Best time to Visit Alhambra: Know the perfect Season To Explore Alhambra

Planning your next visit to Alhambra, Spain? Are you afraid that you might mess up? Or are you worried about how to plan this journey? It takes a lot of planning to visit Alhambra, as you will learn the history of the place and know the best time to visit.

But don’t worry at all! You’re in for a treat today. The Alhambra is full of bewitching buildings of ancient design. The most known palace in Granada, Alhambra, is the Nasrid Palace.

The wood and tile work of the building makes it more intricate and beautiful at the same time. Find a comprehensive guide to planning your visit to Alhambra in this article, and plan accordingly. This will help you avoid any kind of confusion, as this article is the ultimate guide to La Alhambra.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the history of La Alhambra.
• The best time to visit Alhambra depends on the season.
• The best time of the day to visit Alhambra: morning or night?
• Find the least visited months in Alhambra.
• Everything you need to know about Alhambra
• Know if Alhambra is child-friendly or not.
• Important things that you should know about the Alhambra before visiting

When is the best time to visit Alhambra?

Planning to visit Alhambra on your next tour? But are you having trouble figuring out what is the best time to visit the Alhambra? Why worry? 

I’ve got you covered. With my experience in Alhambra, I will try to help you with everything you need. While visiting Spain, the Alhambra is a must-visit destination. The rich history and beautiful architecture are something you don’t want to miss.

I would suggest you visit in May, June, and late September. During this time, the weather will be friendly with a clear sky and sunlight. For the first half of the year, May and June are suitable, as you can enjoy a 14-hour day. More time to enjoy, right? 

And for the other half of the year, September is quite perfect. You can also visit the Nasrid Palace in Alhambra in the winter. Fewer visitors will make the place more accessible, and during this time, the price range is also cheaper. 

Best time to visit Alhambra: morning or night?

You should know that it starts late in Spain. So, plan your trip to Alhambra as early as possible. Because if you get there earlier than others, you will have fewer crowds. It is the best time to visit Alhambra.

Once the busy city wakes up and all the tourists start to come, it might be a little difficult to enjoy the sightseeing. So, if you want a relaxing tour, then pick the early morning hour. Avoid noon, as this is the peak hour for tourist groups, and also because the sun is too bright to enjoy the weather.

If you ask me when to visit Alhambra in Spain, then I would suggest you go at night. The Nasrid Palace in Alhambra is the most beautiful at night. Plan a night trip if you’re travelling solo or with family. 

Which are the Alhambra’s least visited months?

November to January are the months least visited in Alhambra. If you want a Christmas getaway, then these are the months to target. However, these are the months with fewer visitors.

If you decide to visit Alhmabra during these months, then you will enjoy a winter vacation with fewer tourists. However, you have to remember that Alhambra is hot in summer and similarly cold during these months of winter. 

So, pack your bags with warm clothes. You can also visit in March, which is not the least visited month, but this is an ideal month to visit the place. A few visitors won’t hurt anyone, right? If you could enjoy the fine weather in this beautiful city with rich culture and history, then it’s a win-win.

The History of La Alhambra

The history of Alhambra takes you back to the 13th century in Granada, Spain. During that time, a Muslim ancestor known as the Nasrids was ruling the place. They decided to build a fortress palace in the middle of Granada.

Gradually, many other sultans came into power, and each one of them left their touch on the architecture. They were not hesitant to invest in this palace. The place became the house of all kinds of activities, like art culture, and many science discussions.

But later, in 1492, the Catholic rulers Ferdinand and Isabella gained victory over Granada. They took over La Alhambra, and so did the Palace. They modified the palace and gave it a Renaissance touch. 

However, over time, abandonment gripped the place and caused much damage. But such a fascinating monument was not made to be destroyed. In the 19th century, some writers and artists rediscovered the place.

In 1984, UNESCO declared the place a World Heritage Site. Today, this place is a treasure trove of culture, history, and the arts. Its lavish history attracts millions of visitors each year.

Visiting La Alhambra: Everything you need to know

The Alhambra is a fascinating place for all history, art, and culture lovers. To enjoy the tour with a calm mind, you should pre-plan your tour. Here’s the ultimate guide to la Alhambra,

The Nasrid Palaces

This intricate Muslim architecture is something that you should see whenever you visit Alhambra, Spain. The captivating beauty of the Nasrid Palace will make you hypnotized. 

The tilework and the marvels are something that will make you speechless. However, the courtyard, or garden, is another side of this palace that is lavishly constructed. 

Keep 4 to 5 hours in hand to explore the whole area. I advise you to spend at least one hour in each building of the palace. And go as early as possible for a hassle-free trip. Here’s what you will find in the Nasrid Palace,

• The Mexuar is the oldest hall of the palace.
• The Palace of Comares.
• The hall of the boat.
• The Hall of Ambassadors.
• The main courtyard is called Patio de los Leones.

Charles V Palace

Now, it’s time to explore the Charles V Palace around the round courtyard. Also, the impressive gallery will tell you the history of Alhambra. This building also serves as the Alhambra Museum.

This palace on Sabika Hill was designed by the Roman architect Pedro Machuca. You would love the Renaissance-structured buildings. And the history will make your trip more exciting and adventurous. 

The Alcazaba

This Moorish architecture was built during the 11th century. Many tales of sacrifice echo within these walls. You will know about the history of all the battles and strategies that took place inside the Alcazaba.

Your Spain trip will be incomplete if you come this far but can’t make it to the Alcazaba. This is the oldest part of Alhambra. There are many legends and mythical stories surrounding the Alcazaba. One of the famous stories is about the Alcazaba ghost. 

The Generalife Gardens

This place was a country estate for the Nasrid rulers. Here they would come to enjoy the summer. This breathtaking place becomes lively during the spring season. With the blooming flowers, the garden dances with joy. You can smell the sweetness of the flowers in the air.

As this place is a little far from Alhambra, you can stroll through the city and then come here to enjoy the garden. Sitting on the heart of a hill, this place will provide you with a hypnotizing view of Alhambra.

Pro Tips:

• Remember to book your tickets before you start your journey.
• The long line at the ticket counter is not recommended.
• You can look for online tickets at reasonable prices. 
• You can also book Alhambra, Generalife, and Nasrid Palace tickets. And reserve direct access for last-minute reservations with a full package.

Is Alhambra suitable for kids?

Are you planning a family trip to Alhambra? If yes, then I should tell you some secrets. As beautiful as the place is, it is also a comfortable and friendly place for the kids.

To burn that energy, this place is the perfect destination for kids. However, the Nasrid palace and Generalife don’t allow strollers. You can find baby carriers at the store, but you cannot take the stroller inside.

Why should the kids miss such an adventurous place? Plan the trip with your kids to give them a wonderful time while strolling through ancient history. 

Important things to know before you visit the Alhambra

Traveling is fun and it should be a time to be carefree. But before visiting a place, you should do some research about it to note some points. Before you jump to the conclusion of visiting Alhambra, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind,

• Tickets for Alhambra are often sold out. So, book your tickets when you are planning the trip.
• You would need a minimum of 3 hours to 5 hours maximum to visit the whole place of Alhambra.
• I recommend you book the tickets, especially with the host, before visiting Alhambra. 
• Respect the rules of the place. It involves not touching anything, not lettering on the wall, maintaining hygiene, and not leaning on the wall.

Places to stay in Alhambra

Alhambra is a small place, but there you will find accommodations of all kinds. Here are some of my personal favourites, 

• HOTEL PALACIO DE SANTA INES: With its wooden interior, the hotel used a 16th-century building to provide you with accommodation. This is a standard hotel on a budget for a family. The spacious rooms offer a beautiful view of Alhambra.
• Hotel Casa Morisca: This is an award-winning historical hotel for accommodations. This 15th-century Morish house serves the best breakfast in the morning. It’s a budget-friendly hotel in Granada with an ancient vibe.
• Parador de Granada: This luxurious hotel with lavish rooms and a garden will make your stay more relaxing and enjoyable. It is near the city of Alhambra and offers a magnificent view of many attractions.

Final Thought

Alhambra is one of the historical places that you definitely should visit. The architecture of this place has lots of stories to tell. So whenever you are planning to visit Spain, keep this place on your list.

A few years ago, when I visited the place, it was a magical experience. But as a first-timer, there were many confusions about what to do and what to see! However, with my experiences, I tried my best to provide all the necessary information. 

Has this piece of writing on the best time to visit Alhambra helped you to clear all the doubts and answer all the questions? Then feel free to comment down below and let me know your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do you need at the Alhambra?

You should plan for a 3 to 5 hours day trip to explore Alhambra.

Can I visit Alhambra without a guided tour?

You will need to make a reservation for an access ticket. This includes tickets to all the attractions in Alhambra.

What is the best time to visit Alhambra?

May, June, and the end of September are the best seasons to visit Alhambra. And early mornings and nights are the best times to visit this place.

How much is an Alhambra entrance ticket?

The tickets cost 12.73 euros per person. Children under 12 don’t need tickets to travel.

Is there a lot of walking in Alhambra?

The Alhambra is a pretty place with a walking tour. You would need to do a considerable amount of walking to explore the place.

Are backpacks allowed in Alhambra?

The small-size bag packs are allowed, and they should be around 40×40 cm in size. But big bags and trolly bags are not allowed inside the entrance of the monumental area.

Can I bring a water bottle into the Alhambra?

You can bring your food and water if you want. However, there are places to buy food and drinks inside the premises.

Do you need to cover your shoulders at Alhambra?

When you are visiting an unknown county or city, you need to follow the rules. In Alhambra, no women or men are allowed to wear sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses or tops.

What document do I need in Alhambra?

You need to carry your original passport with you or your identity document (DNI).