After multiple visits to Granada, I’ve come to realize that where you stay can significantly impact your experience. Let me share some recommendations for the best hostels in Granada.

Granada boasts the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra Palace, but my personal favorite is the city itself. If you’re a backpacker with a few days to wander, I suggest spending them in the soulful Granada rather than the more commercialized cities like Malaga (although Malaga is excellent if you’re craving beaches).

Why book now? Booking in advance is worth it to secure a spot in the best hostels, especially when it’s free! On Hostelworld, you can reserve a spot without cancellation fees for maximum flexibility.

With dozens of hostels to choose from in Granada, figuring out where to stay might be a bit challenging. However, booking any of the following, you’re sure to have a fantastic time.

El Granado Hostel

• Located in the central yet localized area
• Shared meals and daily activities
• Perfect for a social atmosphere (great for solo travelers)

For backpackers seeking a highly social atmosphere, don’t hesitate—book El Granado. From the moment you’re welcomed by the staff, you can feel the genuine care the hostel owners have for creating a warm and friendly experience. One unique aspect of El Granado is that you can join a private WhatsApp group during check-in, where various activities and events are constantly posted.

The dorms and private rooms are comfortable, but what truly sets this hostel apart is the relationships you can build here. The rooftop area frequently hosts family-style dinners, drinks, and other activities.

I particularly love that El Granado is located in a somewhat “localized” area, away from the touristy spots but close enough to walk anywhere. For a taste of (cheap) drinks with complimentary snacks, head to Bar Clausura, just two streets away.

The ground floor features a quiet shared office. If you’re looking to work, I might not choose El Granado, but the workspace is decent.

Make sure to book your bed as El Granado is one of the best hostels in Granada. It’s on par with other legendary hostels in Spain (in fact, they’re part of a network of partner hostels), so it might get fully booked on certain days.

ECO Hostel

• Ideal hostel for any type of traveler
• Social activities make mingling easy
• Suitable for a laid-back atmosphere

This is the ideal hostel for most types of travelers, from couples to backpackers. Recommended to me by someone I met during a trek in Los Cahorros, I found it to be fantastic when I visited.

ECO Hostel is vibrant but not a party hostel, making it a perfect place to socialize and meet other travelers. There are nightly activities for interaction and making new friends: Spanish paella night, Gazpacho cooking classes, happy hours, and city walking tours to explore.

There’s a game room and a movie room for relaxation, but if you need to work, there’s a large shared office space equipped with fast Wi-Fi. For social travelers, there are dorms accommodating 4-6 people, or if you desire more privacy, there are 4-bed private rooms.

Located in one of the most central areas of Granada, right at the foot of the Alhambra, this hostel has a fantastic atmosphere. If El Granado is fully booked, I’d recommend booking ECO.

TOC Hostel Granada

• Comfortable workspace perfect for remote work
• Hotel-like facilities and quality
• Ideal for budget-conscious, quiet comfort

Nothing beats value for money, and that’s precisely what you get at TOC Hostel. It’s considered a luxury hostel as many of its features mimic boutique hotels.

TOC is a small hostel chain in Spain, and I’ve stayed at their other locations in Seville and Madrid. Their deal is essentially this: they aren’t super social, don’t organize any activities, but their facilities go far beyond what you typically expect from hostels.

Located in a renovated traditional building, the interior is adorned with smooth wood, warm lighting, and plenty of greenery. It’s almost unbelievable that it’s a hostel and not a hotel.

Dorms (including female-only) start as low as €15, while private rooms for 2-4 people are pricier. TOC is excellent for budget-conscious couples or anyone wanting a comfortable stay. For digital nomads, all TOC hostels have a café or shared workspace near the reception. Coupled with beautiful interiors and cozy shared spaces, it’s a hostel that every type of traveler can enjoy.

Hostel Nut

• Female-only dorms; perfect for solo female travelers
• Quality facilities in a quiet hostel
• Suitable for those seeking safety and relaxation

Safety is paramount for solo female travelers, especially in the place where you’re going to sleep. Hostel Nut is quite popular among female travelers for its privacy and relaxed atmosphere, widely regarded as the top choice. Moreover, considering the cost you pay, it definitely feels luxurious (dorms start at around €21-30 per night).

There are private rooms and dorms, including female-only. Each room comes with a private bathroom, making it ideal even for those late-night nature calls in the dorms.

There’s a small common area, but overall, it’s a quiet hostel. You can spend the day strolling through winding streets, savoring local cuisine, perhaps hitting a few nightclubs in the evening, and then return to this very laid-back hostel for the night.

Whether you’re a social butterfly, a remote worker, or a solo female traveler, Granada has a hostel that suits your needs. Book in advance to secure your spot in one of these fantastic accommodations, ensuring a memorable stay in this enchanting Spanish city.