Alhambra Tours | Explore the Deep History of this Ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and overlooking the Darro River and the ancient town of Granada, Alhambra is one of the most popular tourist sites in Spain. Originally built as a walled city, this beautiful 9th century Islamic structure is a huge complex comprising several palaces, gardens, courtyards, a military fortress, and more. Read on to know more about how an Alhambra tour would be the perfect way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why Take an Alhambra Tour?
Alhambra boasts a rich history and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. Here are a few reasons why you should take an Alhambra tour.
- An Alhambra tour offers an opportunity to learn more about the attraction because it includes an expert who knows the place like the back of their hand.
- Guided tours come with a skip the line feature that will allow you to avoid waiting in long queues for hours.
- You get to learn so much about the history, artworks, and architecture of Alhambra.
- Alhambra is a massive site. You can explore it more efficiently with the help of a tour guide.
- The expert guide has in-depth knowledge of the attraction. You can rely on them for insights and interesting stories about Alhambra.
- There is usually a huge crowd to enter Alhambra. Access is easier and hassle-free with Alhambra tours.
Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided Tours
- An expert tour guide will accompany you and provide you with all the information you need to know about Alhambra.
- The skip the line feature on your Alhambra tour ticket will allow you to skim past long queues and access the attraction on priority.
- The guided tour has a fixed itinerary that includes all the important places you should visit within the attraction. It helps get around an attraction as big as Alhambra.
- Your Alhambra guided tour includes a small group of people for a more complete and interactive experience.
Non-Guided Tours
- With a general admission ticket, you get to explore Alhambra at your own pace.
- You can get yourself an audio guide to know about the history of Alhambra and other interesting information.
- You will not be able to skip the line or walk past huge crowds to enter Alhambra. The waiting time to get in could take anywhere between 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
What to Expect on an Alhambra Tour?
A visit to such a massive historical place of interest can be overwhelming since there’s so much to see. To help you explore the Alhambra more efficiently, we suggest that you opt for an Alhambra tour because it includes an expert tour guide who has in-depth knowledge of the attraction. They will guide you and provide you with all the insights you need to make the most of your experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you meet your tour guide at the entrance, you will be taken straight inside the palace grounds, where you get a chance to visit places of interest like the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba. Admire the Moorish-style architecture of the Nasrid Palaces as you explore the Palace of Comares, Bath of the Mosque, the Lion’s Palace, Golden Courtyard, the Palace of Carlos V, and more.
You will then be taken to the military fortress of Alcazaba to explore places of interest like the Bucket Tower, the Arms Square, the Square of the Cisterns, Tower of Homage, the urban military district, the terrace of the Arms Gate, and the Ramparts Garden. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains from the watchtower. Your tour will end with a visit to the Generalife Gardens comprising magnificent palaces, courtyards, orchards, stone fountains, lots of greenery, and more.
Highlights Covered on your Alhambra Guided Tour
Nasrid Palace
A celebration of Moorish-style architecture and craftsmanship, the Nasrid Palace is a breathtaking mansion that was built for Spanish rulers. The antique wooden ceilings, intricate stucco walls, quaint halls, elegant patios, beautiful facades, geometric designs, and colorful tiles add to the grandeur and royalty of the palace.
The perfect representation of Islamic art and culture, the Nasrid Palace boasts a few places of interest you must visit including the Palace of Comares, Bath of the Mosque, the Lion’s Palace, Golden Courtyard, the Palace of Carlos V, and more.
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Alcazaba
The oldest part of Alhambra, Alcazaba is a military fortress within the palace grounds and played a significant role in the history of Andalusia. The watchtower or candle tower within the complex offers stunning views of Plaza Nueva, the Albaicín, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Other places of interest in the Alcazaba that you must visit include the Bucket Tower, the Arms Square, the Square of the Cisterns, Tower of Homage, the urban military district, the terrace of the Arms Gate, and the Ramparts Garden.
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Generalife Gardens
The Generalife Gardens will take you back to the glorious age of the Nasrid Sultans with its greenery, beautiful palaces, pavilions, courtyards, water channels, stone fountains, patios, myrtle hedges, and orchards. The area is lined with trees and boasts beautiful elements of Islamic architecture.
Take the water stairway to reach the highest part of the gardens. You must also visit the Generalife Palace and the outdoor theatre constructed in 1952.
Know MoreVisitor Tips
- Get your tickets online. Tickets get sold out quickly since it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Granada.
- Make sure you wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes because you’ll have to walk around a lot.
- Carry your original passport/driver’s license with you. The staff can ask for ID at any point. You will not be allowed inside without it.
- Most sections of the Alhambra are wheelchair friendly except the Alcazaba due to its ancient structure. The Nasrid Palace and Generalife Gardens are accessible with assistance to those with limited or reduced mobility.
- Backpacks and luggage are not allowed inside Nasrid Palace. Storage lockers are available for visitors.
- If you’re traveling by car, paid parking is available right outside Alhambra. Bus numbers C3, C30 or C32 will drop you right in front of the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alhambra Tours
A. Yes. Alhambra tours are available for booking.
A. You can book an Alhambra tour online.
A. Alhambra tours start at €30.
A. There are four types of Alhambra tours – skip the line guided tour, small group guided tour with Nasrid Palaces, skip the line guided tour with Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens, and an Alhambra skip the line guided tour that departs from Seville.
A. The Alhambra tours include access to all sections that are open to the public. You get to explore the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba. It also includes a tour of the Bath of the Mosque, Patio of the Lions, and the Palace of Carlos V.
A. The Alhambra guided tours are available in five languages – English, German, Italian, Spanish, and French.
A. The Alhambra guided tour covers all the major attractions inside, like the Nasrid Palace, Alcazaba, and Generalife Gardens.
A. It depends on the type of Alhambra tour you book. The small group guided tour will have no more than 10 people while the other guided tours have a maximum capacity of 25 guests.
A. Yes. The Alhambra tours are a great way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn all about its history.
A. Yes. The Alhambra guided tours include skip the line access.
A. No. Alhambra tour tickets cannot be canceled, refunded, or rescheduled.
A. The Alhambra guided tours take about 2 to 3 hours.
A. Yes. Children under the age of 11 years get discounted tickets on the small group guided tour with Nasrid Palaces and the Alhambra skip the line guided tour that departs from Seville while those below 12 years of age enjoy a reduced price on their tickers on the skip the line guided tour with Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens.
