Natasha EffendyFor many, Spain is the ultimate destination. Besides the language, gastronomy, and plethora of historic sites, there’s always something for everyone. But did you also know that in this country lies the cheapest destination in Europe?
In the city of Granada, budget travellers can rejoice in low travel costs and numerous free sites to check out. Not only does the city have 112 free tourist attractions and 10 free museums, but there are also plenty of cheap food and drink options!
Also read: 10 Best European Countries That Won’t Break the Bank
Getting around Granada, Europe’s cheapest destination
Image credit: Marco Montero Pisani
When you’re in Granada for the first time, visit Alhambra. Entrance tickets at this Spain attraction cost about €14 (S$19), and you’ll be able to check out the complex’s best attractions: Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba towers, and the Generalife gardens. Join a tour of this Moorish fortress, which will take anywhere between three and five hours.
Image credit: Jebulon
However, if you’re planning to take advantage of the free attractions in the city, there are plenty of places to go to! Some of these include the Botanical Gardens, the Albaicín neighbourhood, El Carmen de los Mártires, the Jardines del Triunfo gardens, and the spice stalls near Catedral de Granada. Alternatively, you can join a free walking tour to learn more about the city’s most interesting points.
In terms of getting around, public transportation is relatively cheap in Granada, too. In Europe, tourist bus tickets cost an average of €21(S$29.93), but in this Andalusian city, it’s only €7 (S$9.98). On the other hand, if you want to get around on your own, a regular bus ticket in Granada costs about €1.40 (S$2). These buses will directly take you to your preferred location, unlike a tourist bus which includes multiple spots in the city.
Eating out in Granada, Spain
Image credit: Jebulon
When you’re in Granada, you cannot miss out on trying the city’s best food and drinks! A normal meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €50 (S$71.26), while a meal at a cheap restaurant costs only €10 (S$14.25). Likewise, throughout Europe, beer costs around €4.91 (S$7), but in Granada, a pint only costs €2.50 (S$3.56). Isn’t that crazy?
Image credit: Hiki Liu
Besides Granada, the cities of Valencia, Málaga, and Seville have also been listed among Europe’s cheapest destinations of 2022. Each of these cities have its own fair share of free attractions, affordable restaurants, and even cheap transport.
Also read: 8D7N Itinerary Around Spain: Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid
That said, regardless of which city you go to, you can’t doubt that Spain is truly a cost-friendly country worth visiting!
Featured image credit: Jorge Fernández Salas | Unsplash
Facebook image credit (right): Paul VanDerWerf | Flickr
