Don't call it a dream, call it a plan.
Granada is the capital city of the province of Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Beiro, the Darro, the Genil and the Monachil. It sits at an average elevation of 738 m above sea level, yet is only one hour by car from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical. Nearby is the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, where the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1996 were held. In the 2005 national census, the population of the city of Granada proper was 236,982, and the population of the entire urban area was estimated to be 472,638, ranking as the 13th-largest urban area of Spain. About 3.3% of the population did not hold Spanish citizenship, the largest number of these people coming from South America. Its nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport.
The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is in Granada. It is the most renowned building of the Andalusian Islamic historical legacy with its many cultural attractions that make Granada a popular destination among the touristic cities of Spain.
ALHAMBRA :
Built on a hill overlooking Granada and set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the Alhambra is a sprawling complex of intricately decorated palaces, pristine gardens, and a once-mighty fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed during the Nasrid Dynasty and later partially destroyed and rebuilt by King Charles V. With its mix of Renaissance and Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace is the most sought-after attraction for visitors to Granada, sitting high on most must-see lists for Andalucia and Spain as a whole.
The Alhambra is broken up into sections: the Generalife Gardens (a collection of courtyards, pools, and fountains); the Alcazaba (the remainders of a Moorish fortress); and the Nasrid Palace (the main palace complex).
The Alhambra is incredibly popular, so be prepared to wait in line, even to pick up pre-booked tickets. Choosing a tour with skip-the-line entry will help maximize your time.
Visitors with disabilities should visit the Entrance Pavilion for information about accessibility. Wheelchairs are available.
The complex has four restrooms: in the Entrance Pavilion (near the ticket office), the Pavilion of Services, the Low Gardens, and the Sultana's Court.
Some visitors walk up to the Alhambra on one of the scenic routes from the city center. These paths are on a bit of an incline, but many believe the views are worth the slight workout. Those who would rather rest their legs can take a bus or taxi, or drive up independently (note that parking spaces are limited).
The Alhambra is open year round, with varied hours based on the season and day of the week. Much of your visit will be outside, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. If you're visiting during the summer months, try to go at the earliest or latest available time slots to avoid the biggest crowds.
The Alhambra is beautiful at all hours, so this is a matter of preference. Day tours are most common, but on a night tour, you get the unique experience of seeing the incredible site lit up against the dark sky. Visitors should note, however, that night tickets are separated between Nasrid Palace only or gardens only and cannot be combined. If you want to see both, choose a morning tour or afternoon tour.
The Generalife was built as a summer palace for the Muslim emirs, a place of retreat where they could kick back with their harems and take some time away from the world. Its charming gardens – undoubtedly the highlight of the Generalife - are still a prime place to do just that.
Generalife Gardens are designed for tranquility, with everywhere the trickle of running water cooling the senses. Tall cypresses frame pathways, fountains play in arches over long pools, streams flow down staircases, flowers and flowering trees cast their scent, and hedges enclose serene little lawns. The sultana’s garden, with its ancient cypress trunk, was where one sultan’s wife trysted with her lover (and was caught, precipitating bloodshed – hard to believe as you stand in this artful paradise).
