Just over an hours drive from Nerja on the Costa del Sol you’ll find the city of Granada. An Andalucian city with a very different feel to the holiday towns on the coast. Granada’s main attraction is the amazing medieval fortress and palace, the Alhambra. One of the best-preserved Moorish palaces in Europe and now one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions.
The City Of Granada
Granada is a medieval city with narrow roads so driving into the centre is not the easiest. Although, Google Maps did work well and was accurate. Parking can also be a problem, we booked a hotel next to the Cathedral, the Áurea Catedral Hotel, which had its own underground car park.
With its University, Granada is quite a young city and they definitely like to have fun on the weekends. But don’t get too worried! It’s not like us British on a weekend, I doubt if you’ll see any Spanish fighting or being sick in the streets.
Visiting The Alhambra
There is no doubt that the main reason people make the trip to Granada is to visit the Alhambra. Built by the Nasrid sultans, the Alhambra is not only one of the most popular attractions in Spain but one of the most popular in Europe.
As it is so popular you need to book online as well as selecting a designated time slot for the Nasrid Palaces within the Alhambra complex. The Nasrid Palaces have limited capacity and if you miss your time you won’t be allowed to enter.
The Alhambra is big (35 acres) so allow yourself plenty of time to get from the main entrance to the Nasrid Palaces. The walk from town up to the Alhambra itself takes about 25 minutes. Also, make sure you buy the tickets from the official Alhambra ticket site.
Allow yourself plenty of time to visit the Alhambra. Between the Nasrid Palaces, Palace of Charles V, Alcazaba, Generalife and gardens, there is a lot to see.
The Nasrid Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces consist of ornate Moorish style courtyards, reflective pools, grand halls and extravagant private rooms. These were the royal quarters of the Alhambra and designed to showcase the ruler’s wealth and power. As mentioned, you need to book an entry time for this part of the complex.
Inside the building the Islamic designs features tile mosaics on lower walls and intricately carved stucco on the upper walls. The series of connected Nasrid Palaces are definitely a highlight of the Alhambra and should not be missed.
The Generalife
Close to the Alhambra complex you’ll find the Generalife. This was the summer palace and gardens of the Nasrid rulers and dates from the 13th century. The gardens are some of the best-preserved Moorish architecture and gardens in Europe.
When you visit Granada you cannot afford to miss the Alhambra. Make sure you book online and start early, you can definitely spend most of the day here. We visited in March and the temperature was perfect for walking the gardens but we can imagine how hot it gets in the height of summer. Especially, walking up that hill from town.
