Andalusia 7-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
The Alhambra
A view of Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
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
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
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
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
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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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Hammam at Hammam Al Andalus
Granada, Andalusia, Spain[0.5 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 5+ | £30 | 1-3 hours
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Experience
Royal Chapel of Granada
Granada, Andalusia, Spain[0.9 miles]
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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Experience
Hammam at Aljibe de San Miguel
Granada, Andalusia, Spain[1.5 miles]
Atmospheric, Arab-style baths by Granada cathedral, with a hammam, aromatherapy treatments and exceptional massages including al-hakam, a full-body coating of warm chocolate, pepper and cinnamon.
Best for ages: 10+ | £22 | 1-3 hours
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Round-ups that include this experience
101 World’s greatest historic buildings
Multiple countries
The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.
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