When we arrived at the Alhambra in Granada late in the morning, we were disappointed to find out that all the palace tickets were sold out. It turns out you need to book online well in advance or arrive early to get one of the limited tickets available on the day.

Even if you can’t get a palace ticket, it’s still worth visiting the gardens and grounds. We explored the Generalife courtyard and walked along the battlements, enjoying the stunning views over the city. Standing at the top of the tower, with the plains stretching out before us and the palace behind, you can really feel the power of the Alhambra’s rulers. It’s no wonder they called it the Torre del Homenaje, or the Tower of Homage.

We almost skipped Granada because the day before, we had visited El Chorro in the pouring rain and didn’t want another day of wet sightseeing. Fortunately, the weather cleared up as we left Malaga, and although there were a few light showers near the Sierra Nevada, it didn’t slow us down. Later, the sky brightened, and we enjoyed sitting in the courtyard under the battlements, sipping drinks and eating ice cream.

Our first stop was the Generalife, a Moorish villa with beautiful gardens overlooking the main Nasrid Palaces. We walked through the sculpted hedges, past the summer concert stage, and up the water stairway, where water cascades down channels on either side of the steps. The sound of running water was everywhere, from jets and fountains to pools and channels, providing a cool and relaxing atmosphere.

The Alhambra complex was started in the 13th century by the Moorish rulers of Granada, beginning with Muhammad I and later expanded by Muhammad V, who built the Palace of the Lions. In 1492, the palace was surrendered to the Catholic monarchs, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. In the 16th century, King Charles V added his palace alongside the older Moorish ones.

Although we missed the palace’s beautiful interiors and ornate stonework, we got a taste of it in the Generalife. Early summer would be the perfect time to visit, with the heat of the sun tempered by shady walkways and the soothing sound of running water.

By mid-afternoon, we had explored every part of the garden and decided to head down into Granada for something to eat. The guides advised against driving into the city, so we took a small bus down the hill and wandered through the alleyways, eventually choosing the bustling Tabernas Salinas tapas bar. We stood at the bar, enjoying free tapas with our drinks while waiting for a table. Once seated, we ordered delicious dishes like stuffed red peppers with salt cod, grilled octopus, and stuffed aubergines, all accompanied by local red wine.

After our meal, we didn’t have much time to explore the city further, so we took the minibus back up the hill to our parked car. I had visited the Alhambra with my family over ten years ago, and I have fond memories of that trip. Next time, I plan to visit in early summer and stay at the luxurious Parador hotel in the Alhambra grounds, enjoying the warm evening air and the music of the fountains.

Booking tickets in advance for the Alhambra is highly recommended, especially during high season. If you can’t get a palace ticket, make sure to visit the gardens and the Generalife. For more information, you can plan your visit on the official Granada tourism website. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, I recommend Tabernas Salinas for its lively atmosphere and delicious tapas. And if you want to stay in luxury, consider booking the Parador de Granada Hotel, set in a former convent within the Alhambra grounds.