A stroll down the cypress tree-lined avenues in the Generalife Gardens will transport you to the age of the Nasrid Sultans back in the 13th century. A sense of serenity envelopes you as you amble through the myrtle hedges, gardens with orange trees, courtyards with stone fountains and water channels with jets. The gurgling water sounds with the picturesque elements of Islamic garden architecture make the Generalife Gardens a must-visit while on a tour of the Alhambra. A medieval garden retreat of the sultans, the Generalife Gardens is the most beautiful part of the Alhambra and the best way to end your day at the complex.
What are the Generalife Gardens?
The Generalife Gardens were initially planned in the 13th century as a retreat for the sultans. Built along the slopes of the Cerro del Sol (Hill of the Sun), it looked over the Genil and Daroo valleys and the Alhambra. The gardens and the palace were designed to offer calm and relaxation and included the use of water and vegetation like manicured gardens and trees.
The name has several theories, but its closest translation is from ‘Jardines del Alarife’ or the Garden of the Architect. The Generalife Gardens have been altered over the centuries, but the terrace gardens have retained their essence. The main architectural component of the gardens is the simple yet medieval palace with patios, courtyards, and pavilions.
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Generalife Gardens Layout
Your walk through Generalife starts through the new Generalife gardens, past the avenue of the Cypress trees. Ahead lays the Generalife Theatre, which was built in 1952 and was not included in the original garden plan. Past the theatre, you will visit the lower gardens and enter the palace portion where the Patio de la Acequia leads to the upper terraces. Next is the Courtyard of the Sultana and then a climb up the Escalera del Agua to the highest point of the Generalife Gardens.
Top 3 Highlights of the Generalife Gardens
Patio de la Acequia
The Patio of the Irrigation Ditch was an ornamental addition around the water channel that brings the irrigation water from the Alhambra. It connects the lower gardens and upper gardens and includes a high pavilion from where the patio and gardens beyond can be observed.
Jardin de la Sultana
Legend goes that the last Nasrid ruler Bombadil's wife used to have a rendezvous with a knight of the Abencerrajes family in this courtyard. The highlights of the courtyard are the trimmed myrtle hedges, the ancient cypress trees and the stone fountains with jets.
Escalera del Agua
The ‘water stairway’ was a functional yet ambitious feature in the Generalife Gardens. Built during the Muslim period, the stairway was designed in three flights with water channels for handrails! The stairway is flanked by laurel trees which form a vaulted canopy that makes for a surreal visual.
Your Alcazaba Granada Experience
The Alcazaba played an instrumental role in the Andalusian history. A visit to this fortress is certain to help you understand the culture of Granada.
A trip to the Alcazaba begins at the gate at Torre Quebrada. On your right you will find the Torre del Homenaje, the highest tower in Alhambra, offering a great view of Granada. Next, you reach the Torre de la Vela followed by Jardín de Los Adarves. This garden has a famous inscription near its entrance. The inscription roughly translates to, “Give him alms, woman, for there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada”. As you explore the garden that was once used for military purposes, ask the locals about the fascinating story about the gold that funded the construction of the garden.
Read our A-Z Guide on Visiting Alhambra Palace to plan your visit better.
Best Alhambra Tickets With Alcazaba Access
Skip The Line Tour to Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazaba + Nasrid Palaces
Take a 3-hour guided tour of the entire Alhambra complex, that includes the Carlos V Palace, Generalife Gardens, Medina, the Alcazaba Fortress and the famous Nasrid Palaces, accompanied by either an official bilingual, English, French or Spanish-speaking guide.
Skip The Line: Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces with Audioguide
Enjoy an audio guided tour of the Alhambra Palace complex and admire the Generalife, the Alcazaba and the Nasrid Palace at your leisure pace. Walk through the passages and admire the different styles of architecture of the Palace, starting from the starting from Mexuar to the Court of Lions.
Skip The Line Tour to Alhambra, Generalife and Alcazaba
Gain fast-track access to the Palace of the Alhambra and Alcazaba and admire the historic Generalife in the company of a professional guide. Admire the incredible architecture of the Palace and the Generalife and walk through the lush greenery of the gardens before making your way back to the city.
Small Group Tour to Alhambra, Generalife and Alcazaba + Nasrid Palaces
Benefit from seamless fast-track access to the Alhambra, including access to the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Generalife Gardens in the company of a professional multi-lingual guide in a group of less than 20 guests. This tour runs in English, French, German and Spanish.
Premium Tour: Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazaba + Nasrid Palaces
Enjoy a delightful tour with a group of 10 or less for an intimate and unforgettable experience. Benefit from seamless fast-track access to the Palace of the Alhambra, the Alcazaba and the historic Generalife in the company of a professional guide.
Private Tour: Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazaba + Nasrid Palaces
Visit the Alhambra Palace on this Private tour with access to the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, and the Palace of Charles V. Take in the breathtaking view of the Generalife gardens and marvel at the artworks at the Alhambra Museum. Your private official guide will assist you in either English, French, and Spanish.
Read more about the Top Alhambra Tours & Tickets to choose one that suits you and your budget best.
Getting to Alcazaba Granada
By Walk
If you are already in Granada, you could take a walk down Cuesta de Gomérez from Plaza Nueva. The 15 minutes’ pleasant walk takes you to the Gate of Justice after passing through the woods.
By Car
If you are getting there by car, you will only be allowed to take the vehicle up to Paseo de la Sabica and then opt for paid parking nearby. You can also take a taxi to the Alhambra and then walk to the Alcazaba. The closest entrance would be from Torre Quebrada, which will take you the Torre del Homenaje next. This route will end your tour at Torre de la Vela and Plaza de Los Aljibes.
Alcazaba Granada Opening Hours
From April 1 to October 14
Day Visit : Monday through Sunday
- Hours - 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Ticket Office Hours - 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Evening Visit : Tuesday to Saturday
- Hours - 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Ticket Office Hours - 9:00 PM to 10:45 PM
From October 15 to March 31
Day Visit : Monday through Sunday
- Hours - 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Ticket Office Hours - 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Evening Visit : Friday & Saturday
- Hours - 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Ticket Office Hours - 9:00 PM to 10:45 PM
The Alhambra Palace is open every day of the year, except 25th of December and January 1st
The last visit to the Nasrid Palaces will be one hour before the closing time.
Tips For Visiting The Alcazaba
- Buy your Alcazaba entrance tickets online and well in advance. The Alhambra attracts the most number of tourists in this part of the country and you wouldn’t want to miss out.
- Remember that the time mentioned on your tickets are for Nasrid Palace visit. Start with the palaces and then come to the Alcazaba to give yourself enough time.
- If you're fit, climb the towers and consume terrific views of Sierra Nevada.The views are especially geat around sunset.
- Read up about the Alcazaba and the Alhambra in general to enrich your visit. There are many articles available to quench your thirst for knowledge.
- Be prepared to be surrounded by other tourists. The Alcazaba complex is large and has some interesting spots skipped by most tourists. Head to those places and return for the more famous ones later.
- Have any questions lurking your mind about Alhambra Granada? Read our complete FAQS Guide to Alhambra and have your doubts answered.
Final Thoughts
Granada’s Alhambra is popular worldwide for its distinctive experience with religious history. Millions of tourists pour into the Alhambra to encounter this historical site. Alcazaba, owing to its existence from before the Moorish establishment, attracts a major portion of Alhambra-bound tourists. Not only is the Alcazaba an architectural marvel, but it is also one of the most assertive defensive strongholds of its time. Yet the Alcazaba is not short of visually pleasing spots like the Ramparts Garden. Alcazaba remains relevant to the inhabitants of the area even to this day. It is undoubtedly one of the hottest historical tourism destinations in all of Europe.
More Alhambra Guides
Want to read more about Alhambra Palace before visiting? Here are a few detailed guides we think you'll enjoy.
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