Most people visit this corner of Andalucia for one purpose – to see the Alhambra palace. A Moorish fortress as well as a palace, the Alhambra is truly one of Europe’s most impressive visits. Always crowded, and by all accounts very difficult to gain admission without prior booking, the World Heritage site attracts swarms of visitors throughout the year from all over the world.
One small tip that worked for us in April 2008 – I don’t know if we were just lucky. Having arrived in Granada with no plans and despite being told at our hotel reception that we had no chance of entry, we walked up the steep hill from the city to the entrance gate and joined the back of a very long queue. I then noticed behind us what looked like some automated ticket machines, and leaving Sam in the queue I went to investigate. I was unable to believe that these machines, ignored by all the people in the long lines, were happily vending tickets for that day, and even offering a choice of times! I quickly snapped up two tickets, shared my finding with the American family who had been waiting in line behind us, and then set off to explore Granada before our afternoon slot. I would be very interested to hear if others have had a similar experience.
I won’t write extensively about the Alhambra; there is so much out there already and it is sufficient to say that it lived up to the hype for me, and it was a highlight of southern Spain.
We equally enjoyed wandering through the old city; Granada has a stunning cathedral which not only enthralls with its ostentatious displays but also provides a cool contrast to the midday Andalucian heat. Best of all for us was the old Arab district of Albayzin, sloping up from the central plaza. This ramshackle neighbourhood of old houses, some from the 16th century, contains so many narrow alleys and dead-ends that it was easy to spend an hour or so meandering uphill before we eventually came out to a high point that gave us stunning views over the city, to the Alhambra behind and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
Do come to Granada to see the Alhambra (and let me know if the ticket machines are still offering an easy entrance!) But if you have the chance, make time to see a little of the city itself. I am fairly sure you will consider it time well spent.
Have to agree – I spent 3 nights here and loved the city itself. True the Alhambra is quite spectacular and amazing. But the rest of the city is just as fascinating to explore.
Thanks Trent. I wish I’d had more time there too. Worthy of another visit someday I hope.