Discover the Alhambra
Stepping into this architectural complex will immerse you fully in Al-Andalus culture. Through its gardens, palaces, towers, and gates, you’ll be transported to an era of great splendor and connect with a civilization that left an indelible mark on the city, shaping it into what it is today.
There are many ways to explore this monumental complex. You might opt for a tour led by a certified guide who is an expert on the site, or explore at your own pace with an audioguide . But without a doubt, the experience that will leave you speechless is the night tour. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Alhambra!
Visiting the Alhambra
With tickets to the Alhambra, you can enter the complex through three different entrances: North, South, and East. The East entrance connects to the Generalife, access to which is restricted to those without a pass. This is the main entrance for visitors.
At the north entrance is the Puerta del Arrabal, located directly below the tower of the same name. In the past, this was the path used to reach the Generalife, and visitors would arrive at this point via what is known as the Cuesta de los Chinos.
Finally, the South Entrance is the recommended starting point for a tour of the Alhambra. It is accessible—always on foot—from Plaza Nueva, and the first view takes you along a beautiful tree-lined avenue from which you can admire, from a distance, the extraordinary and majestic architecture that frames the splendid view.
Still outside the walls, some of the sights worth seeing include: the Bib-Rambla Gate, the Puerta de los Carros, the Puerta de las Granadas, the Puerta de la Justicia, the Column of Charles V, and the Ángel Ganivet Monument. Each of these has its own unique features and, of course, its own history.
Inside the Alhambra
Once inside, the various sections that make up the complex—and which are must-see attractions—are: the Alcazaba, the Mosque Baths, the Generalife, the Partal, the Palace of Charles V, and the Nasrid Palaces.
The Alcazaba
According to historians, this is one of the oldest parts of the structure, along with the Torre de los Bermejos. It is believed to have been built in the 9th century, many years before King Muhammad ordered the construction of the fort and the residence for his family, which dates back to the 12th century.
El Partal
The Nasrid monarch Muhammad IV, who reigned a century later, ordered the construction of this small palace, which holds the distinction of being the oldest of those still standing today
Generalife
Under the command of Sultan Muhammad II, construction began on this site, which was conceived as a recreational area for the royal family, as well as the royal garden. It is located, however, outside the walled city in a place that was named Cerro del Sol.
Mosque Bath
Muhammad III ordered the construction of a public bathhouse in front of the mosque, although only a few rooms remain today. A church was built on the site of that mosque in the 16th century.
Nasrid Palaces
We must fast-forward a century to the reign of Ismail I to understand that it was at that time that construction of these palaces began. The Royal Palace of the Alhambra is divided into three distinct areas: the Palace of the Lions, the Comares Palace, and the Mexuar.
Palace of Carlos V
As early as the 16th century, King Charles V announced plans to build his own palace following his marriage to Isabella of Portugal. Construction was left unfinished at the time, and it was not until the 20th century that work resumed and the palace was completed (1953).
Buy tickets Alhambra
Visiting the Alhambra to admire it in all its splendor is easy, as long as you plan your visit well in advance. That’s because you need to buy a ticket in advance to enter the complex, since visits are organized and scheduled ahead of time—though you can also enter without a guide. In other words: if you show up looking for a ticket on the same day, you’ll most likely have to turn around and leave empty-handed.
Due to high demand—especially during major holidays such as Holy Week, Christmas, or even in the summer—finding a ticket to tour the various areas of this complex is quite a challenge, but not impossible. So now you know: if you’re planning to visit Andalusia and stop by Granada with the intention of entering the Alhambra fortress, be sure to buy your Alhambra tickets online.
Find more information on how to buy tickets to the Alhambra in our comprehensive guide.
Alhambra opening hours
This monument is open to the public every day of the year except January 1 and December 25. From April through October 14, it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while from October 15 through March 31, it closes at 6:00 p.m.
Management estimates that it takes 3 hours to visit the complex in Granada at a leisurely pace and explore its various rooms, whether on a guided tour or on your own. It is recommended that you arrive on time for your visit to the Alhambra in Granada; otherwise, you risk losing your right to enter the grounds.
