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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

The pinnacle of the exquisite refinement and sophistication of Moorish Spain, the Alhambra is where the Arabian Nights come to life.

Dominating Granada from its spectacular hilltop location, with the Sierra Nevada looming in the background, it was the base of the Nasrid kings, the Alhambra ruled from the 13th century until 1492.

Visits include the main palace with the famous lion fountain patio, the Generalife summer palace and its fountain-filled courtyard, the enchanting gardens, the Alcazaba fortress and the Renaissance Palace of Charles V with its circular courtyard: so allow at least three hours to see everything while drinking in the unforgettable views.

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Price from: £12
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s a 20-minute walk up from the centre of Granada, or take a taxi or minibus C32 or C30.

Book timed tickets online at least two months in advance or consider a guided tour to get the most out of Alhambra and its many stories. Note that your time slot is for entry into the Nasrid Palaces themselves, within the complex’s walls; be punctual.

Bring plenty of water; food is available at the Parador.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week.

Go early (the complex opens at 8.30am) or book a night tour, when it’s less crowded. Or go in January or February when tourist numbers are fewest, although the gardens won’t be at their best.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Skip The Line Alhambra and Generalife Guided Tour

Skip The Line Alhambra and Generalife Guided Tour

Granada

On this walking tour, discover the secrets of Alhambra, save time with skip-the-line access and explore this wonder of Moorish architecture,...

€39 | Rating 4.30 / 5 [1486 ratings]

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Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Half-Day Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Half-Day Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Granada

Explore Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens on this 3-hour skip-the-line walking tour, led by a professional local guide. This tour guarante...

€40 | Rating 4.28 / 5 [1878 ratings]

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Skip-the-Line Alhambra, Generalife & Nasrid Palace Guided Tour - Small Group

Skip-the-Line Alhambra, Generalife & Nasrid Palace Guided Tour - Small Group

Granada

Explore the 600-year-old Alhambra complex on a 3-hour tour led by an expert local guide. Small-group tour that’s limited to just 20 people. ...

€44 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [41 ratings]

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Alhambra skip-the-line tour: Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife

Alhambra skip-the-line tour: Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife

Granada

On this tour of the Alhambra you will have at your disposal one of our official tour guides, expert interpreters of Granada's heritage, who ...

€47 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [37 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Parador de Granada

Granada, Andalusia, Spain[0.1 miles]

Granada’s parador, occupying a late 15th-century monastery, combines charm, history, service and enchanting views with an incomparable location, right on the grounds of the Alhambra.

Official star rating:

Eurostars Washington Irving

Granada, Andalusia, Spain[0.2 miles]

A peaceful, contemporary five-star hotel with a rooftop pool and views, just a few minutes down from the Alhambra.

Official star rating:

Hotel Casa Morisca

Granada, Andalusia, Spain[0.4 miles]

Overlooking the Alhambra, Granada’s most evocative boutique hotel occupies a superbly restored 15th-century mansion, full of romance and charm.

Official star rating:

La Almunia del Valle

Sierra de Nevada, Andalusia, Spain[7.7 miles]

A delightful rustic-chic boutique hotel in the Sierra Nevada, perfect for hiking or skiing – and only ten minutes from Granada.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain

A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.

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Granada

Andalusia, Spain

Crowned by the dreamlike Alhambra, this vibrant Spanish-Arab culture capital combines fascinating sights and lively nightlife with the Sierra Nevada on the doorstep.

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Stunningly-restored 13th-century Arab baths, using pure water from the Sierra Nevada in a range of Moroccan-style aromatherapy massages. Numbers are limited to make sure you book online before you go.

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This jewel of intricate, lace-like Isabelline Gothic architecture, built just after the end of the Reconquista between 1505-17, holds the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, their daughter Joanna ‘the Mad’ and her husband Philip – parents of emperor Charles V.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Hammam at Aljibe de San Miguel

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Best for ages: 10+ | £22 | 1-3 hours

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