Almuñécar is a wonderful place to live and to visit, but don’t be afraid to go a little off of the beaten track and explore the nearby mountains, countryside and the Granada hills. Within just an hour of Almuñécar there is so much to do and see. We have decided to create a 3-day itinerary to help you to get out and explore! Each stop on the route can also be done as a day trip from Almuñécar, but why not take your time and soak it all in? Of course this will be flexible for you to add or remove days, so it is just a guide for you to follow and customize as you like.
Table of Contents
Of course we have many day trips from Almuñécar available for you to explore, so this will be one of our first Almuñécar short break guides. It is a 3-Day Itinerary, a coast to mountains loop from Almuñécar through the Granada hills and back to Costa Tropical.
3 Day Itinerary – Almuñécar Through The Granada Hills
Day 1
Almuñécar to Alhama de Granada (90 minutes)
We suggest you pack up and leave Almuñécar in the morning, so you can take advantage of viewing the town of Alhama de Granada before siesta. It is approximately a 90-minute drive from Almuñécar to Alhama de Granada. If you can arrive by 11:00 or 11:30, that would be ideal and keep on reading to find out why. You will pass through some beautiful countryside and farm lands.
Alhama de Granada (1st stop to spend the night)
The town of Alhama de Granada dates back to prehistoric times and is perched high above a gorge with a river running through it. Alhama’s position between Málaga and Granada gave it strategic importance for the Moors, and it became one of the main crossroads through Andalucia. They also had a particular fondness for the town’s thermal waters and nature. The name Alhamma is derived from the Arabic word al-hammah, which means thermal baths.
You can either spend a couple of hours here and see the main sites or go ahead and stay for a night. We have a few places to stay listed at the end of the post for you. If you decide to just see the main sites, the tourist office offers a free guided tour in English or Spanish at 12 noon each day. It is a good idea to arrive early or to call ahead and make sure they know you are coming. If you don’t make it for the guided tour, they have a wonderful map to get around town and most things are very close.
Some of the sites to see are a castle, an old flour mill, dungeons and an old jail from the reign of Carlos II. Of course there are charming plazas, fountains, churches and spectacular views of the gorge. Here is the very informative link to the Alhama de Granada Tourism Board.
Thermal Baths at Alhama de Granada
After you have explored the town and had some lunch, you may want to make your way to the thermal baths, located just on the outskirts of town. There are free public baths along the river, but be warned they aren’t always kept litter free. You can just stop and take a quick dip if you are continuing on to the lake on the same day, or stay a bit longer at the spa hotel for the night.
There are also the indoor thermal baths and spa at the Balneario de Alhama de Granada. If you plan to use these, allow a couple of hours for your time there or just spend the night. They do charge a fee to use their thermal baths, and I am sure it is a luxurious experience. If you plan to spend the night this may be a good place to stay.
Check here for prices and availability.
Day 2
Los Bermejales Reservoir
Enjoy your hotel until check-out time and have a good breakfast. Late morning make your way about 14 km away to Los Bermejales Reservoir also called Bermejales Lake. It is the most beautiful turquoise blue lake you will ever see, surrounded by woods of poplars and Mediterranean black pines. This reservoir was constructed between 1947 and 1954, with a hydro-electric plant at one end. It has soft sandy beaches, with safe swimming and plenty of non-motorised water sports. It really is a hidden treasure, as there are rarely many people there. It is very refreshing to be in natural clear waters and the perfect place to just relax and soak up some sun for a while.
There are also a couple of cafes at the edge of the lake, so these would be the perfect spot to have a little lunch.
Glamping at the Nomad Xperience (2nd stop to spend 2 nights)
Plan to arrive at your accommodation about in the afternoon. If you were thinking of camping in Granada, you are in for a treat with a little more luxury! How about spending the night in a yurt, tipi, igloo, or gypsy wagon? All with comfortable beds and linens, with a private bath, pool and kitchen. Located in the countryside just outside of Granada you can enjoy peace and quiet after a long day of exploring. You can read all about Glamping in Granada here. If glamping isn’t your thing, check out our other accommodation recommendations at the end of this post in the city of Granada.
Granada City
Once you’ve dropped your things at your accommodation and had a little rest, get out and explore the city! There is so much to do in the Granada, you could easily spend a week here. At a minimum try to make it to the afternoon session of the Alhambra Generalife and go for an early evening stroll in the Albayzin. It would be ideal to have a nice dinner out and maybe even take in a flamenco show.
We have created a guide for you, if you just have one day, Things To Do in Granada. Of course, if you are a shopper you may want to just stay in the air-conditioned Nevada Shopping Center!
After you explore the city, make your way back to your accommodation and have a good sleep.
Day 3
Monachil
This is what we recommend after breakfast on your third day. If you like hiking, then you really shouldn’t miss hiking on Los Cahorros Trail in Monachil. Just a few miles out of the city center, you will find a world of fun, beauty and spectacular scenery. If you are planning to go in the summer months, bring plenty of water and plan to do your hiking early in the morning. If you don’t like hiking, then spend another day exploring Granada’s beautiful attractions.
Olive Oil Museum (tour & tasting)
Of course we need to include one little extra educational stop, which is right on the way back to Almuñécar. The Museo Aceite (olive oil museum) is a place to learn about the preparation of Andalusian olive oil, wine and cheese. You can choose to just take the tour for a couple of euros or for just a little more you can have a full tasting of products. Of course there is also a store where you can buy all of the products as well. Be sure you are passing by during their opening hours.
Winter time
Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 14:00 | 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 to 14:00
Summer schedule
Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 14:00 | 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 to 14:00
Holy week schedule
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 to 14:00 | 4:00 to 7:30
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 to 14:00
Good Friday closed
Website: Museum information.
Email: museoaceiteandaluz@gmail.com
Time to make your way back to Almuñécar (25 minute drive)
Let us know if what you think of the trip and do comment below if you enjoyed it! Remember you can just do portions of this or customize it to suit your needs. Go ahead and just go glamping and shopping at the mall! It doesn’t matter, just get out and explore!
Route Map of 3 Day Itinerary Through The Granada Hills
Places to Stay in Alhama de Granada
Located midway between Granada and Málaga this is a great place to explore nature!
Balneario de Alhama de Granada
Situated 2,241 m above sea level, this spa hotel has a fantastic countryside location surrounded by trees and mountains and bordered by a river. The Balneario de Alhama de Granada offers good facilities at an affordable price. Rooms are fully equipped with a private bathroom, TV, and air conditioning. On the property there is a restaurant, garden, parking, cafe and terrace. Beautifully surrounded by nature, it is the perfect place to relax and benefit from the thermal waters. Guests have free access to the swimming pool.
Check here for prices and availabilityApartamentos Salmerones
Located in the historic center of Alhama de Granada, Apartamentos Salmerones is set in a renovated early 20th-century house. It offers free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned apartments with flat-screen TV, washing machine and dishwasher. Each country-style apartment features a living room with a sofa bed. Apartments are heated and have a private bathroom with a shower. The kitchen includes a fridge and microwave.
Check here for prices and availability.La Seguiriya
Located in Alhama de Granada, La Seguiriya offers charming and spacious rooms in an 18th-century house. There is a terrace offering wonderful views of the Sierras de Alhama y Tejeda Nature Reserve. All rooms in La Seguiriya have a flat-screen satellite TV and free WiFi, and some have views of the Sierras de Alhama y Tejeda Natural Reserve. Each comes with a private bathroom.
Check here for prices and availability.
Places to Stay in Granada
Smart Suites Albaicin
Smart Suites Albaicin offers modern accommodations in Albaicin, just 5 minutes’ walk from Plaza Nueva and Gran Via. The property provides free WiFi, an exterior courtyard and private parking at an extra cost. Each air-conditioned apartment features a bright interior and modern décor, and some have a terrace. Complete with a dishwasher, all kitchens are fully equipped with modern appliances.
Check here for prices and availabilityCasa Miravalle Apartamentos
Set next to Granada’s Plaza Nueva Square, Casa Miravalle Apartamentos is located 2 minutes’ walk from the charming Albayzín District. The modern apartments offer free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The bright apartments have a living room with a sofa and flat-screen TV. A microwave and washing machine are included in the kitchenette. The bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries. Some apartments feature a terrace or balcony.
Check here for prices and availability
Zahira Suites
Offering accommodations with air conditioning, Zahira Suites is located in Granada, 200 meters from Granada Cathedral. Alhambra and Generalife is 801 meters from the property. All apartments include a flat-screen TV and a seating area. They also have a kitchen equipped with a oven, microwave and coffee machine. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer in each apartment. Towels and bed linen are provided.
Check here for prices and availability
