Granada Guitar Festival

Repertoire requirements

Luthier submissions

Official website

https://www.granadaguitarfestival.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Granada

Photo: Brett Hodnett, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Granada, a city steeped in millennia of history, from its Ibero-Celtic origins to its powerful Moorish emirate and Christian reconquest, offers a vibrant setting for the annual Granada Guitar Festival. This Andalusian jewel, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, presents a unique blend of historical grandeur and lively student culture. Attending the festival provides an opportunity not only to engage with the instrument's craft but also to immerse oneself in a city whose cultural layers have profoundly shaped the very soul of Spanish guitar music.

Getting there

The most direct route is to fly into Federico García Lorca Granada Airport (GRX), located about fifteen kilometres west of the city. While it is a smaller airport with limited connections, Iberia offers daily flights to and from Madrid, and Vueling operates budget flights connecting Granada to Barcelona, Rome, and Paris. For broader budget airline options, flying into nearby Malaga is often recommended, though direct onward travel details from Malaga to Granada are not provided. From Granada Airport, taxis are available for approximately €28, or you can take the Alsa airport bus for €3. These buses run eleven times a day, roughly on the hour, with two routes: one to the Palacio de Congresos, making several stops in the city centre including Gran Via de Colon, and a faster route to the city's main bus station in the north.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Granada on Omio →

Spain runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

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Where to stay

Granada is a city that rewards exploration on foot, particularly in its historic districts. For festival-goers, basing yourself in or near the city centre provides convenient access to venues and many of Granada's iconic sights. The Albayzín, with its winding medieval streets and Moorish charm, or the old Jewish settlement of Realejo, offer atmospheric stays. While Granada is not typically overcrowded, securing accommodation in advance is advisable, especially during festival dates. The city's lively, student-driven atmosphere ensures a range of options, from boutique hotels within restored historic buildings to more modern choices.

What you'll hear

The Granada Guitar Festival is an annual event showcasing the artistry of the instrument. The competition focuses on luthier submissions, emphasizing the quality and innovation of guitar craftsmanship. Winners are rewarded with Guitar Salon International purchases, each valued at $4,000, a testament to the high standard of performance and the instruments themselves. The festival does not feature a concerto round, instead focusing on solo repertoire that highlights the diverse capabilities of the classical guitar.

Granada itself resonates with a deep musical heritage, even without a specific composer tied to the city in the classical guitar canon. The sounds of flamenco, with its profound Moorish and Roma influences, permeate the city's taverns and caves, reflecting centuries of cultural fusion. The intricate patterns of the Alhambra, the ancient whispers of the Albayzín, and the vibrant life of its streets create an evocative backdrop that has inspired countless musicians and artists. To experience the guitar in Granada is to connect with the very spirit of Andalusia, where history and artistry intertwine.

The local table

As the capital of a province celebrated for its gastronomy, Granada offers a culinary experience rooted in Andalusian tradition. The city is renowned for its generous tapas culture, often served free with drinks, allowing you to sample a wide array of local specialties. Expect rich stews, fresh seafood, and cured meats. Given its location at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, hearty mountain fare is also common. Granada is also an important wine-growing region, so pairing your meals with local wines, particularly those from the surrounding hills, is highly recommended.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Granada →

While you're there

Granada's crown jewel is undoubtedly the Alhambra, a breathtaking Nasrid citadel and palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Spain's most visited, requires booking tickets at least two to three months in advance. Explore its intricate Islamic architecture, tranquil gardens, and the later Christian palace added within its walls. Afterwards, wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzín, the old Moorish quarter opposite the Alhambra, for stunning views and a taste of medieval Granada. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sierra Nevada mountains are within easy reach, offering opportunities for skiing in winter or trekking in spring and autumn. Alternatively, the Mediterranean coast, known as the Costa Tropical, is just fifty kilometres away, providing a different landscape for a day trip. The city's history is also visible in its massive cathedral, built on the site of the former primary mosque, and its vibrant university life adds a contemporary energy to this ancient city.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Granada →

More guitar events in Spain: Alhambra Junior International Guitar Competition (CIGAJ) · Certamen Internacional Andrés Segovia · Certamen Miquel Llobet · CIGA - Alhambra International Guitar Competition · Concurso Ángel G. Piñero · Concurso Internacional de Madrid (FIGUIM)

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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