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Granada Gay Travel

wolfyy’s Granada gay travel guide to the best hotels, things to do, gay bars, and saunas.

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The Gay Travel Experience: Granada, Spain

Granada’s unique history, charming architecture, gay-friendly culture, and local feeling gay scene make it the perfect destination for gay travelers who want a bit of everything.

Granada gay travel

Being able to experience the historic Alhambra, traditional tapas bars, Arab hammams, and friendly gay bars all in the same city is pretty awesome.

Granada gay travel
gay travel to Granada Spain
gay travel to Granada Spain

I felt right at home in Granada traveling with my partner Michael and I definitely recommend visiting this gorgeous Andalusian city. It’s a wonderful stop while traveling the South of Spain and not far from the popular destinations of Seville and Cádiz.

Gay Granada: Hotels & Where to Stay

The best place to book a hotel in Granada is in the very center of the city. There’s nothing like having easy access to all the gorgeous cafes and restaurants in the Old Town. 

The gay area of Granada is also close to the historic center, so getting to the local gay bars will be easy.

where to stay in Granada

Keep in mind that the city of Granada is much bigger than it looks on the map. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, far walks from areas outside the center to get to restaurants or other sites means you’ll get pretty sweaty.

travelers in Granada gay hotel
where to stay in Granada

Book your accommodations as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling during the peak tourist season of summer and early fall. Prices of hotels become way more expensive last-minute.

travelers in Granada gay hotel

Here are my recommended hotels for gay travelers in Granada.

Mirador de Los Arcos Alhambra Apartments

Mirador de Los Arcos Alhambra Apartments will make you feel right at home with a spacious and stylish private apartment. They’re also one of the few accommodation options in Granada that is affordable and has a pool!

The views from the Mirador Los Arcos Apartments are incredible, too. You’ll be able to see the Alhambra right from your room. For such a beautiful property and a location right in Granada’s historic center, the price is well worth it.

Hotel in Granada gay area

Palacete 1620 Premium Suites

Palacete 1620 Premium Suites is a perfect place for gay travelers to stay in Granada. Not only is Palacete 1620 one of the most gorgeous, authentic-feeling accommodations around, but it’s right in the middle of Granada’s gay area. The property is also adults-only!

Palacete 1620 Granada
Hotel in Granada gay area
Palacete 1620 Granada

These well-decorated, modern, and spacious suites are perfect for gay couples who want a lot of space to relax in the tranquility of an adults-only hotel.

Áurea Catedral by Eurostars

Áurea Catedral by Eurostars is a renovated and modern mid-range hotel with a cozy ambiance. Some of the rooms have adorable views out onto the street below. The basic rooms at this hotel are quite affordable, but more luxurious suite options are also available.

Facilities include a luxurious steam room and spa area, fitness center, and covered outdoor terrace space. Their location directly next to the Granada Cathedral and Plaza de Bib-Rambla is unbeatable.

Gar Anat Hotel

Staying at Gar Anat Hotel will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Originally owned by a wealthy Muslim family, the hotel has a Moorish flare. It was later taken by the government of the Christian Kingdom and converted into a hospital for local pilgrims.

Gar Anat Hotel Granada
Gar Anat Hotel Granada
historic hotel in Granada

After being sold to a private owner, the property was again transformed into a series of apartments for various families before being abandoned for a quarter century.

historic hotel in Granada

Gar Anat Hotel’s history makes it one of the most unique places to stay in Granada. The next time I visit the city, I definitely want to stay here!

Issabel's Marquis Hotels

Issabel’s Marquis Hotels is another great hotel option for couples. Large beds, double vanities, and deep rich colors are just a few elements that make this hotel stand out.

Issabels Maquis Hotel Granada
Issabels Maquis Hotel Granada
issabels marquis hotel double sink

I love their room’s funky designs and large windows as well. The entire hotel feels both modern and playful, including the large bar and restaurant.

issabels marquis hotel double sink

Hotel La Bella Granada

Hotel La Bella Granada’s soft, pink-themed rooms are absolutely adorable. This is a style that you don’t see every day.

Granada gay friendly hotel

Rooms come in several sizes too, ranging from suites with separate living rooms to single twin-bed studios which are perfect for solo travelers. They even have 3-bedroom triple rooms, which could be great for families or traveling groups of friends.

Granada hotel for single travelers
Granada hotel for single travelers
Granada gay friendly hotel

Given how affordable the prices of La Bella Granada’s rooms are, you’d be crazy not to consider booking this hotel!

Room Mate Leo

Room Mate Leo has an upscale budget hotel vibe. This property is popular with gay travelers for its central location and private outdoor terraces on the upper floors.

One of the best perks of the hotel is its 24-hour “trust bar” where you can get any snacks, drinks, or coffee anytime and just keep track of what you take.

Room Mate Leo Granada

The building is a bit older, so the air conditioning here isn’t super strong. But since Room Mate Leo often has availability last minute, I still want to include this hotel as an option, especially if you’re traveling when the weather is cooler.

gay Granada Spain
best tapas restaurant in Granada
gay Granada Spain

Granada Gay Travel Experiences

Monasterio de San Jerónimo

Escape the tourist trail with a visit to the Monasterio de San Jerónimo. Exploring this impressive royal monastery was so peaceful. I wandered through the cloisters and admired the beautiful Baroque design.

Granada gay traveler at monastery

Given how centrally located it is, I was surprised by how few people were there. Definitely make a trip to see this gorgeous, lesser-known gem.

Granada San Jeronimo Monastery
Granada gay traveler at monastery
Granada San Jeronimo Monastery

Have Tapas at Ibéricos & Alhambra

Enjoying a fabulous tapas meal at Ibéricos & Alhambra is one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Granada. This place was so special because you can feel how the waiters and the cooks take so much pride in everything they serve.

best tapas restaurant in Granada

After finishing an enormous platter of cured meats cheeses and fruits, the woman in the restaurant’s window who prepared it smiled and gave a wave goodbye. With such delicious tapas and a kind waitress, we felt very taken care of.

Visit the Alhambra

There’s a good chance you don’t need me to tell you that you need to see the famous Alhambra. I do want to share some crucial tips for your visit, though. The Alhambra is world-famous, now more than ever, so you’ll want to be prepared for what to expect.

Alhambra palaces
Alhambra palaces
Nasrid Palaces Alhambra

Most importantly, you have to buy tickets at least 1 to 2 days in advance if you want to see the most popular parts of the Alhambra (the Nasrid Palaces).

For any evening or exclusive tours, buy tickets as soon as you can, because they sell out. Also, tickets for the Nasrid Palaces are timed entry, so buying them earlier will give you more flexibility.

Nasrid Palaces Alhambra

I recommend going early in the morning. There are a huge number of tourists at the Alhambra, and it gets so crowded in the afternoon. It will also be cooler, and your photos will look better avoiding the high afternoon sun angle.

gardens of Alhambra

Bring your physical government ID or passport with you. You’ll need it to buy a ticket and you have to show identification at every exhibit entrance. They take this very seriously.

Honestly, all the re-checking of IDs and tickets so many times once already inside the Alhambra was a little obnoxious. I don’t think I fully understand why they even do this.

Alhambra tour
Alhambra tour
gardens of Alhambra

If you do forget identification but have a photo of it, there is a separate ticket line where they can give you a verification slip. This just shows that someone officially verified you.

Take a Mountain Drive

If you’re up for an adventurous road trip, rent a car and drive along the gorgeous mountain roads outside of central Granada. There are tons of gorgeous views, all without any tourists around.

day trip from Granada

Sierra Nevada National Park is just a 30-minute drive away from central Granada and it’s such a fun little trip. With every winding mountain road, there’s another awesome view of the entire surrounding region.

The Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden is also in this area, a nice place for a nature walk.

scenic spots outside Granada
day trip from Granada
scenic spots outside Granada

On your way back to Granada, there are even more scenic viewpoints. I thought Mirador Embalse de Canales was a neat place to stop. It’s a lookout over the local reservoir. There are quite a few other lookouts nearby to get a view of the reservoir’s strikingly serene and untouched blue waters.

Plaza de Bib-Rambla

Grab Drinks in Plaza de Bib-Rambla

Plaza de Bib-Rambla is the heart of Granada, a vibrant central square with all kinds of restaurants and cafés. There’s no better place for a casual late afternoon drink outdoors along with some delicious tapas.

Tapas restaurant central Granada
Tapas restaurant central Granada
Plaza de Bib-Rambla

La Cueva de 1900 and LaSeda are two adjacent restaurants I highly recommend. I loved the tapas and relaxed vibe at LaSeda. La Cueva de 1900 is just a little more upscale.

Granada Cathedral

The stunning white marble inside the Granada Cathedral truly makes this one of the most memorable cathedrals I’ve seen. I fell in love with the beautiful light shining down through the soaring columns as well as the magnificent altar and stained-glass dome.

visiting Granada Cathedral

A visit here is well worth it. Even if you’ve seen countless churches and cathedrals along your travels, I’m certain the Granada Cathedral will leave you with a lasting impression.

gay traveler in Granada Cathedral
visiting Granada Cathedral
gay traveler in Granada Cathedral

Walk Around The Albaicín

If you search online for things to do in Granada, every travel blog in the world mentions exploring The Albaicín, the city’s medieval Arabic quarter. What they don’t always mention is that if you show up in the middle of the day, you’ll be walking around what feels like a ghost town. Going in the evening will be much more enjoyable.

albaicin district Granada

During siesta, there won’t be much to do except walk around the residential streets. Also, The Albaicín is a huge district, so have a specific destination in mind so you don’t feel overwhelmed or lost. A couple of options are the Palacio Dar al-Horra or the tranquil Plaza Aliatar.

albaicin district Granada
lookout point in Albaicin district
lookout point in Albaicin district

The Albaicín’s architecture and narrow streets are nice from a historical perspective. But I wouldn’t necessarily say they’re any prettier than the dreamy walkways of other historic European towns, like Italy’s Lucca or Croatia’s Korčula.

For a great view of all of Granada in The Albaicín, take a small hike up to the Mirador Morente. It’s a quiet and scenic spot high above the city that you can visit any time of day. I went during the day, but I’d bet sunset is an even prettier time to go.

Granada Gay Bars

Granada has quite a few awesome gay bars to explore. I found them to be so entertaining and friendly, and meeting new friends even as a traveler was easy!

All the gay bars in Granada are located on the northwestern side of the Centro district, so you can easily bar hop and try them all.

Granada gay bar

Tic Tac Pub

Tic Tac Pub is the best Granada gay bar for casual drinks and a friendly vibe. I had a fantastic time here on a typical weeknight and met a couple of other gay travelers.

Tic Tac gay bar granada
Tic Tac gay bar granada
Granada gay bar

The best part was watching all the music videos to songs loved by Spain’s gay community. Some of the queer and drag artists are such fun and hilarious creators!

Six Colours

Hanging out at Six Colours on the weekend is a must! They’re a casual, ostentatiously designed Granada gay bar, where you can order cocktails and food while the DJ plays upbeat pop music. 

Six Colours gay bar

The crowd here is quite diverse, with people of all different ages, genders, and styles. I thought the guys here were particularly handsome.

Granada gay bar
Six Colours gay bar
Granada gay bar

Rainbow colors are everywhere, so it’s impossible to miss. I love the funky, beautifully chaotic interior décor.

Eclipse Bar

Eclipse Bar has more of a club feel with louder music and lots of neon lights. It’s the size of a typical gay bar and is completely underground.

Eclipse Bar Granada

They’re one of Granada’s most popular gay bars, especially during celebrations like Granada Pride. The videos I saw on Eclipse Bar’s television screens of the parties they host during these popular events looked amazingly fun.

Granada gay bar
Eclipse Bar Granada
Granada gay bar

Cruising Club Septimocielo

Septimocielo is the go-to gay cruising bar in Granada. Since the city doesn’t have much in the way of gay saunas, lots of guys head here for a sexy time. They’re located in Granada’s gay area along with the other gay bars.

granada gay bars

Granada Gay Saunas

While you won’t find elaborate gay saunas in Granada as you would in Spanish cities like Madrid, there is a local option you may want to try.

neighborhood in Granada

*Note: Sauna Gay Boabdil has recently closed.

Sauna Gay Boabdil may be small and intimate, but it’s the only gay sauna around. Based on reviews online, guys can definitely find some good fun here.

neighborhood in Granada
Granada gay sauna

They’re located in the Carretera de la Sierra neighborhood to the south of the Alhambra, which has a charming local vibe.

Granada gay sauna

Instead of a gay sauna, keep in mind that Granada also has the gorgeous Hammam Al Ándalus. Here you can experience traditional candle-lit Arab baths and other opulent spa facilities. I suggest booking a 90-minute hammam session with hotel pickup.

Granada Gay Travel Tips

Plan Your Day Around Siesta

Especially here in the south of Spain, siesta is very real. Between the hours of 2 PM and 5 PM, everything closes. Cafés, restaurants, and shops all close their shutters, and the city largely becomes quiet.

siesta time in Granada

During the summertime, this is the perfect time to take a nap back at your hotel. It’s so incredibly hot during the middle of the day that being outside isn’t so comfortable anyway!

siesta time in Granada
Granada gay travel tips

Some places will surely still be open. Getting a beer or a cold snack isn’t the most difficult, but having a proper meal during siesta hours or trying to buy something at a local pharmacy is not exactly easy.

Granada gay travel tips

Dinner Time is Not as Late

While Spaniards in cities like Madrid and Barcelona typically enjoy late dinners, the same is not exactly true in Granada. I found many restaurants and tapas bars closing around 11 PM.

That leaves about a six-hour window between the end of the siesta and when lots of restaurants start closing. Keep this in mind when planning dinner.

visiting granada in summer
visiting Alhambra in summer
visiting granada in summer

Summers Are Hot!

Inland from the Mediterranean Sea, summertime temperatures in Granada soar to an average of above 90°F (32°C). But especially with Europe’s common yearly heat waves, daily high temperatures over 105°F (41°C) are not uncommon. Add in the humidity and things get sticky.

visiting Alhambra in summer

Whichever hotel you choose, do a little research into making sure that they have good air conditioning.

Granada Trip Planning Links

Sightseeing: Viator and GetYourGuide are two of the most trusted and reliable platforms for tours and activities.

 

Flights: Skyscanner has the most advanced interface for finding the lowest-cost flights and comparing options.

 

Hostels & Apartments: I’ve used Hostelworld dozens of times while backpacking. For vacation apartments, I often find deals on VRBO.

 

Buses, Trains & Rides: Omio is awesome because it compares literally all modes of transport, including BlaBlaCar rideshares. FlixBus is my go-to for bus travel between cities. Their buses are always clean and have Wi-Fi. 

 

Car Rentals: I have always had good experiences with Europcar. If you’re not sure which rental company you prefer, compare them with Discover Cars.

 

Swimwear: Look your best at the beach or hotel pool with wolfyy’s suggestions from top gay swimwear brands.

 

Luggage: Check out my favorite suitcases, bags & backpacks for stylish inspiration.

 

Travel Insurance: Insure your trip against delays, luggage mishaps, and medical issues with Travelex.

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Looking for epic gay destinations in the south of Spain? Torremolinos is a must-visit summertime gay resort town. I also recommend checking out Seville, Cádiz, or the party town of Maspalomas on the Canary Islands.

Don’t miss wolfyy’s list of the best gay cities in Spain!

Need more ideas for gay destinations? Explore wolfyy’s full collection of gay travel guides.


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