manamama

Hi

We are off on holiday soon - from the warm North coast to the hot South coast.

We are planning on a few trips and one is to be Granada. Never been so thought I would ask for some recommendations.

What is good to visit that kids (from ages 2 to 10) would enjoy too. Definately want to see the Alhambra. But anything else bearing in mind that we are going for just a day and will be easy to walk to from Alhambra. What do you think?

Also, what is the parking like around there?

Thanks

missile

I don't think Alhambra will be of interest to kids. We enjoyed it, the views are spectacular, but be warned it is quite a hike and the paths are not buggy friendly. It took us several hours to see it all.

missile

If you are planning a day trip, please note Granada is quite a distance from the "south coast"

CLR

Well worth seeing - but I do not think the kids will be interested. When we went last year my 2 who were 16 and 10 had more interest in watching a cat try to catch a fish in a pond

You really need to book on line or get tickets in advance. We 1st went 2 years ago and could only get in to the general life (gardens) not the palace. The tickets sell out very quickly and there is a strict time limit (printed on your ticket) for access to the palace.

There is plenty of meter parking at Alhambra.

Been a couple of times to Granada but never managed to stop to have a look round. We could never get out of the one way system and stop due to the speed and flow of the traffic. When we go back in October it will be on the bus.

There is a donkey sanctuary south of Granada off the A92 in Fuenta de Piedra, my kids both love this place and have adopted donkeys there. (It is also free to get in).

Near Antequera there is a wolf park that gives a good insight into wolf behavior, worth seeing but a little expensive to get in.

manamama

Maybe Granada not a good idea then !! Perhaps leave till kids are grown up and visit then.

I like the idea of the wolf park or donkey sanctuary.

We will be driving up from Estepona so better check on the distances first. May just stay around the pool the whole holiday instead.

Fredbargate

From Estapona try a trip to Gibraltar ,
Ronda by train from Estacion San Roque,
or even Tangiers

Hillybilly

It's actually west of Granada.

CLR

Correct - feels like south west when we drive in.

manamama

Been to Gibraltar and Ronda already.

Is Granada worth going for just a wander and lunch? Is it a pretty city?

TheLostPhotographer

Definitely. You can get a feel for the Alhambra without buying tickets. Views back across the Albycin and parts of the grounds and fort are open public spaces. A full visit is a day in itself.

It isn't really a kids city. There is a science park with butterfly house etc. Children seem to enjoy that, but there are plenty of other science parks in Spain.

For a stroll, Granada is very much Four places in One with very different characters. The Albycin - the old Moorish quarter is very picturesque. Mirador de San Nicolas has views back towards the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.

Realejo is also a very picturesque old barrio of the city. Originally the Jewsih business quarter.

Then there's the cathedral and 'Gothic quarter'.

If you enjoy strolls around old, romantic Andalucian cities you will enjoy Granada. Most visitors only see the Alhambra. It has far more to offer and a huge choice of free tapas bars in all quarters.

Best to leave the car in the Al Campo car park and get a bus into the center.

A number 32 bus will give a nice, circular tour for just €1.10.

It is a hilly place! But, well worth a day, or more.

e2a; Children would probably enjoy the cave life museum in Sacramonte (the gypsy/cave quarter).

twistedmelon

The south coast???? That's a big area.
Granada pretty boring for kids, Sevilla has Isla Magica but that's a big job. Also there is a water world type place (slides,plumes etc) which is some where near Almunecher but can't swear by that.
All the best

Rotor

Only 40 Minutes from Motril!!!!

manamama

We are planning to go to the Bahia water park, just towards Cadiz, one day. Is the one you are suggesting better ? Prefer a smallish one - nothing big so that the kids get lost !!

twistedmelon

The place you are on about is Mijas I think?
The one I meant was Aqua Tropic which is in Almunecar. It all depends on where you are on the south coast.
It is smaller, Google it and have a look.
All the best

missile

OP is going to Estepona 214 Km circa 2hours to Granada.