12 Best Towns Near Granada: Hidden Gems Within 100km (2026 Guide)

The air in Granada is thick with history, a tangible weight you feel in the narrow alleys of the Albaicín and the echoing halls of the Alhambra. It’s a city that demands your attention, that pulls you into its orbit and refuses to let go. But the magic of Andalusia doesn’t stop at the city limits. The province of Granada is a vast, sprawling tapestry of contrasting landscapes, from the snow-dusted peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the sun-baked plains of the costa. It’s a region of secrets, of pueblos blancos (white villages) clinging to cliffsides and forgotten valleys where time seems to have slowed to a gentle crawl.

For the traveler in 2026, stepping outside the gravitational pull of the capital isn't just a suggestion; it's an essential pilgrimage. You have to go. You have to taste the almond-laced air of the Alpujarras, hear the silence of the desert, and feel the Roman ghosts in the cobblestones. This is your curated map to the soul of the region. These are the 12 best towns near Granada, the hidden gems within 100km that will define your Spanish adventure in 2026. Pack the car, grab your camera, and let’s get lost together.

1. Pampaneira: The First Whisper of the Alpujarras

The first time I drove into the Alpujarras, the road felt like a rollercoaster designed by a mischievous god. It twists and turns, plunging into valleys so deep the green seems impossibly vibrant, before climbing again towards a sky of piercing blue. And then, you see it. Pampaneira. It’s not just a village; it’s a layer cake of whitewashed houses, terracotta roofs, and dark green wooden windows, cascading down a mountainside like a frozen waterfall. It’s the first of the three famous brothers—Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira—and often the one that gets the most day-trippers, but it retains a quiet dignity.

I remember parking the car on the outskirts, a mandatory act since the streets are impossibly narrow, and walking into the center. The air smelled of woodsmoke and fresh bread. The main street, Calle Real, is a artery of artisan life. Don't just glance at the shops; go in. The textile mills here have been operating for centuries, and the rhythmic clatter of looms is the village's heartbeat. I bought a thick, woolen blanket from a shop run by a woman whose hands moved with a speed and precision that defied her age. She told me the patterns were Berber, brought over from North Africa centuries ago. That blanket now lives on my sofa in London, a tangible piece of the Sierra. Pampaneira is your gateway drug to the mountains. It’s gentle, accessible, but it whispers of the wilder, more remote beauty that lies further up the road.

2. Guadix: The Cave-Dwelling City

From the cool green of the mountains, we head north to a landscape that feels like it was teleported from another planet. The approach to Guadix is disarming. The earth turns a dusty, ochre red, and the hills are pockmarked with strange, man-made holes. You’re entering the world of the troglodytes—not the prehistoric kind, but the modern residents of the Barrio de las Cuevas, a neighborhood where thousands of people still live in spectacularly unique cave houses. Guadix is a city of stark contrasts, where a magnificent Renaissance cathedral rises from the arid plains, and just a stone's throw away, people bake bread in ovens carved into the rock.

I stayed in a "casa cueva" hotel here once, and the experience was unforgettable. Stepping inside was like entering a natural refrigerator, a blissful escape from the searing summer heat. The walls were thick and cool to the touch, adorned with modern art, and the living room opened onto a sun-drenched patio where lemon trees grew. Exploring the Barrio de las Cuevas is a must. You can knock on doors (many are open to visitors) and peek into a subterranean world of cozy living rooms and bustling kitchens. Then, walk up to the Cathedral, a hulking, beautiful beast that took nearly 200 years to build. Its interior is surprisingly delicate, a stark white space filled with light. Guadix challenges your perception of what a city should be. It’s earthy, strange, and utterly compelling.

3. Baza: The Prehistoric Soul

Drive east from Guadix, and the landscape opens up into the vast Hoya de Baza, a basin that feels immense and ancient. This is cattle country, a land of rolling plains and distant horizons. The town of Baza sits at its heart, a place that often gets overlooked by tourists rushing to the coast, which is a huge mistake. Baza has a soul that goes back millennia. It was a major center for the Iberians, and you can feel that ancient energy in the soil.

The Museo de Baza is one of the finest small museums in Andalusia. It’s not just a collection of artifacts; it’s a storybook of the region. The star exhibit is the 'Dama de Baza', a 4th-century BC limestone statue of an Iberian goddess, seated on a winged throne. When I first saw her, I was struck by her serene, powerful presence. She’s a link to a world of warriors and rituals that existed long before the Romans arrived. But Baza isn't just about the past. Its old town is a classic Andalusian maze, and the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, is a fantastic spot to order a 'caña' (small beer) and watch the world go by. The local cuisine is robust and delicious—try the local stews and the incredible cured ham. Baza is for the traveler who wants to feel the deep, prehistoric roots of Andalusia, to understand that this land has been cherished and fought over for thousands of years.

4. Lanjarón: The Spa Town with a Healing Touch

After the arid plains of Baza, the lush, green valley of the Rio Lanjarón feels like an oasis. This town is famous for one thing: water. Lanjarón is the name of a nationally renowned mineral water brand, and the town itself is a spa resort that has been luring people seeking cures and convalescence since Roman times. The centerpiece is the Balneario de Lanjarón, a grand, colonnaded building that looks like a piece of 19th-century aristocracy dropped into the mountains.

The water here is said to have special properties, and you can taste the difference. It’s crisp, with a mineral tang that cleanses the palate. I love walking through Lanjarón’s streets, especially the old quarter. There’s a slightly faded, elegant air to the place, a sense of its past glory. The main street is lined with bars and shops selling local products, including delicious cured sausages and, of course, water. The town is also the gateway to the Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, and the hiking opportunities are fantastic. But the real pleasure of Lanjarón is its atmosphere. It’s a town for strolling, for sitting in the main square under the shade of plane trees, and for soaking your feet in the public fountains that run with the famous water. It’s a place of gentle healing, a balm for the soul after the intensity of Granada city.

5. Motril: The Bustling Port City

To truly appreciate the diversity of Granada's province, you have to see the sea. Motril is the province's capital on the Costa Tropical, a city that feels entirely different from the mountain towns. It’s a place of commerce, of salt spray, and of a vibrant, working-class energy. Forget the manicured resorts of the Costa del Sol; Motril is real, a little gritty, and all the more interesting for it. It’s a town of fishermen and farmers, where huge greenhouses stretch towards the horizon, growing exotic fruits like avocados, mangoes, and custard apples for the whole of Europe.

The Paseo de Cotobro, a palm-lined promenade hugging the coastline, is the perfect place to start. I love to walk it at sunset, watching the fishing boats chug back into port. The air here is different—a mix of sea salt and the faint, sweet scent of tropical fruit from the greenhouses. The old town has its own charms, with the impressive Iglesia de la Encarnación, a Renaissance church with a fortress-like bell tower that speaks to a past of pirate raids. For the best perspective, drive up to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza. The views from the hilltop are staggering: the city, the port, the shimmering Mediterranean, and the mountains all laid out before you. Motril is also the gateway to some fantastic, semi-wild beaches like Playa de Calahonda and Playa de la Guardia. It’s the perfect place to remind yourself that Andalusia isn’t just a historical theme park; it’s a living, breathing, working region.

6. Salobreña: The Sugar Loaf on the Sea

Just a few kilometers east of Motril lies one of the most picturesque towns on the coast: Salobreña. Its iconic image is that of a white village perched on a rocky outcrop that juts into the sea, crowned by a Moorish castle. It looks like a cake decoration, impossibly perfect against the blue backdrop of the Mediterranean. For centuries, this was the center of a thriving sugar cane industry, and you can still see old sugar mills, a testament to its sweet past.

I have a particular fondness for Salobreña. I once spent a week here in late September, and the whole town was buzzing with the 'Fiesta de la Caña', a celebration of the sugar cane harvest. The streets were filled with music, and the local bars served tapas with a sugary twist. The beauty of Salobreña is its layout. The modern part of town and the beaches are at sea level, but the real magic is the climb up into the 'Peñón' (the rock). The winding, narrow streets of the old Arab quarter are a joy to get lost in. Every turn reveals a new vista: a glimpse of the sea, a terraced rooftop laden with geraniums, or the majestic Sierra Nevada rising in the west. The castle, now a hotel, sits at the summit like a watchful guardian. Salobreña manages to be both a relaxed beach resort and a historic jewel, a perfect balance for a 2026 getaway.

7. Almuñécar: Where History Meets the Coast

Continuing east along the coast, you reach Almuñécar, a town with a much grander history than its neighbors. The Romans knew it as 'Sexi', and it was one of the most important ports in the western Mediterranean. You can still see the Roman fish-salting factories (the 'Salazones' factory is one of the best-preserved in Europe) and aqueducts. Later, it was a major Moorish stronghold, and the impressive 'Castillo de San Miguel', perched on a hill, was built on the foundations of a Moorish alcazaba.

Almuñécar feels more expansive, more resort-like than Salobreña, but it has a rich historical core that is well worth exploring. I love the 'Puerta de Almuñécar', the old city gate, and the charming Plaza de Madrid, filled with orange trees and lively terraces. The town also has a fantastic network of botanical gardens and parks that cascade down the hillside towards the sea, making it surprisingly green. For a dose of adrenaline, you can visit the 'Loro Sexi' parrot park or take a boat trip along the coast to see the cliffs and coves from the water. Almuñécar is a town of layers—Roman foundations, Moorish fortifications, and modern tourist amenities all coexist here. It’s a place where you can spend a morning exploring an archaeological museum and an afternoon lounging on a golden beach, with the scent of jasmine and salt in the air.

8. Órgiva: The Bohemian Heart of the Alpujarras

Let's go back to the mountains. Deeper into the Alpujarras, past Bubión and Capileira, lies Órgiva. If Pampaneira is the polite introduction, Órgiva is the wild, slightly eccentric soul of the region. It sits at the confluence of two river valleys, in a broader, sunnier basin. The vibe here is different. There’s a palpable sense of alternative community, a legacy of the hippies who were drawn here in the 60s and 70s, and it has never really left. You’ll see it in the health food shops, the esoteric bookstores, and the organic cafes.

The town itself is a delightful jumble of old and new. The 'Barrio de La Alcazaba' is the old Moorish quarter, a tangle of steep lanes and hidden houses that feels wonderfully authentic. Dominating the skyline is the Iglesia de la Purificación, a bizarre-looking church with a single, lopsided nave that was never finished according to the original plans. I once spent an afternoon in a small cafe in Órgiva, talking to an artist from London who had moved here twenty years ago. "The light," she said, "it gets into your blood." She was right. The light in Órgiva has a special quality, a golden intensity that makes the whitewashed walls glow. This is also the best base for exploring the higher, more remote villages of the Alpujarras and for hiking the 'Vereda de la Mora', a trail that offers some of the most spectacular views in the entire sierra.

9. Granada City Itself (The Essential Base)

It might seem strange to include Granada city in a list of towns near Granada, but it’s impossible to talk about the region without honoring its beating heart. It’s not just a launchpad; it’s the gravitational center that gives all the other towns their context and meaning. You cannot understand the Alpujarras without understanding the Moorish rulers who built the irrigation channels and the hilltop watchtowers. You cannot appreciate the Christian fortresses in Guadix without understanding the Reconquista that culminated here.

The city is a living museum, but it’s also a place of incredible vibrancy. I’ve walked the Calle Elvira at midnight, the air thick with the smell of grilled meat from the 'asador' restaurants, the sound of spilling from the bars. The ritual of the 'free tapa' is a beautiful, democratic tradition. My favorite haunts are in the Realejo, the old Jewish quarter, with its colorful street art and tucked-away flamenco bars. And the Albaicín… I could write a book about those cobbled lanes. Getting lost there is the point. It’s where you stumble upon hidden Arab baths (El Bañuelo) or a mirador that takes your breath away. The Alhambra, of course, is the star, but the city’s magic is in its corners, its courtyards, its constant, humming life. For 2026, make time to just *be* in Granada. Let it soak into you. It’s the source of the province's power.

10. Atarfe: The Forgotten Moorish Stronghold

Just 15 minutes northwest of Granada city lies Atarfe, a town that many people drive past without a second glance. This is a mistake. Atarfe is a quiet, unassuming place, but it holds a secret that speaks to the very origins of the Moorish presence in Spain. It was here, in the plains near Atarfe, that the first major battle between the Moors and the Christian kingdoms of the north took place in 778. It was also the site of the legendary 'Battle of the Three Kings' in 1319. The town's history is a tapestry of conflict and coexistence.

But the real treasure of Atarfe is the 'Alcazaba del Turro', also known as the 'Alcazaba de la Mota'. It’s a magnificent, recently restored Moorish fortress that stands proudly on a hill overlooking the town and the vast Vega de Granada. I discovered it by accident one afternoon, and the feeling of having this stunning piece of history almost to myself was incredible. You can walk the ramparts and imagine the soldiers looking out for Christian armies. The town itself is a typical, friendly Andalusian market town, with a lovely church and a relaxed atmosphere. Visiting Atarfe gives you a deeper appreciation for the borderland history that shaped this region, a story of castles and conquests that played out in the very fields you can see from the fortress walls.

11. Iznalloz: The Ceramics and Castle Town

Head about 30km north of Granada city, and you enter a different landscape of rolling hills and cereal fields. This is the 'Comarca de Los Montes Orientales', and its capital is Iznalloz. The town is famous for two things: its magnificent Mudejar-style church and its long tradition of ceramics. The sight of the 'Colegiata de la Encarnación' rising above the red-tiled roofs is unforgettable. Its bell tower is a masterpiece of brickwork, a symmetry of geometric patterns and arches that speaks of the deep cultural mixing (Mudejar means Moorish-style art created by Muslims under Christian rule) that defined this region.

Iznalloz is also known as the 'Ciudad del Cerámica'. For centuries, the local clay has been used to produce beautiful pottery, from rustic jugs to intricate decorative tiles. You can still find workshops and shops selling these wares, a tangible link to the town's artistic heritage. But the crown jewel of Iznalloz is the 'Castillo de los Condes de Cabra', a formidable fortress that dominates the town from a rocky crag. The castle has a long and storied history, and from its ramparts, you get a sweeping view of the surrounding valleys. Iznalloz offers a different flavor of Andalusia—one of land, clay, and feudal power, far from the mountains and the sea.

12. Loja: The Gateway to the Province

Last but certainly not least, we travel to the western edge of the province, to Loja. Strategically positioned on the Rio Genil, Loja has always been a gateway—between the plains of Cordoba and the mountains of Granada, between the Christian north and the Moorish south. Its history is long and bloody. The Romans were here, and it was a key fortress for the Moors, repeatedly besieged by the armies of Ferdinand and Isabella. The town still retains a proud, slightly martial air.

The 'Castillo de Loja' is the main attraction. It’s a sprawling, evocative ruin that you can explore freely. Climbing its walls gives you a fantastic view over the town and the surrounding countryside, and you can almost hear the clash of swords from the sieges of the 15th century. Loja also has a quirky side. It’s known for its 'Marzas', ancient, pre-Roman fertility songs that are sung by groups of men in the streets on the first days of March. It’s a strange, haunting, and utterly unique tradition. The town is also a great base for exploring the 'Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama', offering stunning hiking opportunities. Loja feels like the gatekeeper of Granada province, a town that has seen empires rise and fall and carries that weight with a quiet, dignified pride.