Trains to Granada
Located in the south of Andalusia, Granada is a destination well worth visiting. A shining light in this region of southern Spain, it's one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. There's a great Arab influence here too, because the region was once part of the Nazari kingdom, so visitors can expect to see historic architecture from this era at every turn. Granada is served by several train stations, with Granada Central railway station about a 15-minute walk from the city centre itself. The train to Granada from Madrid takes approximately 5h20mins, with many services between the two cities requiring transfers.
Visiting Granada
After taking the train to Granada, it's incredibly easy to explore the city on foot. The Alhambra is, undoubtedly, the most characteristic monument in the city and is actually one of the most visited in the whole of Spain. The site was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1984. It consists of a complex of palaces and gardens, surrounded by a great wall, with amazing views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Touring the different courtyards of this palatial complex will transport visitors back to a magical bygone era. Fortunately, getting to the Alhambra from Granada train station takes less than 40 minutes by foot. Once here, visiting the Generalife gardens and village is also advisable. Formerly inhabited by the Muslim kings of Granada, this mesmerising site is only a few metres from the Alhambra. For those keen to enjoy the splendour of this city in all its glory, a visit to the cathedral is another absolute must. Alternatively, for those looking to eat like a local instead of exploring tourist attractions, popular dishes include toast and tomatoes with olive oil, broad beans and Spanish ham or fried fish. These are all worth a try!
Last but not least, visitors should head to the Monasterio de San Jerónimo. This 14th-century monument was built in a Renaissance style and is a beautiful blend of Moorish and Christian architectural styles. It’s only an 11-minute walk from the train station and it’s a historical wonder that is incredibly unique — tourists would be hard pushed to find anything else quite like it anywhere on the Spanish mainland!