It is well known that coming to Granada should include a visit to The Alhambra, as this is not only a monument, it is an experience that transports the visitor to another time. This monumental group, declared Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 1984 and is considered a masterpiece of the art of al-andalus, it requires careful planning to enjoy it in all its magnitude. Then, today we bring to you some of the that we consider essential tips for your visit will be memorable and memorable Granada with affection after your visit.
Book Your Tickets for Visiting the Alhambra in Advance
Booking far in advance as possible
The demand for a visit to the Alhambra is extraordinary throughout the year, if you do not want to be left without a ticket during your stay, in terms of reserves and plan your trip, we recommend you to buy online. The entries are named, and it will require the documentation of official identity at all points of access, therefore it is vital to purchase them with time. The Council of the Alhambra and Generalife manages the official sale through its online platform , guaranteeing official prices and avoiding surcharges unnecessary.
Book the First Time Slot for Nasrid Palaces
Recommend that if this is the first time, start by the nasrid palaces, and without a doubt, it is worth getting up early, the best hours are 8:30 or 9:00, taking advantage of the freshness of dawn, especially in summer. This decision will allow you to enjoy the landmarks with less influx of visitors and a natural light, ideal to appreciate the architectural details.
The general admission ticket allows you to visit on the same day, in the hours of opening: Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife.
It is crucial that you check your time of access to the Nasrid Palaces, as this is the only space with slot allocated.
The rest of the set (Alcazaba, Partal and Generalife) will be open from 08:30 hours until closing.
Plan your arrival
Remember that the tickets are registered, the identity document that you must exactly match the name that appears at the input, and will be asked in multiple-access controls. Many visitors have missed your chance to enter for forgetting this little detail.
Try to avoid carrying large backpacks
The interior spaces of the Nasrid Palaces are narrow and delicate. The backpacks are bulky, not only are uncomfortable for you and other visitors, but that can pose a risk to the conservation of the decorative elements. Opt for a small bag or shoulder bag where you can fit the essentials: water, documentation, sunscreen and camera.
If you come to Granada with bags or backpacks large and you can not enter into your accommodation, the best option is to use a luggage storage in the center of Granada or next to the station before you head to the Alhambra. So you can enjoy your visit with total comfort and freedom of movement, without loading unnecessary weight during the hours of the tour of the monument.
Don’t Drive to the Alhambra Palace
The parking in the immediate vicinity of the Alhambra is limited and expensive. In addition, the road access to the monument is limited. Granada has an excellent system of public transport, and the journey on foot from the historical center is in itself an incredible experience to enjoy the architecture of the city and discover the best corners missing by the city.
If you opt for taxi, asks that you stop at the Door of Justice, more direct access to the monumental. This gate will be located strategically near the main spaces without the need for long walks previous.
Take advantage of the gardens so you don’t miss any corner
Once in your visit, instead of walking on the road interior, it uses the paths through the gardens. These tours are more pleasant, they enable you to discover places less known and offer unique perspectives of the set. In addition, the shade of the trees was greatly appreciated in the warmer months.
Keep in mind the duration of the visits,
The morning sessions last for 5.5 hours and the afternoon 4/6 hours. If you have booked morning shift in the Nasrid Palaces, calculated to leave on time to eat.
The Realejo district, at the foot of the Alhambra, it offers excellent dining options where you can taste the cuisine of granada in an authentic environment.
Within the enclosure, the dining options are limited and do not always offer the best price-quality ratio. A full breakfast in the Albaicin or the centre of Granada will allow you to start the visit with energy. In addition, you’ll be able to bring water and a snack light to maintain the level of energy during the tour. We recommend you to Café dHealthy , right at the entrance of the Alhambra with a letter exquisite.
Avoid the Audio Guide if Possible
If you have previously investigated on the Alhambra or do you prefer to experience a more contemplative and personal, the audio may be unnecessary. The posters distributed by the public and private are sufficient to contextualize what you’re seeing. However, if you’re looking to delve into aspects of historical or artistic-specific, a guided tour professional can provide far more value than the audioguide conventional.
How to enjoy a visit to of the Alhambra
The visit requires between two and three hours minimum if done with care but without stopping in excess. The key is to find the balance between gaze with calm, and keep a pace that allows you to see everything. Prioritizes the Nasrid Palaces, which are the heart of the set, but do not neglect the Alcazaba or the Generalife, which offer completely different perspectives of the environment.
If your visit is about to closing time, head over to the gardens of the Generalife. These spaces are ideal for dusk, when the light filters through the columns of the courtyard of the lions during the sunset. The Citadel also offers spectacular views in the last few hours, when the sun begins to descend on the Sierra Nevada.
We summarize now those items that are essential for your visit:
Water (especially in summer), sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, documentation and input (digital or printed).
Forget about umbrellas , backpacks, bulky, tripods, photographic, without prior permission.
Remember, you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs for hours, so that you have a right footwear makes a difference.
Where to eat nearby?
In the neighborhoods closest to the Alhambra you can find a wide variety of cuisine. From the traditional tea-houses with a view of the monument to fine dining and kitchen andalusian contemporary, to suit all tastes. In addition, in many you will find that it keeps the tradition of granada to provide cover for free with each drink… and if you get a good one… let’s Go caps! .
The best months to visit Granada
Without a doubt, l –best time to travel to Granada, is in the spring, between march and may.
When it is about the summer is complicated, moreover, in July and August attract the highest number of visitors and higher temperatures. The influx of people is less during the winter, which can result in a more quiet experience, and contemplative. However, from 15 October to 31 march, the schedule is reduced to 18h, which limits the time available for the visit.
If you purchase online tickets in advance, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket offices of physical.
Can we buy tickets on the same day?
If you can buy them on the day of your visit, although the availability is not guaranteed, especially in high season.
If you decide to try it at the box office, it is best to go very early in the morning, before 8:00, especially during the high season, weekends or holidays, as the demand is very high.
Hours and access
From 1 April to 14 October, the opening hours are 8.30 am to 20h, while that from 15 October to 31 march from 8.30 am to 18h. There are also night-time visits to the Nasrid Palaces, available throughout the year, and the Gardens and Palace’s Generalife gardens, which offer a completely different perspective of the whole, we believe that fully deserve to be.
The Alhambra is a living space with calm, only to be lost in your details and letting yourself be surrounded by centuries of history. It is recommended that a proper planning of the visit, taking into account the time available, prioritizing the places to visit depending on your interest. Beyond the practical tips, the important thing is to keep an open mind and allow this remarkable place that surprises you at every step.
The visit to the Alhambra is not over when it crosses its exit door. The images, the smells of the gardens, the play of light in the backyard, everything will stay in your memory as testimony of one of the artistic creations in the most beautiful of humanity.
After exploring the Alhambra with our essential tips, don’t miss experiencing Granada’s best flamenco shows to complete your visit to this vibrant city. From there, you can continue your journey to Mallorca, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful and relaxing beaches in Spain to unwind and soak up the sun.
