A Tour through Granada’s Best Scenic Lookouts

In the words of Antonio Machado, “All cities have their charm; Granada has its own and that of all others.” And it’s true- no matter how you look at it, its historic beauty cannot be denied and the Alhambra is the envy of any out-of-towner. This is a destination that checks all the boxes for lovers of rural tourism: fresh air from the Sierra Nevada, countless hiking routes, hammams and spas, and beaches within an hour’s drive.

And who said Granada’s climate was too extreme for tourism? At its coldest, a good jacket will suffice, and Granada’s summer nights are the perfect temperature for leisurely strolls admiring its most emblematic monuments when they are all lit up. And because I sense I have already convinced you, you’ll be thrilled to know I’ve come up with a tour of the best scenic lookouts over Granada.

 

We’ll start at the Mirador de San Cristóbal, right by the Road to Murcia and of great scenic value, in a neighborhood that was known as la Xarea in medieval times. Taking a left on Calle Ceniceros and then walking downhill through Callejón de San Cecilio we reach the Mirador de San Nicolás, the perfect spot to watch the Alhambra turn orange at dusk. Not far from there, we find the Placeta del Comino, a small space with more defined views over the fortress, perfect for those who want to see every small detail.

Placeta de Carvajales, in lower Albaicín is the next lookout point on our route. It has recently undergone restoration work, and from here we get a clear view of the Alhambra’s towers from a low and striking vantage point. After visiting the Placeta de la Concepción, we continue our walk in a northwestern direction, up the Cuesta de los Chinos, in the Western part of Sacromonte. This is a pedestrian street leading into the premises of the Alhambra and the Generalife, where you’ll also find a sign post with a map. Through the little shortcut that is Callejón Pinchos, we come into the Placeta de la Cruz de la Rauda, where once again we find panoramic views high over the city. Though the actual lookout point is really on the last stretch of Cruz de la Rauda, as the views from the plaza were lost after adding a second story to some of its buildings.

And if you’re still not out of breath, push on to the chapel known as the Ermita de San Miguel Alt, where the Carril de San Miguel is a good ending point. You’ll find a fountain behind the chapel where you can quench your thirst but if it is food you’re after, Granada boasts thousands of good restaurants where to sit down for a bite.

And to end off the day, nothing beats a good homemade dinner in one of Granada’s downtown apartments.