Alhambra, Granada Spain. Best way to visit the Alhambra Palace in Spain.
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One of the most breathtaking moments of our visit to Granada was standing at the Mirador San Nicolás, looking out across to the Alhambra. We walked up through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Albaicín district just before sunset, and the view absolutely took our breath away.
The red-tinged Alhambra, glowing in the afternoon light and nestled in a sea of green forest, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains behind—it’s a postcard come to life. If you’re planning to visit the Alhambra itself, our top tip is to buy your tickets from the official website and aim for the earliest available timeslot for the Nasrid Palaces. We booked the 8:30am entry—the very first of the day—which meant we experienced the palaces in relative peace, well before the crowds arrived.
We started our visit with the Nasrid Palaces, and even though it was our second time there, we were still amazed. The detail in the walls, ceilings, and arches is just incredible—you could spend hours just looking at the craftsmanship. Because we had the first entry time of the day, it was quiet and we were able to really enjoy walking through at our own pace.
Two spots really stood out for us. The Patio of the Lions is one of the most famous areas, and for good reason—the columns and central fountain with the carved lions are just beautiful. We also really enjoyed the courtyard garden. It was a lovely spot to pause for a bit, with plants, water features, and a relaxed feel that made it one of our favourite parts of the whole palace.
Next, we climbed the towers of the Alcazaba—the oldest part of the Alhambra and its original military fortress. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular and well worth the effort of the climb. You can look out over the city of Granada and across the rooftops of the Albaicín, all while standing on centuries-old battlements. It's a completely different experience from the refined beauty of the Nasrid Palaces—more rugged, but just as captivating. You really get a sense of the strategic importance of the Alhambra from this vantage point.
After wandering through the Nasrid Palaces, we made our way to El Partal. This serene area is one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra complex and offers a quieter, reflective moment. The beautiful portico, delicate arches, and long reflective pool create a sense of calm elegance. It’s one of those places where you can take a deep breath and really absorb the architectural beauty and harmony of Moorish design. From here, the views across the gardens and toward the city are also lovely, and it’s a great spot to pause and take it all in.
Later in the day, we strolled through the lush gardens of the Generalife. These gardens once served as the summer retreat for the Nasrid rulers, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of gently flowing water, shady paths, and perfectly manicured flowerbeds creates a cool and peaceful oasis. The Generalife feels slightly removed from the rest of the Alhambra, which gives it a sense of tranquility. We spent quite a bit of time here just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and imagining what it would have been like to live in such a stunning place.
One thing that struck us throughout our visit was the number of incredible viewpoints within the Alhambra itself. Whether you’re peering out of intricately carved palace windows or standing on one of the many terraces, the views over Granada and beyond are constantly changing and consistently beautiful. The contrast of red stone, green gardens, and distant mountains is unforgettable. It’s no wonder this place has inspired artists, poets, and travelers for centuries
This was actually our second time visiting the Alhambra, and it was every bit as impressive as we remembered. We spent nearly the whole day exploring at a relaxed pace, and it truly is one of the most significant historical sites in Spain—if not the most significant. There’s a richness here that you feel in every courtyard, wall, and garden. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, the Alhambra always offers something new to discover. We can’t recommend it highly enough