city that offers a rich mix of history, culture, and hospitality, and there’s plenty to explore - from flamenco caves to Moorish palaces and scenic viewpoints. This trip was a great way to experience the city’s highlights and discover venues that work well for both small and large groups. I’m already looking forward to being back and exploring the city more in depth.

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Andrea Redondo

Andrea is a Tour Coordinator at Adaptable Travel, helping teachers to organise bespoke school trips. Read more about Andrea here.