Granada travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Granada.
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- long dark-sand town beach below the old castle
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers
- Sunbed and parasol rental
- Chiringuitos and restaurants
- Public toilets
- Parking nearby
Playa de la Charca
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 11:00 in July and August
-
- quieter rocky-backed beach beside the Peñón
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers
- Chiringuitos
- Public toilets
- Nearby parking
Playa del Peñón
Editor’s tip. Arrive early in summer
-
- town beach below the old fortress
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers
- Sunbed and parasol rental
- Chiringuitos
- Public toilets
- Promenade
Playa de San Cristóbal
Editor’s tip. Go early in summer
-
- long family beach east of the town
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers
- Sunbed rental
- Chiringuitos
- Public toilets
- Promenade
Playa de Velilla
Editor’s tip. Take the local bus from Almuñécar
-
- horseshoe bay with clear water and a fishing-village feel
- Lifeguards in season
- Showers
- Sunbed rental
- Chiringuitos and restaurants
- Public toilets
- Marina nearby
Playa de La Herradura
Editor’s tip. Bring a snorkel mask and water shoes
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Granada memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Granada’s coast.
How far is La Charca from Granada?
About 70 km, roughly an hour by car or Alsa coach.
From the Playa de la Charca editorial.
Are there facilities?
Yes, lifeguards in season, showers, sunbeds, toilets and chiringuitos.
From the Playa de la Charca editorial.
Is Playa del Peñón good for children?
Yes, the water is shallow and the beach is calm.
From the Playa del Peñón editorial.
How do I get there from Granada?
Alsa coach to Salobreña, then taxi or a short walk.
From the Playa del Peñón editorial.
How far is Almuñécar from Granada?
About 85 km, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
From the Playa de San Cristóbal editorial.
What are the beaches like?
Dark sand and pebbles with clear water.
From the Playa de San Cristóbal editorial.
How do I get from Almuñécar to Velilla?
By local bus or taxi.
From the Playa de Velilla editorial.
Is it good for families?
Yes.
From the Playa de Velilla editorial.