Guided tour of the Alhambra: Generalife and its gardens

Granada , Spain

Guided tour of the Alhambra: Generalife and its gardens

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About this experience

Enjoy skip-the-line access to the popular Alhambra fortress, Generalife Gardens, Charles V Palace and Alcazaba. Learn about the history of this UNESCO heritage site from your official guide.

Available options

French tour

English tour

Spanish tour

What's included

ticket entrance

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Generalife was the vacation palace of the Nasrid emirs, a rural villa next to the Alhambra used by the monarchs to spend their free time. The Cerro del Sol was the mountain chosen for the construction of this palace and recreational area.
Declared World Heritage alongside the Alhambra and the Albaicín Neighborhood, it was also agricultural holding. Furthermore, we will wander areas of Alhambra such as the Alcazaba, or Palace of Charles V, emperor that rose his Renaissance residence in the sixteenth century after falling in love with the Alhambra. A unique walk through one of the most relevant treasures of the country.

The Alcazaba, a fortress, is one of the oldest part of the Alhambra, as is the case of the Vermilion Towers (Torres Bermejas). It is thought that before it was built and before the Muslims arrived to Granada, there were already several constructions in the same area. The first historical reference to the existence of the Alcazaba dates from the 9th century and it is believed that it was then built by Sawwar ben Hamdun during the fights between Muslims and muwalladins [Christians who converted to the Islam and lived among the Muslims].

Stop 3

Then, we will visit the Palace of Charles V, with a square façade and its round interior make a special acoustic that will astonish you. On its the ground floor it is found the Alhambra museum, whose pieces are immensurable historically.

What's not included

Tickets to Nasrid Palace

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 1.5

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.4

7 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Ticket office of Alhambra. Look for the orange umbrella.
This meeting point is valid for 9.00h, 12.00h, 13.00h and 16.30h.

About Granada

Granada is a city in southern Spain known for its rich Moorish heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to the iconic Alhambra, a breathtaking palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the city's historical significance and architectural brilliance.

Top Attractions

Alhambra

The Alhambra is a stunning palace and fortress complex that stands as a testament to the Moorish heritage of Granada. It is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Architecture 3-4 hours €14-€27

Albaicín

Albaicín is a historic Moorish district known for its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the Alhambra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for its unique charm and cultural significance.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Sacromonte

Sacromonte is a gypsy quarter known for its cave houses, flamenco performances, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life in Granada.

Cultural/Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, flamenco shows vary in price

Cathedral of Granada

The Cathedral of Granada is a stunning example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It is one of the most important religious buildings in Spain and a must-visit for its historical and architectural significance.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours €5

Granada Science Park

The Granada Science Park is an interactive science museum that offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It features a planetarium, aquarium, and various interactive exhibits.

Museum/Science 2-3 hours €6-€12

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tapa

A small dish typically served with drinks, often free with the purchase of a beverage. Common tapas include olives, cheese, ham, and seafood.

Appetizer Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Gazpacho

A cold soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. It is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

Soup Vegetarian and vegan-friendly

Salmorejo

A thick, cold soup made from tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil, often topped with ham and hard-boiled eggs.

Soup Vegetarian option available (without ham and eggs)

Plato Alpujarreño

A traditional dish from the Alpujarras region, featuring a variety of meats (such as ham, sausage, and pork), potatoes, eggs, and sometimes blood sausage.

Main Course Contains meat and pork products

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sierra Nevada Rock climbing Mountain biking Beach relaxation in Nerja Spa treatments Strolling through Albaicín Visiting the Alhambra Exploring Albaicín and Sacromonte

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

This is the best time to visit Granada as the weather is pleasant, and the city is not overly crowded. It's perfect for exploring the outdoors and visiting the Alhambra.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Granada is generally safe for travelers, but common sense and basic precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as markets and tourist attractions
• Use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be wary of distractions and common scams, such as fake petitions or spilled drinks

Getting there

By air

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Granada Station

By bus

Granada Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a cost-effective way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Albaicín Sacromonte Realejo Alaycín

Day trips

Alpujarras

70 km from Granada • Full day

The Alpujarras is a picturesque region in the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its white villages, terraced landscapes, and traditional way of life. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Andalusian culture and stunning natural beauty.

Sierra Nevada

30 km from Granada • Full day

Sierra Nevada is a stunning mountain range offering year-round outdoor activities, including skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The area is also home to the famous Pradollano ski resort.

Nerja

50 km from Granada • Half day to full day

Nerja is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and the famous Balcón de Europa, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Festivals

Feria de Granada • August (dates vary) Semana Santa (Holy Week) • March or April (dates vary) Corpus Christi • May or June (dates vary)

Pro tips

Book tickets for the Alhambra well in advance, as they sell out quickly
Explore the city's historic neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Take advantage of the free tapas tradition by trying different bars and restaurants
Visit the Alhambra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and immerse yourself in the culture