Visit the Alhambra Palace & Gardens

A visit to Granada would not be complete without visiting the captivating Alhambra Palace, first mentioned in 899 as a small fortress, the Alhambra was rebuilt in the mid-eleventh century by the Moorish Emir Mohammed bin Al-Ahmar, and became a royal palace during the reign of Sultan Yusuf I of Granada.

The name “Alhambra” has Arabic origins, meaning ‘’The Red Castle’’ – due to the colour shade of the towers and its defensive walls.  Some historians say that red comes from the light of the torches which were visible from all around the city during its construction.

Transformed from a fortress into a palace, the Alhambra Palace became a small “medina”, with the addition of more and more buildings.

The most glorious period of the castle began in the  13th century when the walls were strengthened with further two towers:  Torre de la Vela and Torre del Homenaje,  ordered by the sultans Mohamed the 2nd and 3rd, during that period the Mosque was built, which later was converted to the Church of Saint Mary.

The Palace and its beautiful gardens are the most visited historic monument in the country, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year – it’s easy to see why!

Take the time to explore the whole complex; from the stunning Generalife Palace with its amazing gardens and fountains to the Palace of Charles V, the Alcazaba, the Court of the Myrtles, the Bath of Comares, the Hall of Kings and so much more – this is a voyage back in time like no other.

You can even stay within the Alhambra Palace grounds in one of the famous Parador Hotels located within the Generalife Gardens.

Most of the buildings you see today were built during the reign of the two Sultans, Yusuf I and Mohammed V, including the wonderful lion's patio  ( Patio de Los Leones ), the Moorish Hammam baths, and the  Puerta de la Justicia, also known as the Puerta de la Explanada.

The Islamic rule of Granada came to an end during the military campaigns between 1482 and 1492 by the Catholic Kings ( Reyes Catolicos  )  Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. Later, Emperor Charles V  demolished some of the buildings to build the palace that bears his name.

If you plan to visit the Alhambra Palace, it is advised to purchase tickets well in advance as the visitor numbers are limited to protect the monuments and works of art.  You should allow at least 4 hours for your visit.

Top Things to See at the Alhambra Palace

• The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra.
• Palacio de Carlos Quinto – the Royal Manor of the Alhambra.
• The Mexuar – the public reception hall of the Alhambra, where the Sultan received requests from ordinary people.
• The Gates of the Alhambra – Puerta de las Granadas, Puerta de la Justicia and the Puerta del Vin.
• Patio de Los Leones – so-called because of its elegant fortress. The palace is the best illustration of ”Mudéjar” style, combining the filigree and Islamic inlay with the three-dimensional and Gothic style.
• The Moorish bath, or Hammam – a hot and cold room.
• The Hall of the Ambassadors – the most spacious room of the palace, where there was the Throne Room and were held numerous receptions.
• Monastery of San Francisco, now Parador de San Francisco, is one of the greatest buildings of Granada.
• Hill of the Martyrs - where many Christian prisoners were tortured in the Moorish prisons.

Have Fun at Granada Festivals

Some of the best festivals held in Granada include the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance, the Feria de San Miguel, the Granada Film Festival, and the Alhambra International Festival.

Granada Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Incarnation, is an impressive religious monument in Granada's heart.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1518 and was completed in 1704, making it one of the last great Gothic buildings in Europe.

The cathedral's design is a unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its stunning facade is adorned with intricate carvings and statues.

Inside the cathedral, there is a wealth of artwork and religious artefacts to admire, including impressive altarpieces, paintings, and sculptures.

One of the cathedral's most famous features is its Royal Chapel, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs Isabel and Fernando, who commissioned its construction.

One of the best ways to learn about the cathedral's architectural and artistic features is to join a guided tour led by experienced local guides.

Explore the Albaicin Neighbourhood

No trip to Granada would be complete without exploring the Albaicin district, one of the most historic and enchanting neighbourhoods in Spain.

This historic neighbourhood is known for its narrow, winding streets, stunning views of the Alhambra, and traditional architecture.

It was once home to Granada's Muslim population and is famous for its Moorish influences, evident in the many buildings and structures that remain today.

The Albaicin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see destination for visitors to Granada. Here, you can explore the ancient streets, visit the many traditional shops, bars, and restaurants, and take in the stunning views from the Mirador de San Nicolas.

At night, the Albaicin comes alive with street performers, flamenco dancers, and musicians, adding to the lively atmosphere.

It is truly a magical place to visit, and it should be added to your travel itinerary when visiting Granada.

Enjoy a Flamenco Show

Granada and flamenco culture go hand in hand. Some of the best flamenco artists come from the city, so it's a perfect place to see authentic flamenco dancing.

There are several flamenco venues ( Tabloa Flamenco ) that are well worth visiting to watch the intricate guitar-playing style and dancing skills of some of the best exponents of this unique culture.

Top flamenco clubs include:

Enjoy Delicious gastronomy

Granada has some of the most delicious foods on offer in Spain. Some of the best things to eat in Granada are the traditional tapas, such as patatas bravas, croquetas, and boquerones.

Other local specialities include pescaito frito (fried fish), especially served with a side of alioli; and the iconic dishes of Granada, like alpujarreño, a stew made with chorizo and potatoes, and ajo blanco, a cold soup made with almonds, garlic, and bread.

Why not combine a good walk around the warren of charming back streets and alleyways located in the heart of the old city, before stopping off to enjoy the best of the local gastronomy and hospitality.

In Granada, dining out on a tapas-crawl is certainly the most traditional and enjoyable experience as you get to try many local dishes in different bars.

It is such a popular custom now that many bars now offer a free tapa with your drink; if that wasn’t enough, the tapas sizes are among the most generous anywhere.

A good place to start your dining experience in Granada is the streets between Plaza Nueva and Gran Via, or the area around Plaza del Carmen (near the town hall, or Ayuntamiento) along with Calle Navas.

The picturesque plaza at Campo del Principe near Alhambra Hill boasts a line of open-air restaurant terraces – a very popular location during the long summer nights.

Don't forget to try the local wines and sherry too! Bon appetite!

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