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Get Out of Granada and Take These Amazing Day Trips Less than 90 Minutes Away

Looking to explore beyond Granada? Discover the best day trips under 90 minutes away, from stunning mountain villages to hidden Moorish villages, that will make your trip unforgettable!

By Liza S. | Updated 31 Jan 2025 | Granada | Cities | Login to add to YOUR Favourites Favourites Icon or Read Later

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While Granada's Alhambra might steal the spotlight, the underrated magic of this area lies in the treasure trove of destinations just a short drive away. From snow-capped peaks to sun-soaked beaches, and Renaissance cities to troglodyte dwellings, the diversity of what you’ll discover around Granada will blow your mind.

I've spent time discovering a few of the hidden gems on this list of Granada day trips while some are still on my own “to visit” list (there’s just so much to discover in Andalucia!).

These day trips from Granada aren't your typical tourist traps. Each destination packs enough punch for an unforgettable day trip, whether you're craving mountain air, coastal vibes, or a journey through time in ancient villages.

Quick Answer: 9 Day Trips from Granada You Can’t Miss

Here are my recommendations for the best day trips from Granada that are within 90-min away:

  1. Guadix
  2. Las Alpujarras
  3. Sierra Nevada
  4. Nerja & Frigiliana
  5. Montefrio
  6. Salobreña
  7. Antequera
  8. Úbeda and Baeza
  9. Jaén

Read on to discover more about each destination and why it’s worth visiting!

Will You Need a Car for These Day Trips from Granada?

I’m gonna be honest, if you’re keen on no-car day trips, then Granada isn’t the best base for you. You can do a few of these day trips with buses/trains but I personally prefer either Seville or Malaga as bases for car-free day trips.

But if you’re open to renting a car (at least for a day or two), exploring the area around Granada is a real treat and gives you a peak into a side of Andalucia that’s often neglected.

The day trips from Granada I’m recommending below are all within 90 minutes by car and you can choose between the mountains, the coast, nature or history and culture. I feel like there's something that appeals to everyone, regardless of your interests.

For comparing car rental prices and finding the best deals, I personally use and recommend DiscoverCars.com. I like it as it allows me to search multiple providers, compare prices, and book a car that fits my needs and budget.

Best Day Trips from Granada

Caves houses in Guadix Caves houses in Guadix

Caves houses in Guadix

1. Guadix

⭐ From Granada: 45 minutes by car | 70 minutes by bus

East of Granada, an easy 45-minute drive through the Spanish countryside, lies a real hidden gem, Guadix. I was completely charmed by this cute town and the stunning landscape around it!

This ancient settlement shows off its long history through a mix of architectural wonders - most notably its stunning cathedral and the quirky cave houses that locals still call home today.

The cave dwellings are the real stars here, carved into the hillsides and offering natural temperature control year-round. You can peek inside these unique homes at the cave house museum to see how residents live in these cozy underground spaces.

Once you’re done seeing the town, do explore the surrounding area. I particularly like Beas de Guadix which offers a short hike and spectacular panoramic views.

Plan to spend about half a day here, ideally in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild. Winter’s not too bad either - although it was very chilly when I visited.

Before heading back to Granada, grab some traditional Roscos de San Antón pastries - they're a local favourite and perfect for the road trip home!

2. Las Alpujarras

Pampaneira, one of the Las Alpujarras villages Pampaneira, one of the Las Alpujarras villages

Pampaneira, one of the Las Alpujarras villages

⭐ From Granada: 90 minutes by car | 2 hours by bus

The Alpujarras region isn’t talked about much… which is a shame as it offers an amazing mountain escape plus charming villages that highlight the beauty of rural Andalucia. If you have a car, this is my personal favourite day trip from Granada.

The 1.5-hour drive from Granada takes you through winding roads to reach charming villages like Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira, nestled on the northern slopes of Sierra Nevada. They’re nestled close together so it’s easy to visit them in one go.

These white mountain villages stand out with their unique "terraza" buildings, a style left by the Moors centuries ago. You'll find local artisan shops selling handmade crafts throughout the narrow streets, while hiking trails wind through the surrounding countryside.

Summer and autumn bring perfect weather for outdoor activities.

Pop into the local shops to taste the famous jamón serrano - the mountain air helps create this special cured ham.

Pack your hiking boots and plan for a full day at least - there's too much to see in just a few hours. Better yet, book a room in one of the villages to really soak in the mountain atmosphere!

Insider Tip: Don’t have a car or don’t want to drive? An easy way to visit Las Alpujarras is with a guided day tour. With transport and a local guide included, it’s a fun excursion where you’ll discover more about this region of Andalucia.

3. Sierra Nevada

View from the Mulhacen summit in Sierra Nevada View from the Mulhacen summit in Sierra Nevada

View from the Mulhacen summit in Sierra Nevada

⭐ From Granada: 45 minutes by car | 45 minutes by bus

The mountains are calling! The Sierra Nevada is a fantastic year-round destination and an easy day trip from Granada.

A 45-minute drive takes you to Spain's highest peaks, where snow sports and mountain trails await.

In winter, the slopes come alive with skiers and snowboarders making the most of the fresh powder. Come summer, these same mountains offer wonderful hiking paths with breathtaking views.

The Sierra Nevada National Park shows off Spain's most impressive mountain range at its best.

Pack smart for your visit - temperatures can swing wildly throughout the day. Bring warm layers in winter for hitting the slopes, or good hiking shoes in summer for the mountain trails.

Don't forget to try the local plato alpujarreño, a filling mountain dish that hits the spot after a day of outdoor activities.

Whether you're carving through snow or walking mountain paths, Sierra Nevada delivers pure mountain magic any time of year.

Insider Tip: For an unforgettable day out, this 4x4 tour of Sierra Nevada takes you to some of the highlights in the park including Cahorros de Monachil, a beautiful canyon, and Mulhacen peak, the highest point in mainland Spain. If you prefer a more active excursion, check out this hiking tour.

4. Nerja & Frigiliana

The charming streets of Frigiliana The charming streets of Frigiliana

The charming streets of Frigiliana

⭐ From Granada: 60 minutes by car | 2 hours by bus

Pack your beach gear and head to these two stunning spots on Costa del Sol which are just an hour away by car.

I would recommend this day trip if you want some beach-time and exploring two charming villages in the same day.

First stop is Nerja, my favourite spot on Costa del Sol, where 16 kilometers of sandy beaches await.

The famous Balcón de Europa, a palm-lined promenade built on the edge of a cliff, gives you amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea while the charming old town is full of winding streets, charming boutique shops, and cafes and bars.

Don't miss the Nerja Caves - these massive underground caverns show off stunning rock formations and tell tales of prehistoric times.

Summer brings perfect beach weather, but late spring and early autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Stop at a beachside restaurant to try the local pescaíto frito (fried fish) - it's as fresh as it gets!

Bring your swimsuit for the beaches and wear good shoes for walking through the caves.

I like combining a Nerja visit with Frigiliana which is just 15 minutes away. This village is one of Spain's most beautiful spots where white buildings sparkle under the Andalucian sun.

The old Moorish quarter steals the show with its narrow, winding streets and flower-filled patios. Every corner feels like stepping into a postcard, thanks to the perfectly kept traditional buildings that earned this village its spot among Spain's prettiest towns.

Stop by local shops for handmade crafts, and sample the area's tasty wines and miel de caña (sugarcane syrup) - a sweet treat that tells the story of the region's sugarcane-growing past.

5. Montefrío

Montefrío, perched on a hilltop Montefrío, perched on a hilltop

Montefrío, perched on a hilltop

⭐ From Granada: 50 minutes by car | 90 minutes by bus

This one is on my own “to visit” list: Montefrío makes for a perfect countryside escape from the hustle and bustle of Granada. You can reach this stunning hilltop town in about 50 minutes by car, which is your best bet for getting here.

National Geographic didn't pick this spot as one of their top 10 villages with best views for nothing! The whitewashed buildings surrounded by endless olive groves create picture-perfect scenes at every turn.

The town's crown jewel is the round Church of the Encarnación, an architectural masterpiece that stands proudly on the hilltop.

Make time to check out the Peña de los Gitanos archaeological site and grab some local patatas bravas for lunch.

Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit when the weather's just right.

Pro tip: wear comfy shoes as it looks quite hilly here. But I’m willing to bet the views are worth every step!

6. Salobreña

Salobreña Salobreña

Salobreña

⭐ From Granada: 50 minutes by car | 1 hour by bus

Head about 65 kilometers south of Granada, and you'll hit the charming coastal town of Salobreña in just an hour. Getting there is simple - take your car or hop on a bus from Granada's station.

This white-washed hillside town offers the perfect mix of history and beach fun. And it's perfect if you prefer a quieter spot than Nerja.

The medieval Salobreña Castle sits proudly on top of the hill, giving you stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. From up there, you can spot the beautiful beaches where you'll want to spend most of your day.

Summer is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but the town is lovely year-round.

Make sure to try the fresh sardines at one of the beachside chiringuitos - these casual restaurants serve up some of the best seafood you'll find on the coast.

Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and appetite for a full day of Spanish coastal living!

7. Antequera

El Torcal in Antequera El Torcal in Antequera

El Torcal in Antequera

⭐ From Granada: 70 minutes by car | 55 minutes by train

A 70-minute drive brings you to the middle of Andalucia where you’ll visit Antequera, a city packed with history from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

The ancient dolmens in Antequera tell stories from thousands of years ago, while the mighty Moorish castle watches over the city.

But the real show-stopper is El Torcal Natural Park, where limestone rocks create surreal shapes that look like they belong on another planet.

Spring and autumn offer perfect weather for

through the historic streets and climbing up to the castle. Stop for lunch to try the local porra antequerana, a refreshing cold tomato soup that hits the spot on warm days.

A full day gives you enough time to take in the main sights, but you might want to spend extra time at El Torcal - those weird and wonderful rock formations are like nothing else in Spain!

8. Úbeda and Baeza

Úbeda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Úbeda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Úbeda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

⭐ From Granada: 90 minutes by car or bus

These twin Renaissance gems, Úbeda and Baeza, stand out for their stunning 16th-century architecture, both earning spots on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Walking through these towns feels like stepping into Spain's golden age. Beautiful stone buildings line the streets, telling stories of wealthy nobles and skilled craftsmen who shaped these towns centuries ago.

Join a guided walking tour of both towns to really understand the stories behind the buildings - these local experts know all the hidden spots and historical details that make these cities special.

You can visit both in one full day, but staying overnight lets you soak in the atmosphere without rushing. For lunch, try local dishes like gachas (a hearty porridge) or andrajos de migas (a traditional stew).

9. Jaén

⭐ From Granada: 60 minutes by car or bus

Jaén is often overlooked but if you have some extra time in your Andalucia itinerary, it’s worth checking out.

The massive Jaén Cathedral stands tall in the city center, showing off its beautiful mix of styles.

Head up to Santa Catalina Castle for some of the best views around - you'll see olive trees stretching as far as your eyes can reach. It's no wonder they call this place Spain's olive oil capital!

If you’re a history lover, I suggest joining a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history and architecture.

Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures for walking around the historic streets. Make sure to try some local dishes cooked with the fresh olive oil - it's what this region does best!

If you’re visiting Jaén by car, I highly recommend stopping by an olive estate for a tasting session. You’ll learn more about olive oil production in Andalucia and really understand why Jaén's "liquid gold" is so special.

Add a Day Trip to Your Granada Stay

From the cave houses of Guadix to the Renaissance splendor of Úbeda and Baeza, these day trips from Granada showcase the incredible diversity of Andalucia.

Each place has its own unique flavor of Spanish culture, history, and natural beauty, all wrapped up in easy-to-manage day trips.

Before you lock yourself into just exploring Granada (though it's amazing!), give yourself the gift of at least one or two of these adventures.

Trust me - some of your best Spanish memories might just happen in these lesser-known spots where authentic Andalucian life still thrives.

Buen viaje!

More on Granada

Read our full guide to visiting Granada to help plan your dream visit.

Don’t miss the Alhambra while in Granada! Here are my recommendations for the best Alhambra tours. You can also get my best tips for visiting the Alhambra.

Check out our Granada itineraries:

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