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{Spain} La Alhambra, Granada’s Top Tourist Attraction

Alhambra is THE reason we added Granada to our Spain itinerary.

When we saw the beauty of the place in travel magazines and photos taken by our friends who have been to Granada, we were sold! We even stayed at Sacromonte that had a beautiful view of the Alhambra from across the valley!

Alhambra as seen from our hotel in Sacromonte

We were reminded of the Taj Mahal as we admired the intricate carvings, calligraphy-engraved walls and incredible landscaping. The resemblance to Taj mahal is due to the Islamic influenced designs that dominate the structures that make up the Alhambra — the Charles V’s Palace, the Alcazaba (Fortress with towers and view), Palacios Nazaries (Palace) and Generalife (Palace Gardens).

There are so many features and beautiful designs in this area, it would take me at least another 50 pictures to show them all to you. Here are just some of the highlights…

Exterior of the Charles V Palace

A feast for camera-toting tourists –> intricate designs and carvings can be seen everywhere you turn!

You’ll be mesmerized by the intricate designs and calligraphy-carved walls surrounding the Palace (Palacio Nazares).

The islamic influenced artwork reminded us of Taj Mahal. The designs are actually more intricate than the ones we saw at Taj Mahal!

Inside one of the many rooms of the Palace.

More intricate designs we noticed as we explored the Palace.

The Alhambra is undoubtedly a must-see site if you’re visiting Granada or even Spain! It’s a privilege to be able to stand in those spaces and imagine what it is like to be there hundreds of years ago!

Doesn’t this picture remind your of oysters or pearls? I keep thinking of pearls and oysters every time I see this picture!

Everywhere you turn, there was something to admire, something to photograph!

One of many water features in the Generalife (Palace Garden)

Seeing the Palace (Palacios Nazaries) from the Palace Gardens (Generalife)

More views from the palace gardens (Generalife). 

A feast for the eyes! From the Alazaba (The fortress), you get panoramic view of the city of Granada and valley down below!

Granada is such a beautiful city!

Beautiful views of the hills from the Alcazaba (the fortress).

I can go on and on with picture after picture of our visit to the Alhambra but we’ll save some for you to discover for yourselves when you visit!

 

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TAKEAWAYS:

  1. The Alhambra is a top tourist attraction in Granada and Spain. It’s a must-see for any visitors to the area.
  2. You can get there by taking minibus No. 30 or No. 32 from Sacromonte or downtown. It runs every few minutes and costs €1.20 per person (pay on board).
  3. Expect to spend at least half a day there when you visit.
  4. There are limited tickets sold per day, so get there early if you did not pre-book General Day Time Visit tickets.
  5. There are also night visit tickets. Due to the cobblestone pathways and many stairways, we’d recommend a daytime visit before you decide whether you want to go back for a nighttime visit.
  6. Prepare to walk quite a bit at the Alhambra, so wear comfortable shoes that you can walk with on cobblestone paths!
  7. Bring your debit or credit card and remember your PIN number. This will help you save an hour or two wait at the ticket line!
  8. When you get there, go to the right hand side of where everyone is queuing up to buy the tickets. There are automated machines behind the souvenir store that lets you buy tickets with your card! But you MUST remember your PIN number regardless of whether you’re using a debit or credit card!
  9. When we were there, there were at least 50 people in the queue. There was only about 5 people at the automated machines!
  10. The guided tour may not be a good idea if you want to take pictures of the spaces because it will be crowded with your guided tour group of people everywhere you go.
  11. We rented the audio guides and were able to get to pick and choose where we wanted to go first and get to areas/spaces before the tour groups arrived. That gave us some time to take pictures of the areas without crowds.
  12. Consider staying or visiting Sacromonte where you get a beautiful view of Alhambra from across the mountains.
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Have you visited the Alhambra before? What advice would you share with potential travelers to the area?

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44 Comments

  1. robin
    Twitter:
    February 12, 2012 Reply

    Possibly my favourite city on Earth!
    robin recently posted..ValentínMy Profile

  2. Emme Rogers
    Twitter:
    February 12, 2012 Reply

    How very beautiful! Both Alhambra and the pictures you took of it.

    ~ Emme
    Emme Rogers recently posted..Proud to Call Myself Canadian with all the Great Canadian Talent at the 2012 IBC in MemphisMy Profile

  3. Melinda Eliza
    Twitter:
    February 11, 2012 Reply

    I’ve only ever seen images of the exterior and the fountains. Your details of the interior are amazing! They make me want to book a trip for Spain right now!

    Well done,

    Melinda Eliza
    Melinda Eliza recently posted..Truth: Italy Has The Best KnockersMy Profile

  4. Steve
    Twitter:
    February 10, 2012 Reply

    “Alhambra is THE reason we added Granada to our Spain itinerary.”

    I think Granada just got added to my list – I’d heard it was good, but he photos look wonderful.
    Steve recently posted..DaShuHua Molten Metal Fireworks – Yu County Lantern Festival, NuanQuanMy Profile

  5. Christopher February 10, 2012 Reply

    INCREDIBLE PICS! I’m glad I’m not the only person who takes pictures of the floor at Alhambra.
    Christopher recently posted..Ten Flowers for Valentine’s Day — 2012My Profile

  6. wandering educators
    Twitter:
    February 10, 2012 Reply

    beautiful – and inspiring!!
    wandering educators recently posted..Music in Denmark: Tradition and ChangeMy Profile

  7. Craig February 10, 2012 Reply

    Great photos, Jeremy and Shirlene!

    Reminded me of our trip there. Absolutely LOVED Spain.
    Craig recently posted..Attention Pinot Noir Lovers! The World of Pinot Noir Festival is Next Month!My Profile

  8. Ashley Dillon February 10, 2012 Reply

    I love Granada! I used to live right under the Alahambra and was lucky enough to jog by it daily!

  9. Charles McCool
    Twitter:
    February 10, 2012 Reply

    Wonderful and extensive photos. I passed through the area and the building grounds many years ago. Your post makes me want to re-visit.
    Charles McCool recently posted..Simple Alternatives To Hotel StaysMy Profile

  10. Michael Figueiredo
    Twitter:
    February 10, 2012 Reply

    Incredible photos! The Alhambra is my favorite building that I’ve ever seen before. I agree that everyone should visit it. 🙂
    Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Reasons to Choose a CruiseMy Profile

  11. Xun February 8, 2012 Reply

    Breath-taking-ly beautiful. How life affords you two with all this time and money and talent to write and photograph!
    Xun recently posted..A little bit of qUnitMy Profile

  12. Kent
    Twitter:
    February 8, 2012 Reply

    You two and your incredible photos. Now Granada is on our list.
    Kent recently posted..Feeling BrokenMy Profile

  13. Sheila February 7, 2012 Reply

    Beautiful photos. The intricate details are amazing.

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