10 Things to Do in Granada in October

October is one of the best times to travel to Granada. Yes, I know, it's true that you can go to this city at any time of the year, but this month is the perfect month to do so. Why? Quite simply, the summer holidays are over and the fresh air soothes the streets, it's an invitation for quiet strolls and relaxed visits, without any doubt.

Granada lacks nothing, it is not only rich in architecture and music; it is also rich in sea and mountains... and, of course, in gastronomy. In this article, I'll explain ten activities to add to your list of what to see and do in Granada.

The Church of San Nicolás, built in the 16th century on top of a mosque, gives its name to the square and to this viewpoint, the most famous in Granada and located in the Albaicín area. And yes, it offers views you can't miss: the Alhambra and the Generalife, with the city at its feet and the Sierra Nevada in the background.

Why go to this viewpoint in October? Because in October the air is fresh, the days are clearer and, above all, the green of the trees shines after the summer. A very romantic picture to enjoy with your loved ones, don't you think?

What's more, this place is usually quite lively, and you'll find little stalls selling a variety of objects, so you can spend some time browsing around. It's a great way to see the Alhambra and the Generalife from a different point of view, once you've visited these two wonders of culture and heritage.

Between so much walking and so many activities, at the end of the day you will surely want to find a moment to rest a little. What better way to do it than in a Hammam? Although October is not one of the coldest months, at this time of the year it is very common for it to start getting cooler in the evenings, so it is a perfect plan that you can start to enjoy, in company or alone.

My recommendation is to book a session at the best hammam in Granada, the Hammam Al Andalus, open between 9am and 8pm. This hammam, or Arab bath, is the first to be opened in Spain, after having been closed for five centuries. Nothing more and nothing less.

Here, as well as taking a relaxing bath, you can purify yourself in Andalusian style or treat yourself to a pleasant massage. And, best of all, it is within walking distance of the Alhambra, so you can combine it perfectly with your visit.

This chapel, built between 1506 and 1517 at the request of Queen Isabella I of Castile, contains the tombs of such important historical figures as the Catholic Monarchs, Juana the Mad and Philip the Handsome. To learn all about the history of the Royal Chapel in detail, I recommend you book this guided tour, which also includes admission to the Cathedral of Granada

Although its exterior is quite striking, the interior is austere, somewhat cramped and a little dark for some people's tastes. However, in the sacristy you can see part of the legacy of the Catholic Monarchs: paintings, their crown, the sceptre and some books and clothes.

If you come here on 12 October, you will be interested to know that it is the main venue for the celebrations held on the occasion of Columbus Day, such as the curious tremolation of the city's standard.

If you are a music lover and you are visiting Granada in October you are in luck. In addition to the traditional flamenco shows that the city offers, there is a great festival with all kinds of styles, the Granada Vibra.

In fact, this event is made up of four major musical events, with a varied programme of styles and the presence of renowned artists:

• The first of these events, Granada Urbana, is dedicated to reggaeton and trap.
• The next two, the Bull Days, usually feature rock, pop and fusion music.
• Finally, the day that closes the festival is usually dedicated to electronic music, as well as hosting a farewell party.

But if what you like is flamenco, remember that in Granada you can also enjoy singing and dancing shows in October, and at any other time of the year.

Practical information

• Where: Paseo Cortijo del Conde
• Price: each of the events has a different price.
• When: every Saturday in October

Yes, in October tapas are still tapas. In particular, in Granada, they are an institution. In some places, you get two at a time. In others, you can choose the ones you want, while in others, you'll have to make do with the ones they choose for you. Of course, the tapas are always free and will be served with a drink, the price of which is usually no more than 2.10 euros. Not bad, don't you think?

And where can you have these tapas? I suggest several areas:

• In the town hall area, go to La Chicotá, a classic.
• If you prefer, you can walk around the area of Darro and Camino de Ronda, I recommend the fried aubergines of La Blanca Paloma, they are exquisite. If you are doing a route through the Albaicín neighbourhood, ask for Casa Rafa, the locals will be able to show you how to get to this emblematic place.
• Another area for tapas is the Realejo and the Alhambra. In this old Jewish quarter, you'll find many bars to choose from. Be careful, they tend to get crowded and it wouldn't be strange if you had to eat standing up.

If you are a lover of detective stories and crimes to be solved, you are in luck. The Granada Noir festival is the only one in Andalusia dedicated to the noir genre and you can enjoy it in October.

All the different aspects of the genre are covered: comics, novels, cinema and even music. Granada Noir also offers activities such as reading clubs, round tables and book presentations, among others.

Those who want to combine their passion for this genre with gastronomy are also in luck. A section of the festival, called Gastronomía Noir, organises beer tastings and, in addition, several bars in the city offer a special tapa with this theme.

Practical information

• Where: various cultural venues around the city
• Price: free
• When: usually at the end of October

As you already know, the celebration of Halloween has been progressively incorporated into our culture and Granada is no exception. What's more, with the return of its thousands of university students after the holidays, it could be said that it is a party that has gained a lot of momentum.

If you are lucky enough to be in Granada on the 31st of October and want to celebrate this day, don't worry, you will never be short of events:

• Theme nights are frequent in the bars and nightclubs of Granada. Generally, customers come to the bars and, in return, receive a free drink.
• In the shops of Almuñécar, for example, they hand out sweets under the slogan "Truco o trato" (trick or treat) and in Soportújar they organise "witches' nights".

I recommend that, a couple of weeks before this magical night, you get a schedule of activities to decide what interests you most. It will usually be easy to find several options if you check online.

Ghost tour of Granada

Although these types of tours can be done at other times, my advice is to sign up if you are looking for activities in Granada in winter or, of course, at the end of October, close to Halloween.

There are numerous stories in Granada full of mystery and terror, some real and some legends. Several companies in the city offer guided tours with this theme, taking participants through the streets and neighbourhoods most famous for their paranormal myths.

Many of these tours are dramatised, so perhaps the more frightened should refrain.

True, this visit was predictable... but can anyone conceive of going to Granada without seeing everything there is to see in the Alhambra?

Besides, the weather in October is fantastic for strolling around while an expert guide explains the curiosities of this architectural jewel and with the exception of the 12 October long weekend, there may not be so many crowds at the monument.

The Alhambra is a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in the world, so I recommend that you book your Alhambra tickets two months in advance. And after touring the Alhambra, I recommend you to visit its surroundings where you will find beautiful places such as the Generalife gardens (here I leave you information about tickets to the Generalife), where the kings used to retire.

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range located between Granada and Almeria. It is the highest in Western Europe, after the Alps, and its botanical, scenic and natural value is enormous. Normally, the ski season starts in November, but I suggest you enjoy the sierra in a different way.

For example, by booking a 4x4 excursion to Sierra Nevada from Granada where you will be delighted by this biosphere reserve and its typical mountain villages, its lakes, its ancient Mediterranean forests, its massifs and its deep valleys carved by ice and rivers over thousands of years. Absolutely not to be missed.

In addition, in October you can do many other activities: trekking, mountain races, cycling circuits and even astronomy observations. Getting to the Sierra Nevada from Granada is easy, as you can go by bus or on an organised excursion, as I mentioned before.

It is possible that you are one of those who want to get to know a city beyond its most touristic places. To do this, there is nothing better than strolling through its less central neighbourhoods. If, as happens in Granada in October, a festival takes place, the chances of getting to know the place better increase.

In the neighbourhood of La Chana, at the beginning of October, the FICH takes place in the Parque de las Alquerías. The event starts early and doesn't finish until around midnight.

This is a festive day with music concerts (with special emphasis on small groups from the area), exhibitions, children's activities and creative workshops. If you come along you'll also find places to sample the best homemade food in town.

Practical information

• Where: Alquerías Park, La Chana neighbourhood,
• Price: free
• When: usually the first weekend in October.

The weather in Granada in October is quite pleasant. The maximum temperature is usually around 15 degrees, the minimum rarely falls below 10 degrees.

For these reasons, it is an ideal time to visit the area, especially if you intend to do long sightseeing tours or spend a lot of time walking around. In any case, it is always a good idea to check the weather shortly before you start your trip.