Visiting Alhambra in Granada

Many people come to Granada every year to visit its iconic Alhambra, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Granada is rich with history, evident in its medieval streets and historic neighborhoods and it draws cultural enthusiasts.

Granada has vibrant atmosphere, tapas culture, and lively markets. The stunning Sierra Nevada mountains sits as its background making Granada even more compelling destination to those seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

How to get to Granada

• Flying: You can fly direct from Madrid and Barcelona to Granada with Iberia and Vueling airlines. Both are budget airlines which have strict baggage and carry-on requirement. Granada airport is called Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX), located 18km from the city center. You can take a Taxi or Bus (number 0245 or Alsa Airport Bus) to get to Granada center.
• By Train: Renfe has direct high speed train from Madrid to Granada with 3.5+ hours journey time and once a day direct train from/to Granada with 6.5hours journey time.
• By Bus: Alsa the largest private bus operator in Spain, has a direct route from Seville to Granada with a 3 hours journey time. Tips: Bus Station in Seville is located in Plaza de Armas. The information in display on the waiting area is not updated so just go the ground floor and find the Bus yourself. Look for the Bus’s destination in the front of the Bus display and not the bay label.

Alhambra and its history

Alhambra is a historic palace and fortress complex covering an area of approximately 142,000 sqm, situated on a hilltop overlooking the city of Granada. Inside Alhambra is a combination of palaces, fortifications, gardens, and other structures.

Alhambra draws millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its architectural splendor, learn about the history, and appreciate the cultural richness it represents. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and this recognition emphasizes its importance as a cultural and historical treasure that should be preserved for future generations.

Built during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Alhambra is a symbol of the Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Its history reflects the cultural and architectural fusion of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences. Its exquisite Islamic architecture featured intricate geometric patterns, ornate tilework, and delicate stucco carvings. The use of light and water in the architecture creates a serene and visually captivating environment.

The best time to visit Alhambra

Spring (March to May) or fall (October to November) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded is the best time to visit.

During these seasons, temperature is pleasant and gardens will be blooming. You will be able to explore Alhambra without the intense heat of summer or the colder temperatures of winter. Summer in Granada can be hot, especially in July and August, while winter might bring colder temperatures and occasional rain.

Purchasing Ticket for Alhambra

It is highly recommended to purchase ticket for Alhambra in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the Alhambra three months in advance from the official website here.

General admission starts from €19.09 with reduced admission for minors (12-15 years old) and free for 10 years old and under.

Opening hours during summer is from 08.30 to 20.00 and during winter is from 08.30 to 18.00.

Note that your ticket date cannot be rescheduled it is not refundable. You are allowed to change the visitors’ name until one day before your visit but you need to check the applicable regulations here to see the proportion of tickets that can be modified.

How to get to Alhambra

• If you stay in Albaicin area or in Granada center you can walk to Alhambra via:
  – Street Cuesta Gomérez (from plaza Nueva)
  – Street Cuesta del Realejo (from plaza del Realejo)
  – Street Cuesta del Rey Chico (from Paseo de los Tristes). This is our closest entry point from our airbnb in Albaicin and it was a 1km uphill.

• By Bus: C30: Alhambra-Centro (Plaza Isabel la Católica)/C32: Alhambra-Albaicín/C35: Cementerio-Barranco del Abogado-Centro.
• By Car: Access to the Alhambra is by the southern round of the city, toward Sierra Nevada, as private transport is not allowed to access Alhambra from the city center. Go to the ring road of Granada that borders the city, toward Motril (south) and follow the signs in direction of Alhambra (Ronda Sur) that will take you to the parking lot of the monument. From there go into Serrallo tunnel, at the roundabout turn left and go up Avda. De Santa María de la Alhambra and then on the Old Cemetery road.

Visiting Alhambra

The visit to the monumental complex will be made on the date indicated in your ticket. The time of visit to the Nasrid Palaces is also indicated therein. The rest of the complex (Alcazaba, Partal and Generalife) can be visited from 08:30 a.m. until closing time.

Enter Alhambra at least 90 minutes before your time slot for the Nasrid Palace. There are two ways to enter the Alhambra complex: either through the main entrance or through the Gate of Justice.

If you choose to enter through the main entrance like us, explore the Generalife garden and Palace first and follow the pathway to Nasrid Palaces and visit Alcazaba as the last destination.

Then exit from the Gate of Justice. If you enter through the Gate of Justice, then visiting the opposite way is an ideal route to take.

Make sure to allocate enough time to explore the different areas of the Alhambra thoroughly. At the minimum you need around 3 hours inside Alhambra.

Here’s what to look for as you start your tour inside Alhambra:

Generalife Gardens

Wander through the Generalife Gardens, which feature beautiful landscaping, fountains, and reflecting pools. The Generalife Palace is also worth exploring for its architecture and views of the surrounding area.

Palace of the Generalife

In addition to the Generalife Gardens, explore the Generalife Palace, which served as a summer retreat for the Nasrid rulers. The palace features beautiful architecture and provides insights into the lifestyle of the time.

Partal Palace
Explore the Partal Palace and its surrounding gardens. The Partal is known for its impressive portico and a large reflecting pool with a backdrop of the Tower of the Ladies.

Palace of Charles V
Visit the Palace of Charles V, a Renaissance building within the Alhambra complex. The palace houses two museums: the Fine Arts Museum and the Museum of the Alhambra.

Nasrid Palaces

Explore the Nasrid Palaces, including the Mexuar, Comares Palace, and the Palace of the Lions. Admire the intricate Islamic architecture, stucco work, tile mosaics, and courtyards. The Hall of the Abencerrajes, the Court of the Myrtles, and the Hall of the Ambassadors are some of the notable spaces within these palaces.

Court of the Lions

Marvel at the Court of the Lions, one of the most famous and iconic spaces in the Alhambra. The central fountain with twelve lion sculptures is surrounded by a colonnade and is a masterpiece of Nasrid art.

Palacio de los Abencerrajes
Admire the Palacio de los Abencerrajes, known for its domed ceiling and unique architectural features. Legend has it that this palace was the site of a tragic event involving the Abencerrajes family.

Alcazaba

Visit the Alcazaba, the fortress portion of the complex. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Granada and the surrounding mountains. The towers and walls of the Alcazaba are part of the oldest section of the Alhambra.

Other Tips

• Remember to bring your original passport when you visit Alhambra and they will check your passport several times.
• Once inside there is not much of information in English so prior to your visit, download the interactive audioguide which is available for rent in the premises (early booking here) or download the apps on you iOS and Android devices. The audioguide includes an interactive map of the complex, audios, historical images, videos and 360º panoramic views. The other alternative which I recommend if you are into history is to hire an official guide. You will be able to hire these guide on the spot as you enter Alhambra.
• If your visit coincides with lunch time, there is a Restaurant inside Alhambra Parador Hotel where you can have lunch. During summer, Hotel Americano is open and they also have restaurant inside. There is also vending machines in several areas of the Monumental complex and there is a mini mart near the car park inside the Alhambra complex. Bring your water bottle as there are many water tap installed around the complex for visitor to fill in their bottle.

Visiting Alhambra is truly the highlight of our visit to the Andalusia region. It is a magnificent testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of Islamic civilization in Spain and remains a symbol of the country’s rich history.

Other Highlights in Granada

Albaicin District

Albaicín district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its medieval Moorish architecture reflects a blend of Islamic and Spanish cultures.

Wander thru its charming narrow winding streets and the white-washed houses, you will see Moorish influence all around the district. It is also the best area to hunt for souvenirs.

Albaicin is situated on a hill facing the Alhambra so it provides a stunning view of the palace complex. If you don’t mind the steps, this is the best area to stay if you’re visiting Alhambra.

Granada Cathedral

Marvel at the Granada Cathedral, an example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Royal Chapel, adjacent to the cathedral, is the final resting place of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella.

Carrera del Darro

Stroll along the Carrera del Darro, a picturesque street running alongside the Darro River, lined with historic buildings, cafes, and offering views of the Alhambra.

Mirador de San Nicolás

You can enjoy panoramic views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás, a popular viewpoint located in the Albayzín district. You can either walk or climbing is more like it 😆 or take a bus.

Monastery of Saint Jerome (Monasterio de San Jerónimo)

Visit the Monastery of Saint Jerome, an impressive example of Spanish Gothic architecture located near the Alhambra.

Flamenco Shows

If you didn’t watch flamenco show in Seville, Granada also has many venue which host traditional flamenco show.

Sacromonte Neighbourhood

Visit the Sacromonte neighborhood, famous for its cave houses carved into the hills. It’s known for its vibrant flamenco shows and offers a unique cultural experience.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

If you visit during the winter months, consider a trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains for skiing or snowboarding. In the warmer months, the mountains offer hiking and outdoor activities.

How many days do you need in Granada?

While you need one day to explore Alhambra and explore the nearby Albaicin area. We suggest to spend at least 1.5 days so you have sufficient time to also visit Granada Cathedral and walk to Mirador de San Nicolas.

We came to Granada by morning Bus from Seville and stayed in Albaicin neighbourhood which we think is the best place to stay in Alhambra. We get to see Alhambra from our airbnb rooftop and walk to Alhambra the next morning. From Granada we fly to Barcelona, the last city in our Spain tour.

I hope this article helps in preparing your visit to Alhambra and Granada 😉.