Amazing Days Out: Granada’s Alhambra Palace

Amazing Days Out: Granada’s Alhambra Palace

If you’re holidaying in Spain, particularly Andalusia or anywhere nearby, you’ll be wanting to check out the incredible Alhambra Palace. It is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, certainly the most famous in Spain and the town of Granada offers a little shelter from the punishing summer heat of Seville or Cordoba, and is only a couple of hours from Malaga. The two parts of the complex, the Alhambra and Albaycin are seated on two opposite hills and showcase medieval Granada at its most magnificent.

Alhambra

Image via @ Cromeo

For visiting: Numbers are strictly limited, especially in the summer, with only 300 entrants allowed every half hour. Opening hours are 8.30am-8pm from March to October and 8.30am-6pm from November to March. However it’s worth checking the official website to confirm before you travel and please note that tickets can be bought three months ahead of your visit. Organized tours will make it easier to get into and get around to the best parts of the Alhambra Palace in the time you have. Tickets cost from €13 per adult.

Alhambra up close via Purple Travel

Images via @ Sharon Mollerus and Furlin

Overview: Like the Acropolis of Athens, the Alhambra has had a number of functions since it was first built in the 9th century. At one point it’s been fortress, palace, garden and one of the great European architectural wonders. Set high on the hills above the town of Granada, it represents a mix of cultures and history, a fascinating intertwining story is told in its walls. The imposing building is the result of many years of Moorish domination in Spain, with initial palace buildings built in the 11th century and added to later by Islamic rulers and Christian conquistadors.

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Today it’s well established as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site the Alhambra Palace is made of up of four separate zones: the Palace, the Alcazaba, or military zone, the Medina or city and the villa of Generalife, all of which are surrounded by well-kept gardens, parks and trees. Spring is the best time to visit when orange blossoms scent the air and you can enjoy unobstructed views of this fascinating historical site, without bumping into too many tourists. Inside the hallowed rooms of the Alhambra, you’ll find intricate thousand-year old mosaics and carvings created with unimaginable detail. A visit to Spain’s premier tourist attraction will likely leave you speechless.

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Alhambra 2Image via @ the very honest man

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