There is nothing else quite like the Alhambra. The last and greatest palace-city of Moorish Spain sits on a ridge above Granada, a complex of fortress, royal palaces and gardens where every wall seems to be carved into lace and every courtyard frames a fountain. It is the most visited monument in Spain after the Sagrada Família, and visiting it well takes a little planning.
Book the Nasrid Palaces first
The Alhambra is really several sites in one, but the unmissable part is the Nasrid Palaces — the royal halls with their honeycomb ceilings and the famous Court of the Lions. Entry to the palaces is by a strict timed slot, and tickets routinely sell out weeks ahead. Book directly from the official site as early as you can, and do not be late: miss your half-hour window and you will not get in.
The rest of the complex
Book your transfer
Beyond the palaces, give yourself time for the Generalife, the summer gardens above the main site, all clipped hedges and water channels; the Alcazaba, the old fortress with views over the whole city from its towers; and the Palace of Charles V, an incongruous Renaissance building dropped into the middle of it all. A full visit easily takes half a day.
When to go
Early morning is cooler and calmer; a late-afternoon slot catches the warm light on the red walls that gave the Alhambra its name. Summer middays are hot and busy. Whenever you go, wear comfortable shoes — there is a lot of walking on uneven stone.
Getting there
The Alhambra is a steep climb above the city centre, and parking is limited. Fly into Granada (GRX) or Málaga (AGP) about ninety minutes away, and a private transfer can take you up to the entrance directly, saving the uphill walk before a half-day on your feet. Book a transfer to Granada or see our private transfers in Granada.
