Granada Walking Tour: The Albaicín and Sacromonte Quarters
Historical tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte: trace Islamic Granada, the Spanish Inquisition, and flamenco culture as we walk from Plaza Nueva and the Paseo de los Tristes to the Aljibes, the Mirador de San Nicolás with its stunning Alhambra views, and along the Camino del Sacromonte with its cave houses and the story of Chorrojumo.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 30m
Language
English, Spanish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Fountain at New Square (Plaza Nueva) Nearest public transport: Plaza Nueva bus stop; Plaza de Isabel la Católica 2 bus stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walk In Granada guides. Look for the guide with the red umbrella.
Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (9 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
The Albaicín, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant gardens. As the ancient Moorish quarter, it reflects Granada’s medieval past. However, the arrival of the Spanish Inquisition marked a turning point for Granada. The once harmonious coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews was shattered, and religious tensions escalated. As a result, mosques were gradually transformed into churches, and the neighborhoods lost their unique atmosphere, along with their Jewish and Muslim communities.
The Sacromonte neighborhood, nestled on the slopes of Valparaíso hill right next to Albaicín, is known for its unique cave houses and flamenco heritage. Here, visitors can explore the intriguing history of the Roma community who inhabited these caves and played a significant role in the development of Granada’s flamenco culture.
The tour begins at the bustling Plaza Nueva and continues with a walk along the picturesque Paseo de los Tristes, a promenade beside the Darro River. Then, the tour ventures into the Albaicín quarter. Here, you’ll explore the Aljibes, historical water cisterns that demonstrate the ingenious hydraulic systems of the Moors. The next stop is the Placeta del Comino and the Mirador de San Nicolás with breathtaking panoramic views of the Alhambra – a stunning palace and fortress complex that exemplifies Moorish architecture in Spain. After taking in the vista, the tour continues to the Cruz de Rauda, an intriguing crossroads of cultures.
The journey through the neighboring Sacromonte district includes a walk along the Camino del Sacromonte, where you’ll learn about the history of cave houses, flamenco culture, and the impact of the Spanish Inquisition on Granada’s diverse society. Discover the story of Chorrojumo, the enigmatic king of the gypsies, who contributed to Granada’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
- 1
Albaicín Quarter
Granada's ancient Moorish quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a maze of narrow streets.
- 2
Sacromonte Caves
Unique cave houses inhabited by the Roma community, the birthplace of Granada’s flamenco culture.
- 3
San Nicolás Viewpoint
A famous viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the magnificent Alhambra palace complex.
- 4
Paseo de los Tristes
A picturesque promenade that runs alongside the Darro River at the foot of the Alhambra.
- 5
Moorish Water Cisterns
Historical water cisterns demonstrating the ingenious hydraulic engineering systems of the Moors.
- 6
Flamenco Heritage
Discover the history of flamenco and the Roma community who developed it in Sacromonte's caves.
- 7
The Spanish Inquisition
Learn about the historical impact of religious persecution on Granada’s diverse communities.
- 8
King of the Gypsies
The story of Chorrojumo, the enigmatic 'king of the gypsies' and a local cultural legend.
Map
Fountain at New Square (Plaza Nueva) Nearest public transport: Plaza Nueva bus stop; Plaza de Isabel la Católica 2 bus stop
