The Ultimate Guide to Granada’s Hidden Gems

Planning to visit Granada but want to go beyond La Alhambra and dive deeper? You’re in the right place!😍 Having called Granada home for the past 3 years, I’ve had the incredible chance to discover its best hidden gems!

From secret gardens and hidden viewpoints to ornate basilicas and peaceful monasteries, Granada is filled with treasures most visitors miss.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these lesser-known spots will help you experience a different side of this incredible city.

So, grab your walking shoes, charge your camera, and let’s explore the hidden gems of Granada together!👇

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and purchase with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊

Travel Deeper Through Granada with These Hidden Gems

Carmen de los Mártires

This hidden gem is a spectacular spot located on a hill that overlooks Granada and offers insane views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a bit of Alhambra.

Built in the mid-1800s, this gem features an elegant palace surrounded by dreamy gardens, complete with fountains, ponds, and even a little lake.

Not only is this place simply magical with its architecture and nature, but it has the cutest inhabitants! Here live a few ducks and two gorgeous peacocks.

What you see pictured is the GORGEOUS Moor courtyard.

Do you want a guided tour through the Carmen de los Mártires? Here is a highly-rated and affordable Get Your Guide experience!

Secret Mirador with Views of Alhambra

While there’s nothing that can beat the iconic views that the Mirador de San Nicolas offers, I thought I’d share this hidden gem of a viewpoint for those who don’t enjoy crowded areas.

Before I introduce you to this hidden gem, please be respectful and mindful of the locals that live in this area. As a wise man once said, “with great knowledge comes great responsibility” – so PLEASE (I can’t stress this enough), be a responsible tourist who respects local spaces and locals.

Placeta del Comino is a very small square parallel to the Mirador de San Nicolas, and sits about two streets / paths below. This is a true hidden where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with views of La Alhambra.

Mirador de Federico García Lorca

This is a beautiful viewpoint located a few feet before Carmen de los Mártires.

This spot is dedicated to Federico G. Lorca, a famous poet born in Granada in 1898. Federico had a great love for his home, which reflects in many of his works – so this spot is a tribute to his memory and contributions to Spanish literature.

From this lookout spot, you will get beautiful views of Granada and its landscape. Can you spot the Cathedral in the picture above?😉

Mirador Alixares

This beautiful viewpoint sits on the same hill as Alhambra but higher up! My favorite part of this mirador is not the viewpoint, but the location.

When you reach this spot, you will be surrounded by endless olive trees, blue skies, and the majestic Sierra Nevada (the best views of it).

I hesitate to call it a ‘hike’ as definitions vary (😅), but it’s definitely an uphill workout that’s totally worth it!

This is easily my favorite spot in Granada, with Carmen de los Martires coming in as a close second!

Monasterio de la Cartuja

This spectacular monastery is a jewel of Spanish Baroque and is one of Spain’s most beautiful monasteries.

The full construction of this monastery took 3 centuries – starting in the early 1500s and ending in the 1800s. Due to it taking 3 centuries to complete (rightfully so), you get to see beautiful Spanish Baroque but also Renaissance, and other architectural styles.

This monastery is located 30-40 minutes outside the city center but is so worth the walk – or the commute (probably 10 min. car ride). Book your tickets here.👇

Monasterio de San Jeronimo

This is a Renaissance-style, Roman Catholic Hieronymite monastery, and is known as the jewel of the Spanish Renaissance. This work of art dates back to the early 1500s and is another of Spain’s most beautiful monasteries.

It’s construction began in 1504 on land that is said to have belonged to the last Nasrid King, Boabdil.

As a fun fact: This is the first church in the world to have been consecrated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and was Granada’s first Christian monastery.

Both the Monasterio de la Cartuja and San Jeronimo are incredible work of arts that should be visited! Book your tickets here.👇

Basilica de San Juan de Dios

This one’s a MAJOR hidden gem – often called Granada’s best-kept secret for a reason.

This basilica was built in the 18th century, with construction starting in 1737 and ending in 1759 – essentially, at the peak of the Spanish Baroque period. Due to this, the basilica is a baroque spectacle and is so ornate you won’t know what to do except for staring at every detail in absolute AWE.

This basilica is dedicated to San Juan de Dios (Saint John of God). During his lifetime, San Juan didn’t understand why poor people couldn’t access medical care – so he used all his richness to help cure them and offer medical care. This hidden gem is not one that he would be proud of, due to how gold and money went into building this basilica.

Fun fact: they have two Virtual Reality goggles in the church (quite the odd setting but so fun) which allow you to “float” around the basilica and see everything up close. I’m not one who has a fear of heights, but I definitely felt a bit “queasy”.😂

Book your tickets here!👇

Cafe Futbol

Welcome to Granada’s oldest cafe, it is over 100 years old.

This is the perfect spot for breakfast and merienda (snack time). Here you can find delicious churros con chocolate, leche rizada/leche merengade, and more.

Restaurante el Agua

This restaurant… oh my goodness!!

This hidden gem of a restaurant is in the Albaicin neighborhood, and as you can see, it offers beautiful views of La Alhambra (the food may be even prettier). This is a fancy restaurant, therefore prices are similar to a regular American restaurant’s prices; where most dishes are at least 15 euros.

This is the perfect spot to treat yourself and your travel buddy. As you will see in my Instagram post, my boyfriend and I had a lovely date here and ate the Carpaccio de Pulpo, Ventresca de Atún Rojo, and the Presa de Cerdo Ibérico Ahumada.

Want to make a reservation? Reserve here.

Want more help with your travels? Check out my Posts!

Here additional posts that will help you out with your upcoming Granada and Andalusia travels!👇

• The Perfect One Day in Granada Itinerary
• The Ultimate 2 Days in Granada Itinerary
• The Ultimate 7 Day Andalucia Itinerary with Local Tips
• Ultimate Guide to Granada’s Hidden Gems
• All the Best Things to Do in Granada, Spain
• 8 Best Flamenco Shows in Granada: All You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Granada Tapas & Andalusian Food
• 16 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Granada
• 15 Best Day Trips from Granada

Grab my e-Checklist to make sure you’re properly prepared for Andalusia!👇

📌 Pin this For your Future Spain Travels

I have to ask…

Whether you’re wandering through peaceful gardens or gazing at the Alhambra from a secret mirador, I hope this list helps you experience a deeper, more authentic side of Granada.🥹

💬 Tell me below: Which hidden gem would you visit first?

And don’t forget to save this post or share it with your travel buddy! 💕

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