Exploring the area
Things to do nearby
Visit Alhambra (15 mins away)
Granada Science Park / Museum (20 Mins)
Go to the beach at Salobrena (55mins drive)
Swimming in the natural pools in the valley – (5 mins drive) Aqualandia June - Aug
Amazing walks directly from the house (e.g. big hill behind the house - about an hour)
Amazing walks in and near the Sierra Nevada national park
Ski at Sierra Nevada Nov-Apr (20 mins drive)
Explore Granada (15 mins drive) including the cathedral, many squares / bars / restaurants, moorish old town (Albazin)
Rent bikes and cycle
Rent a canoe and explore the lake
Explore the famous alpujarahs (white villages)
Take a run or walk along the Rio Pinos Genil (from next village into centre of Granada)
Swim in the pool at Las Lomas (posh campsite) and then have a fabulous lunch on their terrace (5 mins drive)
Have drinks and tapas in the village square
Enjoys the views during breakfast, lunch or dinner from the terrace
Live like the locals and take the bus into Granada: www.guejarsierra.es
Forget the world in the hammock
Grill up chorizo on the daddy of all barbeques
Visit the Alhanbra and Genral Life Gardens
The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold. But there is another more poetic version, evoked by the Moslem analysts who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress "by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an "alcazaba" (fortress), an "alcázar" (palace) and a small "medina" (city), all in one. This triple character helps to explain many distinctive features of the monument.
Visit Alhambra (15 mins away)
Granada Science Park / Museum (20 Mins)
Go to the beach at Salobrena (55mins drive)
Swimming in the natural pools in the valley – (5 mins drive) Aqualandia June - Aug
Amazing walks directly from the house (e.g. big hill behind the house - about an hour)
Amazing walks in and near the Sierra Nevada national park
Ski at Sierra Nevada Nov-Apr (20 mins drive)
Explore Granada (15 mins drive) including the cathedral, many squares / bars / restaurants, moorish old town (Albazin)
Rent bikes and cycle
Rent a canoe and explore the lake
Explore the famous alpujarahs (white villages)
Take a run or walk along the Rio Pinos Genil (from next village into centre of Granada)
Swim in the pool at Las Lomas (posh campsite) and then have a fabulous lunch on their terrace (5 mins drive)
Have drinks and tapas in the village square
Enjoys the views during breakfast, lunch or dinner from the terrace
Live like the locals and take the bus into Granada: www.guejarsierra.es
Forget the world in the hammock
Grill up chorizo on the daddy of all barbeques
Visit the Alhanbra and Genral Life Gardens
The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold. But there is another more poetic version, evoked by the Moslem analysts who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress "by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an "alcazaba" (fortress), an "alcázar" (palace) and a small "medina" (city), all in one. This triple character helps to explain many distinctive features of the monument.
OPENING HOURSThe Alhambra Monument is open every day except 25thDecember and 1st January.
The general visiting hours for the Alhambra are as follows:
15 March to 14 October
Morning session: 8:30 to 14:00 hrs
Afternoon session: 14:00 to 20:00 hrs
Night session: (Tue to Sat) 22.00 to 23.30 hrs
15 October to 14 March
Morning session: 8:30 to 14:00 hrs
Afternoon session: 14:00 to 18:00 hrs
Night session: (Fri and Sat) 20.00 to 21.30 hrs
The Alhambra Ticket office opening hours are as follows:
15 March to14 October 08:00 to 19:00, Tues to Sat 21:30 to 22:30 hrs
15 October to14 March08:00to 17:00, Fri and Sat 19:30 to 20:30 hrs
The Alhambra official website is www.alhambra-patronato.es/
BUYING AN INDIVIDUAL TICKETThere are different ways to buy an individual ticket, which can be for any date up to three months in advance (except the on-the-day tickets)
- In person: Alhambra Ticket Office in the Access Pavilion, at the entrance to the monument (Map) . A limited supply of on-the-day tickets is available from 08.00 hrs. Otherwise this is for collecting pre-ordered tickets.- if your ticket is discounted, be sure to take ID to prove your eligibility.
- Alhambra Bookshop Calle Reyes Católicos nº 40, in Granada city centre. Open 09.30 to 20.30 hrs.
- La Caixa Bank All branches and cash machines of this bank offer a reservation system. You must choose your time slot for the Palacio Nazaries (see above). This reservation system must be used at least one day in advance. (Please note: you will receive a voucher or reference number, not a ticket, and will need to collect the ticket from the Alhambra Ticket Office at the monument or Alhambra Bookshop in the city centre when you arrive)
- Online: You will only get a reference number to collect your tickets from Alhambra Ticket Office at the monument or Alhambra Bookshop in the city centre when you arrive.
- By phone: Tickets can be reserved by phoning 902 888 001 from Spain or +34 934 923 750 from abroad. Tele-operators speak Spanish, English and French. Tickets reserved by telephone must be collected in the same manner as online tickets ie Alhambra Ticket Office at the monument or Alhambra Bookshop in the city centre when you arrive.
If tickets are not available for the dates you want, consider trying a night visit or an Alhambra Experience ticket (see below). If time is short, remember that the part of the Alhambra accessed via 'Puerto de los Carros', including the Palace of Carlos V and museums, Puerto del Vino and Plaza de los Aljibes, does not require tickets to visit.
HOTELS
![Hotels near the Alhambra Hotels near the Alhambra](http://www.andalucia.com/image/photos/alhambrahotelsmainpicture116x112.jpg)
Click here to stay at a hotellocated in the Alhambra gardens or within walking distance of this magnificent attraction, offering guided tours and much more!
COLLECTING TICKETSTickets reserved online or by telephone must be collected from the Alhambra Ticket Office (map) at the main entrance to the monument or from the Alhambra Bookshop (Calle Reyes Católicos nº 40) in the city centre. The Alhambra Ticket office is is a long uphill walk from the city centre so leave plenty of time, there can be long queues to collect tickets, make sure you don't miss your time slot for the Palace Nazaries; alternatively jump on the bus (see below) which runs regularly from the centre and will drop you right in front of the ticket office.Tickets reserved online or by telephone must be collected from the Alhambra Ticket Office.
At the Alhambra Ticket Office and Alhambra Bookshop you may collect tickets from one of the self-service machines using the same credit card used to reserve the tickets. There is also a special desk at the ticket office for collecting pre-ordered tickets. Children and reduced price tickets can only be collected from the ticket office. You must have the credit card that was used to purchase the tickets, or -if the reservation is under the name of the same person- an identity card or passport together with the reservation number. If you are collecting a discounted ticket you will need your/their ID card to prove your/their eligibility.
TYPES OF TICKETSAlhambra General Ticket 14 € (Nazrid Palaces, Alcazaba, Partal Gardens, Generalife Palace and Gardens)EU Senior Citizens over 65 yrs 9 €
Young Europeans under 30 yrs 9 €
Disabled 8 €
Children over 12 accompanied by parent, relative, legal tutor 8 €
Alhambra Gardens Ticket 7 € (Alcazaba, Partal Gardens, Generalife Palace and Gardens)
Young Europeans under 30 yrs 6 €
Alhambra at night Palaces Ticket 8 €
Young Europeans under 30 yrs 6 €
Alhambra at night Generalife Ticket 5 €
Young Europeans under 30 yrs 4€
Alhambra Experiences Ticket 14 €
A combined night visit to the Nasrid Palaces and day visit the following morning to the Alcazaba, and Generalife Palace and Gardens
Free tickets
Children aged under 11 accompanied by parents, relatives or legal tutors
Members of ICOMOS and ICOM
Residents of Granada province every Sunday from 14.00- with a reservation made under 'La Alhambra mas cerca'.
Group Tour Tickets
'Group Tickets' are sold by travel agents and accredited companies who organize an 'Alhambra tour' which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and an official Alhambra tour guide. These cost about 55 € per adult and are best if you prefer this complete service with all ticket collection, transport and guided tour provided. Advance individual tickets often sell out several days in advance, in which case you may still be in time join a tour.
You can purchase a discount tour ticket via Viator and Andalucia.com
If tickets are not available for the dates needed consider trying a night visit or an Alhambra Experience ticket. If time is short; remember that a part of the Alhambra accessed via 'Puerto de los Carros' including the Palace of Carlos V and museums, Puerto del Vino and Plaza de los Aljibes does not require tickets nor fee to visit.
GETTING TO THE ALHAMBRATaxis from city centre costs about 6 €. Tell the driver if you need to go to the ticket office rather than enter the palace opposite the church of Santa Maria of the Alhambra. Taxi stands are found opposite the church of Santa Maria of the Alhambra, at the Hotel Alhambra Palace, and the Gate of the Generalife.
Bus Jump on the C3 or C4 bus which runs regularly from the centre (Plaza Isabel Catholica) and stops at the ticket office. Fare is 1.20€, which you pay to the driver. City Bus Route Map in PDF
Bus number C3: (Frequent) Plaza Isabel la Católica - Callle Pavaneras - Barrio del Realejo - Alhambra. Route diagram. Timetable
Bus number C4: (Half Hourly Circular) Plaza Isabel la Católica - Molinos - Cuesta del Caidero - Alhambra - Cementario - Cuesta de Realejo. Route diagram. Timetable
Driving The Alhambra is well signposted from the Motril - Jaen Motorway A-44 and E-902 that passes to the west of Granada city. Exit at junction km 132 onto the A-395 and head through the tunnel. After the river turn left up Avenida Santa Maria de la Alhambra. The entrance to the car park is here. use P2, P3, or P4 Don't try P1 as it reserved; you will waste you time trying to turn around amongst the coaches, P2 being nearest to the entrance fills up first in the morning.
From the car park it's a five-minute walk to the ticket office and main entrance. The car park is open 24 hrs and costs about 2.50€ per hour for cars, maximum daily 18€. Remember: when you purchase your Alhambra ticket you're assigned a time to enter the NasridPalaces, located about half an hour's walk from the Alhambra ticket office and car park.
Walking up the hill
- Cuesta Gómerez (from Plaza Nueva) (On this route, if you already have your tickets, take the short cut via 'Puerto de los Carros')
- Cuesta del Realejo (from Plaza del Realejo)
- Cuesta de los Chinos (from Paseo de los Tristes)
PLANS TO DOWNLOADHere is a link to a 6MB PDF plan of the Alhambra and Access points
Here is a link to a 7MB PDF general plan of the Alhambra
Here is a link to a 6MB PDF plan of the recommended itinerary
AUDIO GUIDESAudio guides are available in Spanish, English, German, Italian, and French from at the desk in Entrance Pavilion, close to the ticket offices for rent for 6,50€ There is the Basic Guide, Complete Guide, and Gardens guide.
Sign Language Guides are available in Spanish and English, to guide visitors with hearing disabilities around the site. The service is offered free of charge at the same desk.
MOBILE GUIDE
You can download a free mobile guide to the Alhambra by Bluetooth from the point by the main entrance near the ticket office.
LEFT LUGGAGEThere are left luggage lockers located at the Alhambra Ticket office entrance pavilion, and at the station next to the 'Puerto del Vino' near the entrance to the Nazrid Palaces.
VENDING MACHINES AND TOILETSThere are drink and snack vending machines located at the Alhambra Access Pavilion, where the ticket office is, and at the station next to the 'Puerto del Vino' near the entrance to the NazridPalaces. There is a shady terrace café just below the Alhambra ticket office.
HOTELS NEAR ALHAMBRA
![Hotels near the Alhambra Hotels near the Alhambra](http://www.andalucia.com/image/photos/alhambrahotelsmainpicture116x112.jpg)
Click here to stay at a hotellocated in the Alhambra gardens or within walking distance of this magnificent attraction, offering guided tours and much more!
All this information is correct as of May 2014. Have a good visit!
Alhambra Tour (inc tickets)
![](http://www.andalucia.com/image/logos/uploads/cl02108/granada-viatours.jpg)
Your friendly local guide will pick you up from your Granada hotel by air-conditioned minibus and then take you up the hill to the Alhambra. Skip past the long entrance lines with your priority access ticket and walk around inside with your guide, clearly hearing all the history of this fascinating site by radio ear-piece provided. Admire decadent rooms inside the Nasrid Palaces like the Hall of Ambassadors (Salón de los Embajadores) and Myrtle Courtyard (Patio of los Arrayanes), and marvel at the architecture of Pedro Machuca at the Palace of Charles V. You’ll also see Alhambra’s Royal Baths. After exploring the palaces, head to the Generalife Gardens to discover where the sultans and Moorish kings of bygone days once relaxed. Featuring abundant flora and distinctive water features, the gardens also comprise two further courtyards, which you’ll see, the Patio de la Acequia and the Patio de la Sultana. At the end of your 2.5-hour Alhambra tour, your guide will drop you back at your Granada hotel by minibus.