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Granada and Ubeda
Overview
Introduction
The Andalusian province of Granada, with its capital city of the same name, is a region of contrasts. From skiing in the Sierra Nevada National Park to diving in the Mediterranean; hiking in the mountains to walking in underground cave dwellings; or immersing yourself in Moorish history to sampling the Arab influenced cuisine – there is certainly something to attract all ages to this region.
The province of Jaén, known as the gateway to Andalucia, is situated north of Granada and is Spain’s biggest olive oil producer with its landscape covered with row upon row of olive trees. It is also filled with heritage and ancient culture and is renowned for its castles and battlegrounds which form part of its long history. Some of the country’s most important fortresses can be found in this region.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Malaga Airport
- Car hire
- 4 Nights at Villa Oniria Hotel, Granada (Bed and Breakfast)
- Tickets to Alhambra Palace
- 3 Nights at Parador de Ubeda, Ubeda (Bed and Breakfast)
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Malaga airport, collect your hire car and self drive (1 hour 30 minutes) to the Villa Oniria Hotel in Granada.
The 4-star, Villa Oniria is located at the edge of the old town and is about a five-minute walk from the old Jewish quarter (Realejo) and its narrow winding streets. The cathedral is a 12-minute walk away and the Alhambra 20-minutes. A bus to the Alhambra will take in the region of 12-minutes and cost around 3 Euros. Restaurants and tapas bars abound.
Overnight at the Villa Oniria Hotel, Granada
Villa Oniria Hotel, Granada
Day 2 - Alhambra Palace
No visitor to Granada should leave the city without having visited the world famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Evidence from old Arab texts indicate that construction within the Alhambra dates back to the 9th century, or possibly earlier. The summer home of the Nasrid Kings was constructed during the 13th century and today is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divided into four main areas – the Palaces, the Alcazaba, the Medina and the Generalife Estate - either a full morning or afternoon visit is recommended to really appreciate this wondrous monument. The Palace complex is reachable on foot (1.6km from the hotel) or by public transport. Due to its popularity and limited visitors per day, it is recommended to book visits to the Alhambra in advance (open all year except 25 December and 01 January). Sunvil includes the price of the entry ticket in this itinerary.
Overnight at the Villa Oniria Hotel, Granada
Alhambra Palace, Granada
Day 3 - Explore Granada
Granada is a mix of heritage and culture and this can still be seen today in the different neighbourhoods. The bustling old Arab quarter of Albayzin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a hill opposite the Alhambra and here is where you will find a labyrinth of narrow streets, Mudejar towers, remains of Mosques and minarets as well as pretty squares. There are also two great viewpoints in Albayzin - the churches of San Nicolás and San Cristóbal. The old gypsy quarter of El Sacromonte, on the Valparaíso Hill, is where you will find the caves in which singing and ‘Zambra’ – a flamenco dance - have taken place for centuries and today, where traditional shows take place for visitors. The Sacromonte Abbey can be found at the top of Valparaíso Hill. The old Jewish quarter of Realejo is a lively residential area popular for strolls and for watching the world go by whilst enjoying some tapas.
Overnight at the Villa Oniria Hotel, Granada
Arab quarter of Albayzin seen from the Alhambra Palace
Day 4 - Day at leisure
The imposing fortress of La Mota in Alcalá la Real sits high on a hill and is worthy of a visit. Inhabited since the days of Muslim rule, the fortress includes the archaeological remains of the ancient town and many historic buildings. Alcalá la Real falls within the province of Jaén but is located between Granada and Cordoba, approximately an hour’s drive from Granada.
Overnight at the Villa Oniria Hotel, Granada
La Mota, Alcala la Real
Day 5 - Drive to Ubeda
After breakfast, drive to the Parador of Úbeda (1 hour 40 minutes). Originally a palace, the Parador, which opened in 1930, is an ideal base from which to explore Úbeda and the province of Jaen. Within you will find comfortable rooms and a beautiful courtyard typical of Andalusian palaces. The World Heritage city of Úbeda has an array of historical buildings which include palaces, churches, an old synagogue (discovered by chance during building works and restored between 2007-2010), the hospital of Santiago, the Salvador Chapel and the exceptional square of Vazquez Molina with its impressive buildings and which is where you will find the Parador.
Overnight at the Parador de Ubeda
Parador de Ubeda, Andalucia
Day 6 - Visit Baeza
Sunvil recommends a visit to the World Heritage city of Baeza which is situated a short drive away (15 minutes) from Úbeda. Baeza, is much smaller in size but like Úbeda was renovated in Renaissance style during the 16th century and it is unheard of to visit one but not the other as they really do complement each other. Highlights of the city include the Plaza de Leones, a cobbled square surrounded by Renaissance buildings, the Palace of Jabalquinto, the Cathedral and the old university where the Spanish poet Antonio Machado taught French for many years.
Overnight at the Parador de Ubeda
Baeza
Day 7 - Visit Jaen
The city of Jaen, located an hour’s drive away from Úbeda is rich in heritage and has the best preserved Moorish baths in Spain. Built in the 11th century the baths can be seen in the basement of the Villardompardo Palace (closed on Monday’s). The magnificent Cathedral, in Santa María Square, is a masterpiece and home to a relic of the Holy Face of Jesus - the Veil of Veronica. The Arch of San Lorenzo – the only remains of the old church of San Lorenzo and the Basílica Menor de la Sacra Iglesia Parroquial de San Ildefonso, which dates back to 1248, are two other highlights that can be seen, in a city which comes alive during the week but tends to be quieter on Sunday’s and public holidays. On the highest hill in Jaén, the fortress of Santa Catalina was built by the Moors to guard over the valley below. During 1246, after being conquered by Ferdinand III, King Aben Alhamar of Arjona peacefully handed over the fortress and it is here where you will find the ruins of the Castle of Santa Catalina (open daily for visits except on public holidays – payable locally).
Overnight at the Parador de Ubeda
Jaen, Andalucia
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Malaga airport (2 hours 50 minutes) for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Villa Oniria Hotel - Night 1 to 4
The 4-star, Villa Oniria is located at the edge of the old town and is about a five-minute walk from the old Jewish quarter (Realejo) and its narrow winding streets. The cathedral is a 12-minute walk away and the Alhambra 20-minutes.
The 4-star, Villa Oniria is located at the edge of the old town and is about a five-minute walk from the old Jewish quarter (Realejo) and its narrow winding streets. The cathedral is a 12-minute walk away and the Alhambra 20-minutes. A bus to the Alhambra will take in the region of 12-minutes and cost around 3 Euros. Restaurants and tapas bars abound. Car parking can be arranged nearby at a local charge.
The villa was originally a 19th century noble’s palace which has been modernised very effectively by a very well-known interior designer Pascua Ortega. There are many original features such as the covered central patio which allows light into the interior and a grand staircase. This is a spacious property with plenty of seating areas both inside and in the very attractive garden.
There are 31 designer rooms of varying sizes facing both into the patio and out to the town. All are individually decorated in a contemporary style with the usual amenities befitting a four-star property. Wood and marble predominate and the rooms are equipped with the latest technology.
The garden, with its fountains and evening lighting is romantic and relaxing. Drinks from the bar can be taken there as can meals. The hotel houses one of the very good restaurants in Granada.
The hotel also has space for a small spa with a wide variety of treatments. A hotel of character but without sacrificing comfort and convenience. A very good base from which to explore Granada.
Accommodation
- 31 air-conditioned rooms each with its own style and character, decorated individually with different layouts including standard Oniria rooms, superior rooms, a superior penthouse room and superior junior suites
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Onirico restaurant
- Los Toreros Cafe-bar
- Lounge with fireplace
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Fitness centre and Spa with heated pool, hydromassage, Jacuzzi, Scottish shower, thermal lounges and a chromotherapy sauna for deep skin cleansing. Flip flops and a bathing cap are mandatory. No access for children under 12 years old. Children/teens aged 12-18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Facial, body and aromatherapy treatments bookable locally as are manicures and pedicures. Local charge to use the Spa.
- Lift
- Laundry service - payable locally
- Garden with fountains and aromatic plants
- Parking with valet service - payable locally at c.22 Euros per night
- 19km (c. 22-minutes’ drive) to Granada Airport
- 160km (c. 107-minutes’ drive) to Malaga Airport
- 4.4km (c. 15-minutes’ drive or 26-minutes’ walk) to Granada Train Station
Parador de Ubeda - Night 5 to 7
On one of the most impressive and monumental squares to be found in Andalucia, the Plaza de Vazquez Molina stands the palace of Dom Fernando Ortego Salido, the 16th century Dean of Malaga.
On one of the most impressive and monumental squares to be found in Andalucia, the Plaza de Vazquez Molina stands the palace of Dom Fernando Ortego Salido, the 16th century Dean of Malaga. The exterior facade hides a beautiful inner courtyard, typical of Andalusian palaces, with a double gallery, the upper section of which is glazed and from which the bedrooms are accessed. The upper section of the gallery is reached by a very grand staircase from the reception area.
The palace was altered and renovated in the 17th century and was opened as a Parador in 1930. Further restoration was carried out subsequently. The bedrooms are large and comfortable with decorated ceramic tiles and antique furniture. The dining room is furnished in typical Andalusian style and cuisine is both international and regional.
This is a very special Parador in a fascinating city, close to craft shops, cafés, restaurants and tapas bars.
Accommodation
- 36 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms and a junior suite.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving regional and International dishes
- Bar
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Internal courtyard
- Lift
- Free public parking 100 metres away
- 20km from the Train Station.
- Places of interest nearby: The Cazorla Natural Park; and the Graja Caves, in the village of Jimena, to look at the interesting prehistoric paintings.
- 10km to Baeza, 57km to Jaén, 144km to Cordoba and 174km to Granada
- The festival of San Miguel is held each year in Ubeda from 28Sep-04Oct and in late May to early June there is an International music and dance festival.
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT + 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
2 hours 20 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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- FEB
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- SEP
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