Getting around Granada

Public transport

The easiest way to get around Granada is on foot. However, there is a also a good, reliable city bus network operated by Transportes Rober (tel: +34 900 710 900; www.transportesrober.com), including services to the Alhambra and Albaicín.

The small red and white minibuses with 'Alhambra Bus' printed on the side are the best way to explore Granada, the Albaicín and to get to the Alhambra - routes 30 and 34 connect the city centre to the Alhambra, with the 31 traveling up to Albaicín. Most routes run from approximately 0700 until midnight. There are two circular routes (111 and 121) that offer a night service from midnight to 0600.

Taxis

Taxi companies include Radio Taxi Genil (tel: +34 958 132 323) and Tele-Radio-Taxi (tel: +34 958 280 000). Tipping is not expected, though you may choose to round up the fare to the nearest euro.

Driving

Driving in Granada should be avoided. Narrow, one-way streets restricted to buses, taxis, scooters, and tourists with hotel reservations combined with strict fines for violators mean it can be a stressful affair.

Car hire

A car is more of a hindrance than a help in Granada's convoluted one-way system but if you plan to tour outside the city, it's the ideal transport. To rent a car you must be at least 21 (the minimum is 23 with some companies).

EU driving licences are valid in Spain: if you have a non-EU licence you are supposed to show an International Driving Permit too, but for purposes of rental and dealing with traffic police, a national licence is usually acceptable. You must have held your licence for at least one year.

Car hire companies in Granada include Avis (tel: +34 958 252 358: www.avis.es), Enterprise (tel: +34 958 288 755; www.enterprise.es) and Hertz (tel: +34 958 204 454; www.hertz.es).

Bicycle hire

With its hills and busy traffic, Granada is not ideal for cycling but bikes are a great way of exploring the surrounding countryside and Sierra Nevada if you're feeling adventurous. Granada Rent A Bike (tel: +34 958 553 228; www.rentabikegranada.com) rents out good-quality road bikes and can drop them off at your hotel.