The viewpoints are one of the most valuable treasures of Granada. This city is located in a privileged enclave due to its proximity to the Sierra Nevada and the beautiful Alhambra in its territory.
In this article we have compiled some of the best viewpoints in Granada so that, whether you are a tourist or a local, you can discover the city from a unique perspective. To do this, we have based ourselves mainly on the compilation made by some official bodies of Granada and embodied in the project “Mírame: red de miradores” (Look at me: network of viewpoints). Take note because each one is better than the last.
Although, beware! Here are not all of them, since the city of Granada has no more and no less than 40 viewpoints and we wanted to choose some of the best. Therefore, you may find one by chance on your visit and you can add it to the list.
1. Mirador la Silla del Moro, one of the least known viewpoints of Granada
Located in the Castle of Santa Elena, this viewpoint takes its name from the construction that is in this enclave and that served as a place of surveillance and protection for the Generalife and the orchards of the Alhambra. To reach it you have to follow the path called “Acequia Real Dehesa del Generalife”.
The views from this viewpoint of Granada are spectacular and very different from those offered by other enclaves, because you can appreciate the city with all its contrasts in an environment away from the noise. In fact, this viewpoint is one of the most unknown.
2. Mirador de San Cristóbal, a must see
The Mirador de San Cristobal is located in the upper part of the Albaicin neighborhood, right next to the church of the same name, and is one of the best known viewpoints in the city for its incredible views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. In addition, thanks to its height, as it is located in one of the highest points of the neighborhood, you can also appreciate beautiful views of the Albaicín itself.
To get there you just have to climb the Albahaca slope and then the slope known as Cuesta de San Cristóbal.
3. Mirador de la Cruz de Rauda, the secret viewpoint of the Albaicín.
Also located in the Albaicín district, the Cruz de Rauda viewpoint is, however, much less well known than the San Cristóbal despite also having impressive views of the Alhambra and the Generalife.
It is very close to the Cruz de Rauda, from which it takes its name, and to reach it you have to go to the southwest base of the slope that descends from the Cerro de San Miguel; specifically, ascending a little along the road leading to the Casas-Cuevas, as it has two heights.
4. Mirador de San Nicolas, one of the viewpoints of Granada with the best views of the Alhambra.
This is one of the most famous and visited viewpoints in Granada. And the reason is due to the spectacular panoramic view of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. It is located just in front of the church of the same name, in a small esplanade with cobblestone floor. But its access is easy thanks to the fact that there are two bus lines, the C31 and C32.
Such is its popularity that in 1997 Bill Clinton visited it and claimed to have seen “the most beautiful sunset in the world”.
In addition, very close to this viewpoint, just a three-minute walk away, you will find our flamenco tablao Jardines de Zoraya, so you can easily combine your visit with the enjoyment of a unique show.
5. Mirador de la Lola, one of the viewpoints of Granada in the middle of nature.
From the popular viewpoint of San Nicolas begins a route that takes you to one of the most unique viewpoints of Granada: the viewpoint of the Lola. It is located in the middle of nature and to reach it you have to walk along the forest road called carril de San Miguel, which runs through one of the most beautiful green areas of the city.
The viewpoint is located halfway along the route and has beautiful views of the Alhambra. It is ideal for anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle, as there are usually no crowds, making it an ideal alternative to other more popular viewpoints in Granada.
6. Viewpoint of the Sacromonte Abbey
Located in the Sacromonte Abbey, this viewpoint is not very well known and only those who go to see the building usually visit it, finding by chance different views of the Alhambra and the whole city of Granada. It is the esplanade of this place that makes both parking and viewpoint, due to its beautiful views.
This viewpoint and the entire abbey are located on Mount Valparaiso, one of the most important religious buildings in Granada. We also encourage you to visit its museum taking advantage of your visit to the viewpoint.
7. Mirador de Alixares, the forgotten viewpoint
There are many people in Granada who know the cemetery viewpoint, but what not so many know is that very close is another one with views that can perfectly compete with it. We are talking about the viewpoint of Alixares, which is located in the middle of nowhere and is reached by crossing an area of open land.
But it is absolutely worth it, because although you can’t see the Alhambra, many visitors rate it as a perfect place to watch the sunset in the city.
8. Mirador Placeta Puerta del Sol, a viewpoint in the Jewish quarter.
Located in the Realejo neighborhood, this viewpoint is situated in a hidden little square from where you have a privileged view of the Cathedral of Granada. It is ideal as a stop on the way while visiting the city, located in a very nice environment where there is a washing place with Tuscan stone columns of the seventeenth century that women used to use in the past when there was no running water.
9. Cartuja Viewpoint
Also known as the Torreón, from this viewpoint you can have privileged views of the entire valley of Granada. It is completely away from the tourist area of the city and is very visited by students.
The tower is the distinctive element of this place, which was once part of a religious and educational complex.
10. Mirador San Miguel Alto, the highest viewpoint in Granada.
The Mirador de San Miguel Alto is reached after a long and steep walk, but believe me you will not regret it, because its views are one of the most fascinating of the city. Its name comes from its location in front of the hermitage of the same name, from where every year the locals take the Archangel San Miguel in procession.
11. Mirador de los Carvajales, the Alhambra from another plane.
Normally, the viewpoints of Granada offer views of the Alhambra from a distance and at about the same height as this popular building. But the viewpoint of the Carvajales offers a unique perspective: a contrapicado. From this point, both the Alhambra and the Generalife will seem even more immense and majestic, and to get there you only have to approach the lower part of the Albaicín neighborhood.
12. Placeta del Comino viewpoint, the best views of the Alhambra forest.
This small square offers the ideal place to contemplate the nature that surrounds the Alhambra, which is tremendously lush and full of cypress gardens. It is, therefore, a perfect place to see a different image of this building.
13. Mirador del Zenete, a different viewpoint.
Finally, we would like to introduce you to a more private place. Specifically, the views from the rooftop of the house “Mirador del Zenete”, which also offers accommodation for visitors. In the heart of the Albaicín neighborhood, from one of its rooms you can have privileged views, but if not, its upper part offers a place to relax while contemplating a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
