Granada vs San Sebastián

Granada

Granada has a semi-arid continental climate — hot, dry summers and cold winters. It's one of Spain's coldest provincial capitals in winter due to elevation (738m above sea level) and proximity to the Sierra Nevada. Summers are extreme with temperatures regularly above 38°C; the surrounding plains can hit 42°C. Spring and autumn are excellent. Rainfall is low (only around 350mm annually) but concentrated in winter and spring.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián has an oceanic climate — milder and wetter than the Mediterranean coast. Summers are warm but rarely scorching, winters are cool but mild. Rain is frequent year-round, especially in autumn and spring. The Basque coast is greener than southern Spain for a reason.

Granada

Granada is a compact city and most tourist areas are walkable from the historic centre — though some involve significant hills (the Alhambra and Albayzín climbs are steep). The city has a small bus network (LAC). There is no metro. Taxis are inexpensive and widely available. A free electric minibus (Line C3 and C34) serves the Albayzín from Plaza Nueva — invaluable if you want to avoid the steep climb.

Walkability: The historic centre (Centro, Realejo) is very walkable and mostly flat. The Albayzín and Alhambra hill are both steep — plan for significant uphill walking (20–30 minutes each). Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops: the Albayzín cobblestones can be treacherous when wet. In summer, walk to the Alhambra in the early morning before the heat builds.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián is wonderfully compact and best explored on foot. The entire city from Monte Igueldo to Zurriola beach is walkable within 40 minutes. Local buses cover the wider metropolitan area, and the historic funicular climbs Monte Igueldo.

Walkability: San Sebastián is one of Spain's most walkable cities. The entire center — from the old town to Gros, La Concha to Monte Urgull — is flat and pedestrian-friendly. The elegant waterfront promenade is a joy to walk day or night. Only Monte Igueldo requires a climb (or funicular).