Overview
The Alhambra was the palace and fortress of the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim rulers in Spain, built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries on a hill overlooking Granada. With the Generalife gardens and the Albayzín quarter, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Daily visitor numbers are limited and the Nasrid Palaces have timed entry, so book tickets well in advance through the official website.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Summer is very hot in the afternoons; winter is cool and quieter, with snow on the Sierra Nevada.
Highlights
-
1
Nasrid Palaces
Halls of carved stucco, tiles and wooden ceilings, including the Court of the Lions.
-
2
Generalife
The summer palace and gardens, with water channels and fountains.
-
3
Alcazaba
The fortress, with towers looking over the city and the Sierra Nevada.
-
4
Albayzín
The old quarter opposite, with the Mirador de San Nicolás view of the Alhambra.
Getting there
Granada is about 3.5 hours from Madrid by high-speed train. Federico García Lorca Granada Airport is about 15 km west. Minibuses run from the city centre up to the Alhambra.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and any visitor limits change, so check the official information before you go.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Official information: UNESCO: Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors