Granada vs Thessaloniki

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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has a transitional Mediterranean climate — hotter summers than Western Europe and cooler winters than southern Greece. The city is humid in summer.

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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki relies on buses as its main public transport — the long-awaited metro is still under construction. The city center is very walkable and taxis are affordable.

Walkability: Excellent in the flat center and along the waterfront. Ano Poli (upper town) requires climbing steep streets but is rewarding. The city is compact enough that most sights are accessible on foot.