• Brief description: the Alhambra is beyond a doubt the jewel of Granada. It is a large palace and fortress complex built for the monarch and court of the Nazarí dynasty. While visiting the Alhambra is a must, it can be exhausting, due to the heat and the sheer size of the premises. For this reason we recommend taking your time, packing a lot of water, resting whenever you need to, and following the order that we propose (we've left Alcazaba for the end; it's the least interesting part and if you're too tired you can skip it).
  • Generalife: Yannat al-arif in the time of the Nazarins, it was a villa with gardens used by the Muslim emirs of Granada as a place of retreat and rest. It was designed as a rural villa, with a combination of ornamental gardens, vegetable gardens and architecture. Don't miss the water stairs, at the palace exit. On the way to the palace, walk through the central gardens and on the way back, through the side ones. 40 minute visit + 20 minutes walking to the palace of King Charles V. 
  • Palace of Carlos V: built as the residence of Emperor Charles V, though no evidence exists to indicate that he ever actually lived in it. Its Renaissance style is in stark contrast to the Islamic architecture of the rest of the premises. Noteworthy are the cushioning of its facade and the colonnade in the interior courtyard. Length of visit: 15 minutes. 
  • Nazari Palace: set of buildings consisting of the Palacio de Comares (Comares Palace), built first, and the Palacio de los Leones (Lions Palace). It was an administrative headquarters, court, and place of private retreat and enjoyment. The Nazari Palace is the most impressive part of the Alhambra. Explore its rooms, roofs, floors and panoramic views of the Albaicín. Length of visit: 1 hour. 
  • The Alcazaba: the oldest part of the Alhambra. It was the military area, centre of defence and vigilance of the premises. From the Torre de Armas (Weapons Tower), you get an impressive panoramic view of the city. Visit takes about 30 minutes.
• Cost: 14€ + 1.40€ if tickets are purchased in advance (recommended: see section bellow). 
• Length of visit: 3-4 hours.
• Hours: March 15th-October 14th: 08:30 to 14:00 (morning shift) 14:00 to 20:00 (afternoon shift). October 15th-March 14th: it closes at 18:00. To buy tickets in the ticket office, it is recommended to arrive at 08:00 on the day of the visit. 
• How to get there: we recommend taking the bus there and returning on foot, as the slope is quite steep. Take bus 30 or 32 to Plaza Isabel la Católica (the stop is on the street that goes up on the left). 20 minutes/1.50€.