A Segway turns Granada's steepest streets into an easy glide. You stand on the platform, lean forward to move and lean back to stop, and within a few minutes of practice most people are riding confidently. The tour follows the hilly districts that are tiring on foot, the Albaicín and the Sacromonte, where lanes rise in tight zigzags between white walls and the cobbles are uneven. With the machine doing the climbing, you can concentrate on what the guide is saying and on the views that open up around each corner. A typical route climbs from the centre into the lower Albaicín, passes the small churches that were built on the sites of mosques and rides on to a viewpoint with the Alhambra opposite. The guide stops at points where history shows, such as an old Moorish gate, a courtyard with a cistern or the entrance to the cave quarter, and explains how the hill was built, who lived there and why its streets are so narrow. The ride is a good introduction to the city, and the pace is slow enough that you can take photographs from the platform.
Learning to ride
Every tour begins with a short training session in a flat area, where the guide explains the controls and checks that everyone is comfortable. The training usually lasts about fifteen minutes, and nobody is taken onto the hills until they can start, stop and turn smoothly. Riders who are not confident can ask to repeat the exercises, and guides are used to nervous first-timers. Helmets are normally provided.
NaNWhat you see
Most tours cover the lower Albaicín, a viewpoint over the Darro valley and sometimes the edge of the Sacromonte. They do not enter buildings, so combine the ride with a visit to the cathedral, the Royal Chapel or the Alhambra on other days. The pace is steady, and you stop every few minutes, so even a slow rider keeps up with the group.
Practical tips
Wear flat closed shoes, light layers and sunglasses, and leave heavy bags at your hotel. In summer, avoid the midday heat and choose a morning or evening departure. In rain the cobbles become slippery, and operators may cancel or reschedule, so check the weather policy. If you prefer to travel on two wheels with a motor, the electric bike tour of the same districts is a comparable alternative.
Is it for you
If you enjoy gadgets and want to see the hills without a hard climb, a Segway tour is a fun way to start a stay, because it shows you the layout of the old quarter and helps you plan the rest of your days. Visitors who prefer a quieter, slower introduction may like a walking tour more, and some travellers do both, using the ride first and the walk to explore details on foot.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group guided Segway ride through the Albaicín and its viewpoints, starting with a short training session.
Best time
Morning in summer; late afternoon in spring and autumn for soft light.
How long
About two to three hours including training.
Tips
Wear flat closed shoes, check the age and weight limits and avoid the midday heat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a fun, easy way to see the hills with a guide.
- Families
- Teenagers and families who meet the age and weight limits.
- Couples
- A playful alternative to a walking tour.
- Pair with
- A cathedral and Royal Chapel visit on foot.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is a Segway hard to ride?+
No. Most people learn within a few minutes, and the guide runs a training session before the tour begins.
Is there an age or weight limit?+
Yes, for safety. The limits are stated by the operator, so check them before you book.
Does the tour go inside buildings?+
Generally not. It is an outdoor ride with viewpoint stops, so visit the monuments on separate days.
What happens if it rains?+
Wet cobbles are slippery, so operators may cancel or move the tour. Check the weather policy on your confirmation.
What should I wear?+
Flat closed shoes and light layers. Helmets are normally provided.
