If you’re planning a trip to Granada in the spring, and there are plenty of reasons why you should, a visit to the Alhambra and Generalife has got to be somewhere at the top of your ‘must-see must-do’ list.
Pronounced “hen-neh-rah-LEE-fay” (which sounds a lot less like an insurance company), the word Generalife translates as the Architect’s Garden. It is a beautiful complex of gardens and buildings that were once used as a summer palace by the Muslim rulers of Granada.
Today, it is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and here are some reasons why.
Visit this hotspot when it’s not too hot!
One of the best things about visiting Granada and the Alhambra in the spring is the weather. The city gets very hot in the summer, and 2023 is forecast to be a record-breaking scorcher, so visiting in the spring means you can enjoy the gardens and outdoor spaces without being overwhelmed by the heat.
The temperatures in the spring usually range from 18-23°C, which is perfect for wandering around taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of the gardens.
Highlights of the Generalife
The gardens of the Generalife are truly stunning. They are laid out in a traditional Islamic style, featuring fountains, courtyards, and terraces. The gardens are filled with a huge variety of flowers and plants, including orange trees, roses, and jasmine. And Spring is a particularly good time to visit because many of the flowers are in bloom, creating a riot of colour and fragrance to delight the senses.
One of the most popular highlights of the Generalife is the Water Stairway (La Elscalera del Agua), which is divided into three flights, each with a fountain and handrails with channels carved to allow running water. Designed to be both beautiful and functional, it provided a way to cool the palace during the hot summer months. The sound of the water flowing through the fountains is particularly soothing, and you can sit on one of the benches nearby to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Another attraction of the Generalife is the Court of the Sultana’s Cypress Tree (Patio del Ciprés de la Sultana), which is named for the cypress tree that stands in the centre of the courtyard. This area is particularly beautiful in the spring when the surrounding flower beds are in full bloom. The courtyard is also home to a number of fountains, including the famous Lion Fountain, which is carved from marble and dates back to the 14th century.
“The Generalife, with its fountains and gardens and honeycombed ceilings, was like a cool green nest, hung in a rocky tree.”
Washington Irving – Tales of the Alhambra
The Palace of the Generalife
As well as the beautiful gardens, the Generalife complex also includes several buildings, including the Palace of the Generalife itself. Built in the 14th century by the Nasrid rulers and used as a summer retreat away from the city heat, this building is a beautiful example of Nasrid architecture. Today, visitors can explore its beautiful rooms and courtyards, which are decorated with fountains, gardens, and beautiful tilework and stucco.
The Palace of the Generalife also houses a number of historic artefacts, including a collection of Islamic manuscripts. These manuscripts provide insight into the intellectual and cultural history of Andalucía during the Nasrid period, and they are a testament to the wealth of knowledge and creativity that flourished in this region during this time.
Whether you are interested in history, art, or simply appreciating nature and the ambience of the gardens, the Generalife is a must-see destination.
Don’t miss it!
“The Alhambra and the Generalife are poems in stone and gardens.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet and essayist
Tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Generalife:
- Buy your tickets in advance: The Generalife is a popular attraction, and lines can get long during peak season. Spring is busy at the Alhambra so book soon so you don’t miss out.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Generalife complex is spread out over several acres and includes numerous gardens, buildings, and courtyards. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes that can handle cobbled and uneven terrain.
- Bring water and sunscreen for you and the family: The Granada sun can be intense, even in spring. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and don’t skimp on the sunscreen.
- Plan your visit: The Generalife is a large area to cover, and there’s a lot to see. Plan your visit ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights. You can take a guided tour, or explore on your own with a map or guidebook.
- Respect the rules: The Generalife is a historic site, and there are certain rules and regulations that visitors are expected to follow. For example, you’re not allowed to touch any of the artefacts, and smoking is prohibited. Be sure to read and follow the rules posted at the entrance.
- Take your time: The Generalife is a beautiful place, and it’s worth taking your time to really appreciate all the details. Take time to stop and “smell the roses”. It will be a day to remember.
