Things to do in Alhambra
The Alhambra is home to many myths, legends and secrets. This is partly because many Spaniards believed their Muslim occupiers had occult powers and that the treasures of their palace were protected by spells. The American writer Washington Irving collected many of these tales in a book.
The astrologer Ibrahim ibn Abu Ayub, for example, was said to have mastered the art of living forever, but only as an old man. In Granada, he put a spell on a beautiful princess and escaped with her under the Gate of Justice. Some say she can return (and the palace’s treasures will be revealed) only when the hand and the key carved into the Gate of Justice reach each other.
Others believe that treasure might be discovered by unlocking charms hidden in the complex ornamental stonework. Many throughout history have searched for hidden gold on the site, but none has so far been discovered. The most common phrase to be found carved in the palace walls (over 9000 times!) is a reminder – and perhaps a warning – to every treasure-seeker: wa la ghaliba illala (there is no victor but God).
Opening hours
- 15 March - 14 October: ticket office 8.00am-8.00pm
Monday - Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am-2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm-8.00pm).
- 15 October - 14 March: ticket office 8.00am-6.00pm
Monday - Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am to 2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm-6.00pm)
Garden visits
- 15 March - 14 October: ticket office 8.00am-7.00pm
Monday - Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am-2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm-8.00pm.
- 15 October - 14 March: ticket office 800am-5.00pm
Monday to Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am-2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm- 6.00pm).
Night visit around Nasrid Palaces
- 15 March - 14 October: ticket office: 9.30pm-10.30pm
Tuesdays - Saturdays: 1.00pm-11.30pm
- 15 October - 14 March: ticket office 7.30pm-8.30pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 8.00pm-9.30pm
Night visit around the Gardens and Palace of the Generalife
- 15 March – 31 May: ticket office 9.30pm to 10.30pm
Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10.00pm-11.30pm
- 1 September - 14 October: ticket office 9.30pm-10.30pm
Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10.00pm-11.30pm
- 15 October - 14 November: ticket office 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 8.00pm-9.30pm
About the Alhambra
The Alhambra’s name comes from the Arabic meaning “Red Castle” and its origins as a fortress can be traced to at least the late ninth century, when southern Spain was under Islamic rule.
The magnificent palace we see today did not begin to take shape until the arrival of the Nasrid dynasty in the thirteenth century. At that time, the watchtower and the keep were built for extra security, but also the aesthetic wonders of the patio of the lions, the Justice gate, the baths, the Comares room and the Hall of the Boat.
We are lucky that so much of the building and its gardens survive. Once the Nasrids had been pushed out of Spain, the Catholic kings were not too careful with the monuments. Charles V, for example, had part of the complex destroyed to build his own palace. The Alhambra was abandoned and left to the elements for much of the eighteenth century, being partially blown up by the French.
It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that the artistry of the Islamic palace was fully realised and restoration work began. The splendour we experience now is thanks to the careful work of restorers keen to preserve this unique historical monument.
Address
Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n. 18071, Granada
Getting there
- On foot
From the city centre, take Cuesta de Gomérez from Plaza Nueva and through the Gate of the Pomegranates, OR go via Cuesta del Rey Chico starting on the left bank of the river Darro at the end of the Paseo del Padre Manjón.
- By bus
Line C3: stop at Generalife Ticket Office
- By car
From N-323 / A-44, take the ring road Ronda Sur (A-395) and follow signs towards the Alhambra (please note: private cars are not allowed to access to the Alhambra from the city centre). At the Serrallo tunnel, use the left lane and take exit 5A. On the roundabout, turn left and continue up Avenida Santa María de la Alhambra. Then follow Camino Viejo del Cementerio to signs for parking and ticket offices.
Our recommendations in Alhambra
Alhambra official skip-the-line small group guided tour with full access
Admire the Alhambra's Nasrid Palaces, stroll along the Generalife gardens and discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Alhambra and Generalife skip-the-line private tour
Discover Spain's Moorish roots on this private tour of the Alhambra. Together with a local guide, you'll visit the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba and more.
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Skip-the-line tickets and audio guide to the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V, Generalife and Alcazaba
Visit at your own pace with an audio guide the Alhambra fortress, the Palace of Charles V, the Generalife palace and its wonderful gardens, and the monumental surroundings, all without queuing to purchase the tickets!
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Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid palaces skip-the-line guided tour
Visit the Alhambra of Granada, one of the most beautiful places in the world! The guided tour includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba.
en
Alhambra official skip-the-line small group guided tour with full access
Admire the Alhambra's Nasrid Palaces, stroll along the Generalife gardens and discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
en
Alhambra and Generalife skip-the-line private tour
Discover Spain's Moorish roots on this private tour of the Alhambra. Together with a local guide, you'll visit the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba and more.
en, it, fr, es, de
Skip-the-line tickets and audio guide to the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V, Generalife and Alcazaba
Visit at your own pace with an audio guide the Alhambra fortress, the Palace of Charles V, the Generalife palace and its wonderful gardens, and the monumental surroundings, all without queuing to purchase the tickets!
en, it, fr, es, de
Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid palaces skip-the-line guided tour
Visit the Alhambra of Granada, one of the most beautiful places in the world! The guided tour includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba.
en
Alhambra by night tour with Palacios Nazaríes
Visit the three Palacios Nazaríes by night and learn everything about their history with the audioguide
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Alhambra guided visit with Arab Baths
Book now your guided visit to the Alhambra and enjoy the tour with an expert storyteller. Feel like a Sultan while enjoying a dip in the Hammam Baths.
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Alhambra tour with flamenco show
Discover the Alhambra with an audio guide and enjoy a traditional flamenco show in the Sacromonte neighborhood.
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Alhambra guided tour and Science Park tickets
Join this experience and discover the Alhambra with an official guide. Discover the history of Al-Andalus and visit the Science Park of Granada at your own leisure.
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Granada walking tour with Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens from Málaga
Discover Granada's Arab past, visit the Palace of Charles and admire the Nasrid Arabic style.
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Alhambra guided tour and tickets to the Science Park of Granada
Visit the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. You'll also have tickets for the Science Park of Granada.
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Alhambra guided tour in Italian
Discover the history of one of the most fascinating monuments of Islamic architecture in Europe thanks to a 3-hour group tour.
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Alhambra, Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel guided tour in English
Book now and get ready to discover the Alhambra and the Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada on a half-day tour carried out in 2 parts.
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How to get there
Alhambra
Granada
Spain
Reviews Alhambra
“We really enjoyed our trip to the wonderful Alhambra. Our guide Antonio was learned and enthusiastic and very willing to answer questions. Nos encanta!”
“Our Guide Marina was fantastic.A lot of knowledge, very clear and understanding. Top guide.Alhambra was a great experiance and unforgetable.PS. We are dutch speaking. So a guide with the dutch language would be a great + for musement.”
“We had Marco as guide and he was top and very informing in the French language.”