The beautiful Alhambra Palace, which overlooks the city of Granada from its position on Sabika Hill, is one of the best-preserved medieval Islamic palaces in the world and the most visited monument in Spain attracting over 3 million every year.
But before you read another word it is worth pointing out that, although there is a great deal of detailed historical information out there about the monument itself, the most important information that you need before you go is how to get hold of tickets and how to make the most of your time there.
About the Alhambra
This stunning palace-fortress, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, represents the last bastion of al-Andalus in Spain (Moorish rule that, at its zenith, claimed nearly the entire Iberian Peninsular) and once home to Catherine of Aragon. It was in 1492 that her parents King Fernando and Queen Isobel finally forced the Moors out of Granada and Spain.
American writer Washington Irving wrote Tales of the Alhambra in 1832 after spending time there. It was a key work in popularising Granada and the Alhambra inspiring visitors from all over the world for generations to come.
When planning how you are going to cover the ground at the Alhambra it is helpful to think of it in four distinct parts.
Generalife
The Generalife, located on Cerro de Sol, is accessed from the main entrance and, depending on your time slot for the Nazrid Palaces is a good place to start your tour of the Alhambra. It features the Summer Palace of Granada’s Rulers and a complex of multi-levelled patios, walkways, fountains and walled gardens.
It is a wonderful, tranquil place to while away an hour or so strolling along the paths and catching glimpses of the main Alhambra buildings, the city and the mountains as you go. You will also find plenty of shady spots for a picnic here.
Find out more about visiting the Generalife in our blog post here
La Casa Real – Nazrid Palaces
It is the ornate Nazrid Palaces Palacios de Nazaríes that attract the most visitors and for that reason, to protect the monument itself, visits are limited and time allocated (a maximum of 300 people admitted each half an hour). Your Alhambra visit should be planned around the time slot that is allocated to you on your ticket. For more on booking tickets and planning your visit see the below
The Nazrid Palaces were built simply of wood, brick and adobe. They were not intended to endure, it is amazing that they have, but rather to be renewed by future rulers. This simplicity in construction was also in line with the idea that nothing man made should compete with Allah’s creations.
The main features of La Casa Real are the Palace of the Mexuar (the oldest), the Palace of Comares, which was the official residence of the Sultan, and the Palace of the Lions, viewed as the pinnacle of Nasrid art.
Palacio de Carlos V
Emperor Carlos V was the Grandson of Isobel and Fernando. In 1526, as a symbol of the triumph of Christianity over Islam, he destroyed a whole wing of rooms to build himself a palace.
Despite being a fine example of Renaissance architecture, it seems rather out of place within in its Moorish surroundings and is perhaps not so much loved as a result. The work was never completed.
The Palacio de Carlos V also houses the Museum of the Alhambra and the Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays).
The Alcazaba
This fortress, mostly in ruins now, is the oldest part of the complex dating back to the 9th century. It is from this ‘Red Fort’ that the name Al Qal’a al-Hambra came. Ibn al-Ahmar, the first Nazrid king, rebuilt and added to the fort and famously diverted the River Darro to the foot of the Alhambra Hill.
It is well worth the climb to the top of the Torre de la Vela from which point you have 360° view of the mountains, the vega, the city, the Albayzín and Sacromonte.
Making the most of your visit to the Alhambra & Generalife
Much like packing to go away, when you will fill whatever size suitcase you are taking, visiting the Alhambra and Generalife will fill whatever time you can afford it, whether that be a morning or a month. The average visit is said to be 3 hours.
Bear in mind that less is more, especially if you are visiting with children in the height of summer. It’s a great place to explore, but you’ll need to take it at their pace.
At the risk of making it sound like a military operation, visiting the Alhambra complex demands just a little bit of thought before you go. You need to plan your visit to get the most out of it.
Click on the tabs below for some essential information and really useful advice that will help you get the best out of it. Please also see the map at the bottom of the page which will help you to get your bearings.
It’s also worth noting that if you are unable to get hold of tickets in time for your visit to Granada, there are parts of the complex that are open and accessible for free.
You can enter through Puerta de las Granadas (take Cuesta Gomérez out of Plaza Nueva) and wander up through the Alhambra forest to Puerta de la Justica and into the Alhambra City. See the map below.
Of course, without tickets there will be areas that are not open to you such as the Nazrid Palaces and the Alcazaba. One place that you can enter is the Palacio de Carlos V and within that the Museo de Belles Artes. This is well worth the visit.
Take your kids to the Alhambra
It is such a visual, sensual, fragrant place. Children will be diverted by the fountains and trickling waterways, by ornate windows that look out over the Albayzín, by gardens filled with flowers and butterflies, and winding steps up to towers with views of the city, the vega and the mountains.
Give them the chance and children will be delighted by the Alhambra.
Online
Tickets can be purchased online at the official ticket website of the Patronato de la Alhambra.
Should you need any assistance the ticket sales helpline number is +34 858 889 002.
At the time of booking, you will need to provide the name and passport number for each member of your party and you will be asked to select a morning or afternoon visit and then you choose your Nazrid Palace slot.
You will receive an email confirmation of your tickets which you may then print or you can present your tickets (up to 6) on your mobile phone. Printed tickets can also be collected prior to your visit – see below.
Same-day tickets at the Alhambra ticket office
It is possible to buy tickets on the day at the ticket office but only up to 2 hours before entrance to the Nasrid Palaces.
The queues can be long but if you arrive early enough, before 08.00, you might get lucky. But it’s really not advisable to leave it to chance.
Note: advance tickets cannot be bought at the Alhambra ticket office. To guarantee admission and to make the most of your trip it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.
There are also ticket vending machines located at the ticket office, Corral del Carbón, Bañuelo and Dal al Horra.
Ticket collection
Tickets may be collected from 08.00 on the day of your visit at the ticket office on site. You will need to present your ID/passport and the purchasing credit/debit card.
You can collect advance tickets from Servicaixa ATMs cajeros. These can be found at the Main Entrance of the Alhambra or at three branches of La Caixa bank located in the city: Calle Acera de Darro, Calle Alhondiga and Avendia Pablo Picasso see map below. You can find Servicaixa ATMs in other cities using their branch locator.
When using this service be sure to search for branches that offer the ticket sale and collection service Venta de Entradas and be aware that this option is only available at branches located in Andalucía.
You can also collect your tickets at Corral de Carbon at Calle Reyes Catolicos which is open until 7pm Monday to Friday.
Book a tour and skip the lines
If all of the above ticket-buying rigmarole sounds a bit arduous and you would enjoy a guided tour there is another option. You can book a guided tour of the Alhambra which includes admission and a guided tour, with a headset for the commentary, of the Alhambra and Generalife.
NOTES
- Even though children (aged 3-11) can enter free of charge they still require a ticket to be reserved at time of purchase. Proof of age may be required.
- Children under 3 years will be provided with tickets at the ticket office without prior reservation.
- Tickets cannot be changed, returned or refunded.
- Hold on to your tickets throughout as they will be scanned several times during your visit.
By car
If you are coming from outside the city and arriving by car the route from the motorway is relatively simple and well signposted. From the A-44 take exit 132 for Ronda Sur, keep left and continue on the A-395 and take signs for the Alhambra. Car parks are on the right-hand side as you approach the main entrance (Generalife). Please click here for an interactive map to work out your route and drive times. See map below for car parks
If you are already based in the city, and have a car with you, do not be tempted to drive to the Alhambra. There are a number of much simpler and more pleasant options open to you:
On foot
From Plaza Nueva take Cuesta Gomérez (opp fountain) 15 minute walk uphill. From Paseo de los Tristes take Cuesta de los Chinos. From Plaza del Realejo take Cuesta del Realejo.
See map below for walking routes
Taxi
It should cost you around €10 in an official Granada taxi from the Albayzín and most central city locations to the Alhambra. Look out for a white car with a green stripe running diagonally across the front door and a green light on the roof.
Taxi stands at the site can be found opposite the church of Santa Maria of the Alhambra, hotel Alhambra Palace, Gate of the Generalife.
See map below to find taxi ranks
By Bus
The Alhambra buses on the C30 Route are highly visible red and white minibuses that run services daily (weekends and holidays included) between 07.00 and 23.00. The fare is €1.40 unless you invest in a Travelcard. More info on this and Granada Buses can be found here.
The C30 route runs from Plaza de Isabela La Catolica via Cuesta del Caidero to Alhambra-Generalife – 7 days a week at least every 10 minutes from 07.00-23.00.
From Granada Bus station – Catch the 33 to Catedral on Via Colon and from there it is a short walk to Plaza de Isabela La Católica to catch the C30 to the Alhambra.
From Granada Train Station – Take the 21 on Avenida de Constitucion (walk straight on as you exit the station for less than a minute) for a short ride to Gran Vía-Catedral. From there walk to Plaza de Isabela La Católica to catch the C30 to the Alhambra.
Look for bus stops on the map below
Where to eat
There are food and drink vending machines by the entrance and within the Alhambra walls, near Puerta del Vino which is at the other end of the complex before you reach the Alcazaba. Close to this, there is also a little shop selling souvenirs and over-priced helados.
Here are a few better options. And when the quality of the food, ambience and the location is taken into consideration they are far better value than what you would get from the vending machine.
The Parador
Set within the Alhambra itself in the 15th century San Francisco Convent, this fabulously luxurious hotel boasts a great restaurant where you can sit out on the terrace overlooking the Alhambra’s gardens. This is a fantastic place to take a late lunch after a morning tour of the monument or to relax after an afternoon visit.
It is open to non-residents and serves a range of traditional Andalusian cuisine such as Gazpacho Andaluz, Tortilla de Sacromonte, Pollo a la alpujarrena and Habas y jamón de Trevelez. They also serve a pretty good burger.
Location: Calle Real de la Alhambra
Web: paradorgranada.com
Tel: +34 958 221 440
La Mimbre
Located in the woods just outside the Alhambra on the Paseo del Generalife, this restaurant which has a large outdoor dining terrace, couldn’t be more convenient pitstop. La Mimbre, which first opened its doors in 1890, is a great spot to have some lunch before an afternoon tour of the Alhambra especially if you are arriving early to pick up your tickets. The other option is to end up there and rest your feet for relaxing long lunch or some early evening tapas after your visit.
Location: Paseo del Generalife, 18
Web: restaurantelamimbre.es
Tel: +34 958 222 276
Jardines Alberto
Also fantastically situated close to the Alhambra on Paseo de la Sabika, this is another great spot where the food comes well recommended and you can enjoy a long leisurely lunch. The staff are efficient and friendly and sensitive to the fact that some diners may be on an ‘Alhambra timetable’.
Location: Paseo de la Sabika, 1
Web: JardinesAlberto
Tel: +34 958 221 661
Find the ticket for you
If you needed any further encouragement to visit…
Check out the video below which features some truly awesome aerial photography and gives a great sense of the shape and size of the Alhambra palaces and gardens and shows how it dominates the city from its place on the hill. You’ll also see some great footage of inside the Nazrid Palaces and Palacio de Carlos V.
Alhambra map
Find hotels, restaurants and places of interest in and around the Alhambra.
| Title | Categories | Address | Description | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Parador de San Francisco ✩✩✩✩ | Hotel | Calle Real de la Alhambra, 18009 Granada, Spain | Luxury in the most spectacular location. The Parador de Granada, a renovated 15th century San Franciso convent, is located within the grounds of the Alhambra Palace itself. Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, | Directions |
Hotel Alixares ✩✩✩✩ | Hotel | Paseo de la Sabica, 40, 18009 Granada, Spain | Hotel Alixares is in a great location just across the road from the Alhambra entrance. It boasts panoramic views of the city and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Paseo de la Sabica, 40, | Directions |
El Ladron de Agua ✩✩✩ | Hotel | Carrera del Darro, 13, 18010 Granada, Spain | Stunning 16th Century hotel in Albayzín. Fantastic location within walking distance of Alhambra and Plaza Nueva. Carrera del Darro, 13, | Directions |
Palacio de Mariana Pineda ✩✩✩✩ | Hotel | Carrera del Darro, 9, 18010 Granada, Spain | Luxury in a historic setting. Walking distance to the Alhambra. Facing the Alhambra, on the famous Carrera del Darro Carrera del Darro, 9, | Directions |
Hotel Alhambra Palace ✩✩✩✩ | Hotel | Plaza Arquitecto García de Paredes, 1, 18009 Granada, Spain | Great for a romantic getaway. Located less than 10-minute walk from the Alhambra. Offers great views of the City and the Sierra Nevada. Plaza Arquitecto García de Paredes, 1, | Directions |
Hotel Guadalupe ✩✩✩ | Hotel | Paseo de la Sabica, 30, 18009 Granada, Spain | Excellent location and great value. Paseo de la Sabica, 30, Granada City Centre, 18009 Granada | Directions |
Puerta de las Granadas | Hotel | Cuesta de Gomérez, 37, 18009 Granada, Spain | Enter here to access the free areas of the Alhambra. | Directions |
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