Alhambra 

Overview of the Alhambra

The oldest part of the Alhambra is called the Alcazaba, or citadel, and only its massive outer walls, towers and ramparts are left. The most distinctive feature of the Alcazaba is its watch tower, the Torre de la Vela, and it was here that the flag of Ferdinand and Isabella was first raised to mark the Spanish re-conquest of Granada in 1942.

The Palaces of the Moorish monarchs (Los Palacios Nazaríes) are made up of a maze of beautiful courtyards linked by passageways and corridors, and filled with fountains, plants and ornamental ponds. One of these is the famous Patio of the Lions, with its central fountain supported by twelve lions in white marble, not designed with sculptural accuracy, but as emblems of strength and courage.

The Generalife was the Moorish rulers’ summer residence set to the east of the Alhambra and boasts magnificent gardens which, with their clipped hedges, grottos, fountains, and cypress avenues, are said to retain their original Moorish character.

The Renaissance-style Palace of Carlos V was added later by the Christian monarchs, and some of the original Arab architecture within the complex was also altered and restored over the years, including work to repair damage caused by an earthquake in 1821.

Getting tickets

In order to protect the monument, there is a limit to the number of visitors per day. Therefore ticket numbers are limited and are sold according to availability. The tickets are always in great demand so advance booking is recommended.

If you decide just to turn up on the day get there as early as possible and be prepared not to get a ticket. The maximum number of tickets per person per day is five and the ticket is valid only for the day of the visit.

Tickets are issued for entry in the morning, afternoon or evening and once you are inside you may stay until the end of the time limit on your ticket. During the daytime you can either buy a general day ticket, which gives you access to everything – the Palacios Nazaríes, the Alcazaba, the Generalife and gardens – or a gardens visit, which gives you access to the gardens, Generalife, Alcazaba but NOT to the Palacios Nazaríes. The evening visit ONLY includes the Palacios Nazaríes.

If you already have a ticket then enter the grounds via the Justice Gate (La Puerta de la Justicia), otherwise go to the ticket office in the Access Pavilion (el Pabellón de Acceso).

Access to the Palacios Nazaríes

Your ticket will assign you a half-hour time slot for entrance to the Palacios Nazaríes, due to a maximum of 300 people being allowed in every half hour. If you miss your assigned time slot you will not be allowed in. It therefore makes sense to enter the Alhambra well before your assigned time. You can then visit other sections of the Alhambra beforehand. The last entrance time for the Palaces will be one hour before closing time.

Opening hours

(*) The daytime visits are in two sessions, morning tickets (08.30-14:00) and afternoon tickets (14:00 to closing).

Tickets can either be bought at the ticket office on the day of your visit or in advance. In either case, the maximum number of tickets per person is ten.

Direct sales

At the ticket office you may only buy tickets for that same day. The ticket office is situated at the Access Pavilion of the Alhambra, and the opening times are given above. Payment can be made by cash only at the ticket office, or by credit card using the ticket machines.

Advance sales

Tickets can be bought in advance either by telephone or by internet.

Telephone:
Within Spain: 902 888 001
From abroad: 003493492375

There is an option to speak to an English operator, so don’t panic when it starts off in Spanish, just wait to hear the English instructions.

Internet:
www.alhambra-tickets.es

Tickets can be collected at the Alhambra either from the ticket office, presenting the reservation number and the identity card or passport for the person who made the booking, or from the ticket machines using the same credit card that you used to make the booking.

It is strongly recommended that you collect your tickets at least one hour before the entry slot you have been given for the Palacios Nazaríes and remember that if you miss your entry slot to the palaces you will be refused access.

Prices

Getting to the Alhambra

It is a steep uphill walk to the Alhambra from the Plaza Nueva. If you don’t fancy this then catch a microbus from the Gran Vía (number 30 or 32) or if you are coming by car and want to avoid driving through Granada, park at the Alhambra car park which can be reached from the ‘Ronda Sur’, the motorway that runs along the south-side of Granada. This in turn is reached from the A-44 ring-road (circumvalación) that also links Granada with Motril to the south and Jaén to the north – take exit 132 and follow the pink signs for ‘Alhambra’ and this will take you there.

Disclaimer: While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, The Away Company will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, or inconvenience whatsoever caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within this website.

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