Granada province’s real estate market in 2024 is drawing renewed interest, driven by its mix of historic appeal, natural beauty, and affordability. Granada offers a variety of properties, from traditional townhouses in the city’s historic Albaicín district to rural cortijos in scenic mountain areas like the Alpujarras. The province’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mediterranean coast provides an appealing lifestyle mix for those interested in skiing, beach outings, and cultural experiences all within close reach.
International buyers, notably from the UK, France, and Scandinavia, continue to shape the market. Around 25% of property transactions involve foreign buyers, many of whom are attracted to the cultural richness of Granada city and the tranquillity of nearby villages. Areas like La Herradura, on the Costa Tropical, attract a mix of expatriates and holiday home buyers drawn to the region’s unique coastline and relatively mild winter climate.
Property prices in Granada average around €1,410 per square meter, with higher prices in prime locations like Granada city and along the Costa Tropical. The province remains comparatively affordable compared to neighbouring Málaga, offering excellent value for those looking to invest in a region with both cultural depth and natural beauty.
Granada’s combination of rich history, outdoor appeal, and affordable prices make it an attractive option for both investors and those looking to settle in one of Spain’s most culturally vibrant provinces.
What’s it like to live in Granada province?
This romantic province buzzes with history and culture. Moorish palaces sit beside Renaissance castles, nomadic Gitanos live in mountain caves in the Altiplano region, and city folk sip herbal infusions in exotic teterías. The local people are proud of their heritage and traditions, especially during vibrant festivals like the Feria del Corpus Christi in June.
It is thought that the provincial name of Granada derives from the word ‘pomegranate’, and the jewel-filled fruit sits proudly at the centre of the capital’s coat of arms. And much like a Pomegranate, Granada is densely packed with historical and cultural gems, from the magnificent Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada city and the imposing Alcazaba de las Siete Torres in Orce to the beautiful renaissance Castillo de la Calahorra in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Las Alpujarras is a region of picturesque white villages on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Many of these pretty pueblo blancos maintain their traditional Berber architecture and way of life, so it’s like stepping back in time!
Geography & climate of Granada Province
Penones de san Cristobal, Almuñécar, Granada Province
The average annual temperature in Granada city is around 15.7 degrees Celsius. Summers are usually hot and dry, and the temperature is often above 30 degrees Celsius in July and August. Winters tend to be mild along the coast, but mountain areas like the Sierra Nevada are cold and snowy.
The Costa Tropical stretches for about 73 km and provides a subtropical microclimate ideal for growing exotic fruits such as mangoes, avocados and starfruit. Charming coastal towns like Almuñécar and Salobreña offer affordable properties with magnificent sea views.
The heart of Granada city is steeped in Moorish and Christian history and well-located just a short drive from the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the Costa Tropical beaches.
Granada province is also home to some of Spain's most beautiful natural parks, including the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Creative types should head to Órgiva, a town in Las Alpujarras well-known for its community of international artists and writers.
Food & drink of Granada Province
Granada province is well-known for its rich agricultural heritage. While not as famous for tomatoes as Almeríá province, Granada’s Costa Tropical is renowned for its tropical fruits, including mangoes, avocados, and even custard apples.
Local delicacies in Granada are a flavoursome fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines. Famous dishes include remojón granadíno (a salad made with oranges, cod and olives) and tortilla del Sacromonte (a unique omelette traditionally made with sheep or bull brains and testicles.)
The region’s signature dish is often considered to be habas con jamón (broad beans with ham), a simple yet tasty tapas.
Fresh seafood is abundant along the Costa Tropical, where you can sample local specialities like espeto de sardinas (skewered sardines grilled over an open fire). Further inland, you can enjoy traditional hearty meals like Plato alpujarreño, made with fried eggs, chorizo, blood sausage, potatoes, and peppers.
Olive groves, Montefrio, Granada Province
The varied climate of the province leads to the production of exceptional wines, especially in the Contraviesa-Alpujarra area. Local wine routes offer opportunities to explore vineyards and discover regional varieties.
The region is also famous for its olive groves, which lead to the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You can visit a working olive oil mill in íllora.
For authentic tapas-style dining whilst living in Granada, head to one of several Los Diamantes restaurants in the city of Granada. Alternatively, head to Bodegas Castañeda (also in Granada city), where you can experience the local tradition of free tapas with each drink.
For dessert, don’t forget to order Granada’s famous piononos. This small, cylindrical pasty topped with toasted cream and cinnamon was first made in Calle Real de Santa Fe as a tribute to Pope Pius IX.
And no culinary journey through Granada would be complete without trying some Jamón de Trevélez, a cured ham from the high-altitude village of Trevélez in Las Alpujarras.
History & culture of Granada Province
Mezquita mosque of Granada in Albaicin
Granada province’s history is a rich tapestry of cultures, conquests, and artistic achievements spanning millennia.
The province's recorded history starts with Iberian settlements, followed by Roman occupation. However, it flourished during the Islamic period. In 711 CE, the Moors conquered the area, and the Kingdom of Granada was established and became the last Muslim stronghold in Western Europe.
Under Islamic rule, Granada became a centre of culture, science, and art. The crowning achievement of the era is Alhambra, a magnificent palace-fortress complex with intricate Islamic designs and lush gardens. This architectural marvel is a testament to the sophistication of Moorish culture.
The Christian Reconquista reached Granada in 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella conquered the city, ending Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. This event also coincided with Christopher Columbus receiving approval for his voyage to the Americas, making Granada a pivotal location in world history.
Following the Reconquista, the province saw many changes. Many existing mosques became churches, and the Cathedral of Granada was built, incorporating Gothic and Renaissance influences. The Royal Chapel (where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried) was also built during this period.
The 16th and 17th centuries were a time of relative decline for Granada province, but it remained an important cultural centre. The University of Granada, founded in 1531, drew scholars from all over Europe and continues to play a significant role in the city’s life today.
Men singing and playing guitar at Mirador San Nicolas, overlooking Granada Alhambra
In the 19th century, the province suffered under French occupation during the Peninsular War. Later in the century, Granada saw political instability and economic difficulties.
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) saw Granada become a battleground between Republican and Nationalist forces. Famous poet and writer Federico García Lorca was executed near Granada city during the conflict.
In the latter part of the 20th century, Granada province began to embrace tourism as a major industry. The Alhambra was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Today, the province celebrates its diverse heritage through festivals and cultural events.
Castle Calahorra with the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alhambra Palace. It’s a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture, with intricate details, pretty courtyards, and colourful gardens.
Admire the Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture of Granada Cathedral, a 16th-century landmark in the heart of Granada city
Trek through the picturesque white villages of the Alpujarra region. Hidden in the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada, head here for a taste of traditional rural life
Enjoy a thrilling hike through Monachil’s Los Cahorros, with its hanging bridges, waterfalls, and narrow gorges
Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Costa Tropical. You can even enjoy distant views of the snowy mountains as you sunbathe!
Wander through the historic neighbourhood of Sacromonte, known for its cave houses and beautiful views of the Alhambra
Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Granada’s Albaicín (the old Moorish quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage site)
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Generalife Gardens
Visit the Alcaiceríá market in Granada city. Once the old Moorish market, this is a fascinating place to buy local crafts, curios, and other treasures.
Go on a shopping spree at the Nevada Mall in Armilla. This is a large shopping centre with over 230 shops, as well as restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and a kids’ play area.
Visit the Aquatropic water park in Almuñécar on the Costa Tropical. Set on the beach, this is Spain’s only salt-water waterpark. From exciting slides to relaxing jacuzzis, there are plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained.
Relax in one of the Arab baths. Hammam Al Ándalus is at the foot of the Alhambra in Granada city and provides the ideal place to chill out after a day of exploring.
Essential information
Granada Province is home to 921,987 total residents, including 65,123 foreign residents who make up 7.1% of the population. Living in Granada offers access to incredible natural beauty, impressive history and a traditional Spanish way of life that is unique to Granada.
Getting around
Living in Granada province means you can access its extensive transport network. The main airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, which is conveniently located about 15 km west of Granada city. This airport offers domestic flights throughout the year and international connections to European cities like Paris and Rome during the peak summer season. Railway transport links in the province have improved significantly in recent years. Granada is now connected to the Spanish high-speed Renfe AVE network, with a line linking Granada to Madrid via Antequera. This has drastically reduced train travel times to the capital and other major cities - Madrid is only a three-hour journey by high-speed railway. Regular train services connect Granada to major cities like Seville and Almería.
Transportes Rober operates Granada’s extensive public bus system. Granada city also has a modern light railway system, which currently operates one line running from the centre of Granada to the southern suburbs.
Intercity buses run by ALSA connect Granada City with other towns in the province. It is also possible to take these coaches to destinations like Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris and Paris.
Driving is a popular mode of transport in the province, especially if you want to explore the smaller towns and villages in the local area. The A-92 motorway connects Granada with Seville to the west and Almeríá to the east. Secondary roads link with smaller communities, but these can be winding in the mountainous parts of the province. Find out more about driving in Spain post-brexit, in our article.
Taxi services are readily available in Granada City and other major towns, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify are also available in Granada City.
Granada City has invested in its bicycle infrastructure and has an increasing number of dedicated bike lanes. It also has a bike-sharing system called +BICI.
If you choose to live in one of the smaller towns or villages, you will probably want to buy a car.
View of La Herradura
Schools and education
Granada province has many schools and education centres, with options for all age groups and educational requirements. To start your search for a school in Granada province, head to the Ministerio de Educacion website.
If you have very young children, there are many guarderías (nurseries) and escuelas infantiles (infant schools) across the province. These provide early childhood education and care for children aged 0-3, with both public and private options available. In Granada city, you’ll find facilities like the public Escuela Infantil Municipal “Arlequin” and private options like Duendes.
Formal education begins at age 3 with Educación Infantil (preschool), followed by Educación Primaria (primary school) from ages 6 to 12. Most schools in Granada are public (colegios públicos), funded by the government. Examples include CEIP Andrés Segovia and CEIP Fuentenueva in Granada city.
The province also has several concertos, which are private schools subsidised by the government. They often have a religious affiliation. One example is Colegio Santo Domingo Vistillas in Granada city. There are many guarderías (nurseries) and escuelas infantiles (infant schools) across the province for young children. These provide early childhood education and care for children aged 0-3, with public and private options available. In Granada city, you can find facilities like the public Escuela Infantil Municipal "Arlequín" and private options such as "Duendes". Formal education begins at age 3 with Educación Infantil (preschool), followed by Educación Primaria (primary school) from ages 6 to 12. Most schools in Granada are public (colegios públicos), funded by the government. Examples include CEIP Andrés Segovia and CEIP Fuentenueva in Granada city. There are also concertados, which are private schools subsidized by the government. These often have a religious affiliation. An example is Colegio Santo Domingo in Granada city. For secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, or ESO), students attend institutes from ages 12-16. Notable public institutes include IES Padre Suárez and IES Ángel Ganivet in Granada city. Granada also has several fully private schools, some offering international curricula. For instance, the Granada College in Granada city offers a bilingual education following both Spanish and British curricula. There are a few Montessori and Waldorf schools in the province, such as Escuela Waldorf La Aplujarra. These schools focus on child-centred education and holistic development through alternative teaching styles. Higher education is primarily provided by the University of Granada, one of Spain's largest and most prestigious universities. It offers various degree programs and attracts students from across Spain and internationally. Vocational training is available through various centres that offer practical skills-based education. For example, the IES Virgen de las Nieves in Granada city specialises in technical and professional training. Several adult education centres throughout the province offer courses for those who wish to complete their basic education or learn new skills. The Centro de Educación Permanente in Granada city is one such example. Language education is a priority in Granada. Many schools participate in bilingual programs, typically offering some subjects in English alongside Spanish. The level of English proficiency can vary between schools. It's worth noting that while the province offers a range of educational options, most schools outside the capital and larger towns are public schools. International and alternative education options are more concentrated in urban areas or regions with significant expat populations. Enrolling young children in a Spanish school can benefit language acquisition for families moving to Granada. Remember that in Spanish schools, children must learn Spanish and the regional language where applicable.
The province offers a variety of public and private healthcare facilities.
Granada province’s main public hospital is the Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio in Granada city, where you can access specialist medical services and treatments.
Other public hospitals in the province include the Hospital Santa Ana in Motril and the Hospital de Baza in Baza.
Many primary care centres (centros de salud) and local GP practices are dotted around the province. These centres are the best place to go if you want to access general medical care or need to be referred for specialist treatment at a hospital.
There are plenty of local pharmacies providing easy access to over-the-counter medications and healthcare products that can be used to treat minor ailments.
Several specialist health services, including mental health facilities and rehabilitation clinics, also serve the province.
If you’re looking for a job in Granada province, there are many sectors and industries to consider.
Agriculture remains a significant employer in the province, especially in areas such as the Vega de Granada, which is famous for its fertile land and cultivation of olives, cereals and fruits.
Another major industry is tourism, especially in Granada city and the Costa Tropical. Jobs are usually readily available in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
The service sector (including administration, retail, and transport) contributes significantly to Granada province’s job market. The provincial capital employs many people in professional and administrative roles, although most employers prefer applications from people proficient in Spanish.
The University of Granada is a major employer in the province. It attracts international students and researchers, creating job opportunities in various academic and support staff roles.
The technology sector is growing, with the University’s Granada Health Technology Park (PTS) offering job opportunities in biotechnology and health sciences. Granada city also boasts a budding startup scene for new businesses.
The province also has several solar energy projects, creating opportunities for work in the renewable energy sector. To search for jobs in Granada province, you can use websites like Indeed, InfoJobs, and LinkedIn. The Spain Chamber of Commerce website may also provide useful information for those looking to start a business in the province. Remember that while English-speaking jobs are available, especially in tourism and education, having a good command of Spanish will significantly increase your employment opportunities in Granada province. The Granada Expats Spain Facebook group is a good place to find out about job opportunities for expats in the province.
Where to move
Wondering where to live in Andalucia? Read on to learn more about some of the best places to live in Granada Province.
Almuñécar
This seaside town offers a glorious blend of tranquillity and historic charm. Property-wise, you can find anything from plush modern apartments to quaint traditional houses, with many homes boasting beautiful sea views. Public transport links are good, and the town is well-connected with the city of Granada. Almuñécar boasts a lively and sociable atmosphere with an array of restaurants and bars, making this an ideal place to invest if you’re looking to strike a good balance between public amenities and authentic Spanish living.
Almuñécar property prices start from €47,000 Check out our moving to Almuñécar guide for everything you need to know.
La Herradura
La Herradura Marina
Famous for its horseshoe-shaped bay, properties in La Herradura tend to be exclusive, with many of the contemporary villas offering spectacular ocean vistas. It’s smaller and quieter than Almuñécar, so public transport is limited. However, the town itself is easy enough to explore on foot. This is the perfect place if you enjoy watersports and want to experience a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The vibe is laid-back and family-friendly, with a well-established community of locals and expats.
La Herradura property prices start from €70,000 Check out our moving to La Herradura guide for everything you need to know.
Órgiva
Cathedral in Orgiva
If you’re seeking a unique, alternative lifestyle, take a look at properties for sale in Órgiva. Located in the Alpujarras, you can find everything from rustic farmhouses to modern homes, many of which provide sensational mountain views. The town has a bohemian buzz that attracts creatives, artists, and anyone who wants to connect with nature. If you value community, organic living, and an outdoorsy lifestyle, Órgiva is an excellent choice. Remember that the rural location means public transport is limited, so you’ll probably need a car to live here.
Órgiva property prices start from €95,000 Check out our moving to Órgiva guide for everything you need to know.
La Rábita
La Rábita provides close access to the beautiful Costa Tropical beaches
Experience an authentic Spanish lifestyle in the small but perfectly formed village of La Rábita. There’s a wide range of properties, from compact apartments to roomy townhouses, many of which are available at affordable prices. The public transport options are limited, but this small village is easy to explore in foot. The community is predominately local, but the lack of tourist amenities is more than made up for with plenty of Spanish charm. This idyllic village is perfect if you dream of quiet, traditional living by the sea.
La Rábita property prices start from €59,000 Check out our moving to La Rábita guide for everything you need to know.
Salobreña
The Castle and white houses of Salobreña
Known for its iconic hilltop castle, Salobreña combines relaxed beach life with historic allure. Many of the properties by the coast are attractive beachfront apartments with beautiful sea views, but if you head into the old town you’ll find many traditional Spanish homes. The public transport services make it easy to get to the city of Granada, and there’s a great range of local amenities and cultural attractions to discover.
Salobreña property prices start from €57,000 Check out our moving to Salobreña guide for everything you need to know.
Galera
Granada Highlands view from Galera
This unique inland town is well known for its unusual cave houses. Public transport is very limited, so you’ll definitely need a car to get around. Galera is ideal for anyone seeking tranquility and a taste of rural Spanish life. It’s peaceful and traditional, with a real focus on local culture and outdoor living. Many of the charming whitewashed cave properties are available at reasonable prices.
Galera property prices start from €35,000 Check out our moving to Galera guide for everything you need to know.
