Granada International Jazz Festival

The Granada International Jazz Festival, held annually in the heart of Andalusia, Spain, is a premier event that brings together jazz enthusiasts from around the globe.

Since its first edition in 1980, the Granada International Jazz Festival has been hosting the excellence of jazz history for forty years without interruption: Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Haden, Art Blakey, Tete Montoliu, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Abbey Lincoln, Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bebo and Chucho Valdés, Ron Carter, Eliane Elias, Robert Glasper, among an endless list of musicians with whom it has managed to create very intense and gratifying emotional bonds.

The Granada International Jazz Festival, in autumn, is a must!

Travel Information

Getting to The Granada International Jazz Festival

Getting Around Granada

Public Transport: Transportes Rober operates an efficient public bus network in the city. The Alhambra Bus offers a convenient way for tourists to reach critical attractions.

Walking: Granada’s compact city centre and narrow, winding streets make walking a pleasant and practical way to explore.

Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ridesharing services like Uber are also operational.

Hotel Recommendations

Granada offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations for your stay during the Granada International Jazz Festival.

Parador de Granada: Situated within the grounds of the Alhambra, this luxurious hotel is housed in a former monastery. It offers a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy stunning views and unparalleled access to the Alhambra.

Hotel Alhambra Palace: This five-star hotel, with its Moorish-inspired architecture and opulent interiors, provides breathtaking views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is renowned for its excellent service and proximity to the Alhambra. This exceptional hotel is located at the Plaza Arquitecto García de Paredes.

Gar-Anat Hotel Boutique: This hotel is set in a 17th-century building at the Placeta de los Peregrinos and offers a unique and intimate experience. The hotel features individually designed rooms and is located in the heart of Granada, close to major attractions and festival venues.

Exploring Granada and Surroundings

While you enjoy the Granada International Jazz Festival’s varied program in the evening, there is a lot to discover during the day.

In Granada

Alhambra: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit. The Alhambra is a sprawling palace and fortress complex that showcases the rich Moorish history of the region. Its intricate architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views make it one of Spain’s most visited landmarks.

Generalife Gardens: Adjacent to the Alhambra, these lush gardens offer a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views over Granada. The Generalife was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.

Albaicín: The historic Moorish quarter is characterized by its narrow, winding streets and traditional whitewashed houses. Strolling through this area provides a glimpse into Granada’s rich past.

Granada Cathedral: An impressive example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the cathedral is grand with a magnificent interior and beautiful chapels.

Royal Chapel: Adjacent to the cathedral, this is the final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. The chapel houses an impressive collection of art and religious relics.

Surrounding Area:

Sierra Nevada: Just a short drive from Granada, the Sierra Nevada mountains offer outdoor activities year-round. In winter, they’re a popular ski destination; in summer, they provide excellent hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.

Las Alpujarras: A picturesque region south of Granada, known for its whitewashed villages and stunning natural beauty. The area is famous for its unique Berber-influenced architecture and offers excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring traditional Spanish villages.

Costa Tropical: Located south of Granada, this coastal area is known for its mild climate and beautiful beaches. Towns like Almuñécar and Salobreña offer a charming mix of history, culture, and seaside relaxation.

Things to Do and See in Granada

Cultural Attractions

Flamenco Shows: Granada is renowned for its flamenco scene. Authentic performances can be enjoyed in the caves of the Sacromonte district or the city’s many tablaos. Flamenco is an integral part of Andalusian culture, and experiencing a live performance is a must.

Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias) is an interactive museum offering a fun and educational experience for all ages. It features exhibits on various scientific topics, a planetarium, and an observation tower.

Realejo District: Explore this historic Jewish quarter, now a trendy neighbourhood filled with street art, quaint cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

Gastronomy

Tapas Tours: Granada is famous for its tapas culture. In many bars, ordering a drink comes with a complimentary tapa. This tradition makes Granada an ideal place to embark on a tapas tour, sampling various local dishes as you go.

Traditional Cuisine: Granada offers a rich culinary experience with dishes like gazpacho, jamón serrano, and piononos (a local pastry). Many restaurants in the city serve traditional Andalusian cuisine, providing an authentic taste of the region.

Alcaicería Market: Once the Great Bazaar of Granada, this market area is now a collection of narrow streets filled with shops selling spices, textiles, and crafts. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and experience the vibrant market atmosphere.

Nature and Adventure

Whale Watching: Although more commonly associated with coastal towns, whale-watching tours are available from nearby ports such as Motril, offering a chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

Hiking and Cycling: The surrounding region offers numerous trails suitable for hiking and cycling. The Sierra Nevada and Las Alpujarras are particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Gardens and Parks: In addition to the Generalife Gardens, Granada has several other beautiful parks and gardens, such as Carmen de los Mártires and the gardens of the Monastery of La Cartuja.

The Granada International Jazz Festival is an opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Granada. Whether you are drawn by the world-class music performances, the historical landmarks, or the vibrant culinary scene, Granada has something to offer every traveller. With its stunning landscapes, architectural wonders, and many activities, visiting Granada during the festival promises an unforgettable experience. Make sure to plan your trip to soak in the best of what this enchanting city and its surroundings have to offer.