October is the first true month of autumn in Granada, and this is reflected in the dropping temperatures during the day and especially at night. Decreasing average temperatures, decreasing daylight hours and increasing precipitation, characterize the weather in October.
Despite the trends towards winter weather, October is a wonderful time to visit this historic city of Granada. The summer crowds are no longer and the Spanish sun entices those who do venture to Granada to spend mornings and afternoons walking the interesting neighborhoods. As the sun goes down, visitors should grab a jacket and spend their evenings amongst the locals, eating their way through Granada's famous tapas restaurants.
October begins to see the weather change to cooler temperatures, even in the afternoons and hours of siesta. The average temperature is a brisk 15°C (59°F). However, there are still days when the strong sun makes the temperature feel considerably higher.
With an average high temperature of 21°C (70°F), the warm days are not unseasonable in this part of Spain. The lucky visitors will experience the special October days that feel more like summer than autumn. Also, in comparison the northern parts of Europe and North America are becoming downright cold throughout October, and a few days in Granada can be a thawing relief.
Visitors should anticipate a day or two of rain if visiting for a week or more, as there are on average 9-rain days throughout the month. However, relatively little precipitation falls over these days with only 51 mm of rain on average.
As the sun begins to set earlier, the average hours of daylight per day settles at 7 hours for the month. These shorter days simply mean longer Spanish nights full of late meals and drinks. And there is no less festivity or fun on hand. As a lively university town, Granada seems to have a party atmosphere at any time of year.
Prepare to be impressed by the décor and design at Hotel Casa 1800 Granada. The upscale, boutique hotel is decorated with canopy beds, gorgeous chandeliers and traditional tile floors for an ambiance that is stately and romantic. Large, floor to ceiling windows ensure each room is bright, letting in the warm sunlight even in the autumn month of October.
Comfortable seating and candlelight infuse the traditional, open-air courtyard with class and sophistication. The entire presentation of the hotel is simply, elegant. A helpful staff and free afternoon tea only add to the quality of Hotel Casa 1800 Granada. It is nearly impossible not to fall in love with this charming hotel.
At times furnished apartments can feel cookie cutter and impersonal. However, that is far from the case at Palacio Cabrera Lillo. A soft color palate welcomes guests to Palacio Cabrera Lillo. The guest rooms are nearly all shades of cream and pearl, with hints of pleasing reds and blues to brighten the space. The effect is a design that is contemporary without being cold. These apartments are warm, even when the weather turns cooler in October.
The design of Khü Hotel is quirky, but that is why guests rave about this unique hotel. The guest rooms are modern and trendy, with deep purples set against the solid white walls. Additionally, the location is excellent. Situated on Plaza de Bib-Rambla, Khü Hotel is easy to find and near enough restaurants and bars to keep visitors trying new places for each meal and drink.
Located in an unassuming white building, the traditional interior and large courtyard of Casa Torcuato come as a truly welcome surprise. Whether dinning indoors on colder October days, or soaking in the last rays of autumn sunlight by eating al fresco, Casa Torcuato serves up an old-fashioned Spanish menu accompanied by copious amounts of beer.
From the traditional to the trendy - Hicuri Art Vegan is a masterpiece. This is meant quite literally. The artwork covering the walls is done by graffiti artist El Niño de las Pinturas, and is gorgeous and fascinating, all at once. The food is fresh and healthy, and known as one of the few vegetarian options in Granada, draws a crowd of young, fashionable and health conscious customers.
While the Albaicín often receives much of the recognition and praise as the historic neighborhood of Granada, it is the hillside neighborhood of Sacromonte that is likely the most interesting. The neighborhood borrows its name from the Sacromonte Abbey founded there in 1600, but it is the impressive flamenco shows and community of Spanish Romanies who call this neighborhood that make it interesting today.
Often known as a hippie hideaway, Sacromonte district is best discovered by beginning on the main street Camino del Sacromonte. The street is lined with caves that are now home to restaurants and tourists shops. Guided tours are offered by the locally owned Walk in Granada, among other companies.
Similar to most Spanish cities, visitors can become oriented in Granada by the many plazas dotted throughout the city. Each plaza seems to have a different atmosphere and offer something new for visitors to see or do. The plazas serve as central locations for restaurants and cafes, as well as convenient meeting places for locals. Additionally, the architecture is often impressive. Visitors should be certain to wander through Plaza San Nicolas. The square is broad and impressive. Immediately, the Church of San Nicolás, whose towers dominate the space, will wow visitors but it is the views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background that will make visitors linger.
