Want to make a day trip out of exploring the best parks and gardens in Granada? Getting into the nature of Granada is the perfect plan to take refuge from the heat waves. At the same time, you will be able to enjoy centuries of history.
For those passionate about Arab culture and, more specifically, its art, Granada is an exceptional city to visit. Located in a privileged setting next to the Sierra Nevada and also very close to the coast. This city offers many artistic, cultural, and natural attractions. For this reason and more, we want to share with you the best city parks and gardens in Granada.
1. The Generalife Gardens – Best gardens in Granada
The Generalife of Granada is located on the hill known as Cerro del Sol, adjacent to the Alhambra. In the past was the summer residence of the sultans of the Alhambra. Today, it is a set of historic gardens from various eras and one of the best gardens in Granada.
In those beautiful mansions surrounded by gardens, the Arab spirit was carried away by its poetic and sensual instinct. In the Generalife, you will also find important irrigation channels, such as the Royal Acequia, defensive walls, and towers from medieval times.
The Generalife is open daily and can be visited from Monday to Sunday mornings from 08:30 to 14:00. Afternoon visits start at 14:00, closing at 18:00 from November to February and at 20:00 from March to October.
General admission to the Alhambra and the Generalife costs 14 euros. For the Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens the price is 7,00 euros. Only for the Generalife Gardens is 5,00 euros. Children under 12 years old can apply for free admission.
The general visit to the gardens can last more or less around two hours, to see it calm and unhurried. The places that can be visited on the tour of the Gardens are the following: the Patio de la Acequia, the Escalera del Agua, the Paseo de los Cipreses, the Jardines Altos, the Albercones, etc. Among some of the most representative ones.
Visiting the oldest gardens in Europe, you will discover that the light, the murmur of the water, the scent of the plants, and the beauty of the environment are combined in a way that awakens the senses.
2. The Carmen of the Martyrs
The Carmen of the Martyrs is located in the surroundings of the Alhambra to the south of its walled enclosure. It covers an area of seven hectares and is known as Corral de Los Cautivos and Campo de los Mártires. Today, it is a set of romantic places, a successful mixture of French and English gardens.
It was declared an Artistic Garden in 1943. Its last owner, Sister Cristina de la Cruz de Arteaga, a Hieronymite nun, donated the Carmen of the Martyrs to the Granada City Council. For this reason, it is nowadays considered one of the best gardens in Granada.
After an unfortunate period in which it was on the verge of disappearing, part of the gardens were restored. Now, it is a place for walks, weddings, and official receptions.
Today you can visit its beautiful gardens and enjoy magnificent views of the city, the Vega, and the Sierra Nevada.
The gardens can be visited during the Winter (from October 16 to March 31): Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
During the Summer (from April 16 to October 15): Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays: from 10:00 to 20:00.
The entrance to Carmen de los Mártires is free.
3. Gardens of Triumph in Granada – Old Arab Cemetery
The Triumphal Gardens in Granada were an extensive cemetery in the Arab period, founded in the 13th century.
On one side of the Triumph, the enclosure was linked to the fortifications of the Albaycín. On the other side, it was linked to the exterior of Granada. Furthermore, this cemetery was enclosed by a wall and guarded by gates with towers at the entrances to each of the access routes to the city.
Numerous structures were built at the beginning of the 16th century. In the 17th century, the region became one of the most important towns as a result of urbanization. Until the 19th century, the people gathered here for many of the country’s major festivals. As a result, it became the center of the celebrations.
Among the buildings surrounding the Gardens of Triumph is the Royal Hospital. Another building nearby worth visiting is the University of Granada.
4. University Of Granada Botanical Garden
In Duquesa Street, you will find the first Botanical Garden of the University of Granada. It is located within the Faculty of Law and opposite the Convent of Nuestra Señora de La Piedad.
Specifically, the origin of this space was the garden of the San Pablo de la Compañía de Jesús School. In the 19th century, it was established as a Botanical Garden, to provide the Faculty of Sciences with a medicinal garden. This beautiful green space was planted as a result of the growing interest in botany at the university. Since then, it has been meticulously cared for and has developed into one of the best gardens in Granada.
The Botanical Gardens of the University of Granada are a small but beautiful plot of vegetation in the heart of the city.
In fact, the botanical garden has almost a hundred plant species, where native and exotic plants coexist. Among the most outstanding species are ginkgo, a Canary Island pine, and a cypress over a hundred years old.
If you have the opportunity to stroll through this beautifully romantic and historic garden, do not hesitate to do so. You will be surprised that plants from such different habitats live together in such a small space. A real gem for visitors!
5. Federico García Lorca Park in Granada
The Federico García Lorca Park is located 10 minutes from the center of Granada. It used to be a rustic area full of orchards and irrigation ditches. A part of the Vega of Granada that has been swallowed up by the city.
If you are looking to stay closer to the city center, you will love Federico García Lorca Park. This lovely green space is close to Recogidas Street. Even so, it seems a world away from the crowded heart of the city. The area around the little house in the center of the park (the summer home of the García Lorca family) looks as it did at the beginning of the 20th century.
You will notice the contrast with the rest of the park which takes on a more modern feel. This beautiful area is especially perfect for families: there is a playground, a pond with ducks, and two kiosks to eat something to eat while enjoying one of the best parks and gardens in Granada.
Undoubtedly, Granada’s architectural ensembles have an enviable relationship with the natural environment, with the water, with its sound, the plants, and the trees. Ornaments, plasterwork, muqarnas, columns, Kufic letters, and, of course, its exceptional ceramics surrounded by trees and flowers. These parks are unusual places to stroll and meditate while listening to the flowing water and birdsong.
If you plan to spend most of your relaxing vacation in Granada, you should read our recommendations on the best things to do in Granada to enjoy this city to the fullest!
