Need help planning your visit to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have included everything you need to know about visiting the Alhambra. Including where it is, how to get there, what to see inside the Alhambra, if it’s worth joining a tour or not, and much more.
The Alhambra is the most visited monument in Spain, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a huge palace and fortress, and is an important relic of Granada’s Islamic history.
Walking through the halls of the Alhambra feels like stepping back in time. With elaborate Arabic carvings on the walls, unique ceramic decorations and its stunning Islamic architecture, the Alhambra is a truly special place.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning your perfect Alhambra visit!
Table of Contents
Essentials to book before you read on!
Best tours of the Alhambra
Alhambra fast-track entrance ticket
Alhambra fast-track entrance + guided tour
Best hotels close to the Alhambra
Budget: Smart Suites Albaicin
Mid-range: Palacio de Santa Inés
Luxury: Shine Albayzín
Get your travel insurance here!
What is the Alhambra
Visiting the Alhambra Palace is one of the best ways to get to grips with Spain’s Moorish past.
Construction began on this huge palatial complex in 1238 under the reign of Muhammad I — the founder of the Nasrid dynasty which ruled the Emirate of Granada.
Throughout its history, the Nasrid emirs who lived and ruled from the Alhambra made their own additions and expansions of the complex.
It remained the centre of Nasrid’s power until 1492 when the Kingdom of Castile conquered Granada.
Today it is a showcase of Islamic art and architecture, from its intricate geometric design to the symmetrical gardens with their reflecting pools and blooming flowers. It’s a must-see on any Spain bucket list.
How to get to the Alhambra
First things first, if you’re planning on visiting the Alhambra is how to get there. How you get there will obviously depend on where you’re setting off from.
The Alhambra is located in the city of Granada, so from there it’s pretty easy. However, lots of travellers choose to visit the Alhambra on a day trip from nearby cities like Malaga, Seville or even Cordoba.
From Granada
If you’re in Granada already, getting from Granada train station to Alhambra is easy if you simply hail a taxi.
But there are no direct bus options. To get there by bus, catch a bus from Avenida de Constitucion — any bus will do, as long as it’s heading to the Cathedral.
Change at Gran Via 1 (Cathedral) for the C30 bus on Pavaneras Street (around a minute walk from the Cathedral). This will take you to the Alhambra (25 minutes in total).
Depending on where in Granada you’re setting off from, you could also reach the Alhambra on foot. But remember it’s at the top of a hill, so there might be some uphill walking to do!
From Seville
By train: The train from Seville to Granada takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, costing approximately 47 Euros.
By car: It takes 3 hours to drive to Granada from Seville, mainly along the A-92 motorway.
By tour: Tours take the hassle out of organising, but it’s the most expensive option. This small group tour allows you to see the sights of the Alhambra without having to worry about train timetables or driving.
It also includes entrance tickets to the Alhambra, as well as a local guide which will show you around and tell you about the history of this masterpiece.
Click here to book your Seville to Alhambra tour!
From Malaga
By train: Trains from Malaga to Granada run regularly, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes (tickets from 23 Euros).
By road: Driving to Granada from Malaga takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes along the A-7 and then the A-44 motorway.
By tour: Day tours from Malaga to Granada are also available; take this full-day trip, for example, which hits up the storied location and nearby sights on a guided tour.
This is the tour we did, and it was very well organised. Besides the Alhambra, we also had a bit of time to explore Granada, and we had two local guides with us sharing interesting details about both the Alhambra and Granada.
Click here to book your Alhambra day trip from Malaga!
Best time to visit the Alhambra
Of the year
This is a year-round destination, so you can visit any time of year. However, the best time to visit Alhambra on a visual level is springtime.
This is when the flowers are in bloom, the sun is shining and the sky is bright blue — it will look even more impressive. Plus it’s not super hot yet, with average highs between 20 and 25°C (March-May).
Of the day
Here’s a top tip when visiting the Alhambra: go early in the morning! This is the best way to avoid the crowds, which start to arrive from mid-morning onwards.
The light is also really lovely earlier in the morning, too, making for some great photos. You could also visit later in the afternoon when there will also be relatively fewer crowds.
What to see inside the Alhambra
If you’re looking for tips for visiting the Alhambra, my main one would be to have a good idea of what you’re going to see when you’re there.
These are the main sights you should hit up when you visit this famous landmark, so make sure to note them down…
Nasrid Palace
The Alhambra is worth visiting to see the Nasrid Palace alone. This is the centrepiece to the complex and is a dazzling showcase of Islamic art and architecture.
It’s not just one palace either — in fact, three palaces are located in this part of the enclosure. The first of them began life in the 13th century, but mostly they date from the 14th century.
This is the place where the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada would live and work. Visiting means passing through administerial chambers, elegant courtyards, and palace rooms decorated with carved wood and glazed tiles.
Alcazaba
Next up while you’re visiting Granada’s Alhambra is the citadel itself, the Alcazaba. This portion of the Alhambra forms the oldest part of the complex (around the 11th century), but the buildings today date from the 13th century.
The fortress sits on a triangular layout and is surrounded by thick walls and defence towers.
One of these towers, the Torre de la Vela, is famed for being the place where the Catholic banners were displayed after the city was re-conquered by the Spanish in 1492.
Charles V Palace
The Alhambra doesn’t just tell the story of the Nasrid rulers of Granada, but also the Catholic history of the complex.
In 1527 construction began on this palace under the architect Pedro Mahuca (a student of Michaelangelo), and was originally planned for Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.
However the impressive Renaissance structure was never lived in by any monarch and didn’t even have a roof until the 1960s. Today the palace is home to two museums: the Museo de la Alhambra and the Fine Arts Museum.
Generalife
One of the most impressive parts of the Alhambra is the stunning Generalife. This is where the Nasrid ruler would have taken his breaks during summer, and as such the palace is a place of tranquillity and relaxation.
Here you can see elegantly laid-out courtyards, where flowers bloom in the spring, with symmetrical waterways and playful fountains running through them, and the remains of a 700-year-old cypress tree.
Court of the Lions
The Court of the Lions was built in the 14th century under Muhammad V. The main draw to this gleaming palace is its marble-clad courtyard, the Patio de los Leones, where at the centre an 11th-century stands.
There’s a lot of symbolism in the geometric design of the courtyard, with the golden ratio being utilised in everything from the layout and the archways to the 12-sided fountain itself, around which are the marble lions that give the palace its name.
The Gardens
Strolling around the beautiful gardens here is one of the best parts about visiting Alhambra.
Tips of trees and flowers contrast with the shining marble and warm-coloured stone to offer up an ambience that is supposed to create the ideals of Islamic paradise.
Pass along pathways in the footsteps of rulers past, edged by overflowing jasmine and geraniums, and stop to take in views from vantage points.
The Generalife are particularly famous, but then again even the more modern Garden of the Partal (made in the 20th century) are lovely to wander.
Palace of the Comares
Construction on the Palace of the Comares began in 1238 under the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, Muhammad I.
A number of different additions and changes were made by later rulers, with royal baths being constructed, expansions to create the throne hall, and adding a mirador (viewpoint).
This was the ruler’s official private residence, and the decoration throughout reflects its high status.
One of the most impressive parts of this palace is the ceiling of the Salon de Comares, where thousands of wooden tiles create a dome of marquetry that has to be seen to be believed.
Best Alhambra tours
If you’re planning on seeing the Alhambra, you’re planning wondering whether you should join a guided tour or not.
It’s possible to walk around by yourself, but the amazing palace complex really opens up if you’ve got a guide to show you around and tell you more about the unique history of this palace.
Plus, if you’re travelling from other cities like Malaga or Seville, a guided tour will also include pick-up and drop-off, so you don’t have to worry about organising trains, tickets and logistics.
Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets
If you’re in Granada already, try out this tour. This small group guided tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Granada, and it lasts around 3 hours.
Your guide will lead you through the highlights of the palace, including the Generalife, the baths, the Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V, and the Nasrid Palaces.
Click here to book your Alhambra guided tour from Granada!
From Malaga: Granada Full-Day Trip with Alhambra
If you’re in Spain planning on visiting the Alhambra from Malaga, this tour is the best option for you. It’s the same one we did, and we enjoyed it. It was nice to not have to think about organising our own day trip!
Meet your guide at a central meeting point in Malaga, and then board a coach for a 2.5-hour journey to the Alhambra in Granada.
You’ll be led around the iconic landmark, and its palaces and gardens, before being able to enjoy some free time in the city afterwards.
Check out prices & availability for your Alhambra day tour from Malaga here!
Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces Entry Ticket
This is how to visit the Alhambra without any stress: simply by getting yourself a fast-track entry ticket without having to stand in line for hours.
This is a great idea if you haven’t got much time to spare. The ticket includes access to all of the must-see parts of the Alhambra complex, including the Nasrid Palaces, the gardens, and the Generalife.
This option isn’t actually a tour, as there won’t be a guide to show you around, it’s just a fast track entrance ticket. It’s obviously cheaper, but I think you will miss out on a lot of the history without a local guide.
Click here to purchase your fast track entrance ticket to the Alhambra!
Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces Skip the Line Entrance from Seville
Embark on this full-day trip from Seville to the Alhambra aboard a comfortable coach.
The day includes skip-the-line entry to the UNESCO-recognised landmark, as well as travel to and from your accommodation. This one really takes the stress out of getting there and back!
Click here to see prices & availability for your day tour to the Alhambra from Seville!
Where to stay to visit the Alhambra
I know I included how to get to the Alhambra also from Seville and Malaga, as I know many people do it on a day trip, but realistically I don’t suggest staying in these cities to visit the Alhambra.
Obviously, the best place to stay to visit the Alhambra is in Granada. So here are some great hotel suggestions in Granada for every budget.
Budget: Smart Suites Albaicin – These affordable suites are perfect if you want to stay somewhere modern and nice with Alhambra views, but without breaking the bank.
Click here to book your stay at Smart Suites Albaicin!
Mid-range: Palacio de Santa Inés – Set in a 16th Century building, this property is simply gorgeous for a very affordable mid-range price.
Click here to see prices & availability at Palacio de Santa Ines!
Luxury: Shine Albayzín – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. This property has a traditional inner courtyard, modernly refurbished bedrooms and Alhambra views. What more do you need?
Click here to book your stay at Shine Albayzin in Granada!
Final thoughts on visiting the Alhambra in Andalusia, Spain
There you have it, the ultimate guide to visiting the Alhambra in Granada, Spain! Have you visited the Alhambra before? Let me know in the comments below!
I first travelled to Andalusia on a year 7 school trip, and I remember being awe struck by the architecture and decorations of the Alhambra. Almost 20 years later, my emotions visiting this stunning palace are the same.
I prefer travelling to Spanish islands like Mallorca,Tenerife and Fuerteventura, as I’m simply more of a nature and beach lover (I love surfing,hiking and exploring hidden beaches), but when it comes to the architecture and history of the Alhambra, I can make an exception.
There might be no beach in Granada, but the beautiful Alhambra makes up for it. Even when you compare it to a coastal city like Barcelona, Granada still has that special charm.
I hope you found my guide to visiting the Alhambra useful. If you still have any questions about it, just let me know in the comments below!
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