Granada

The main stronghold of Spain Alhambra is located in Granada (http://www.alhambra-patronato.es), so many tourists come here to visit it. Although, it is not even the fortress, but the great architectural and park complex, which was built mostly during the rule of the Muslim Nasrid dynasty (1230-1492). It consists of many parts, this is best seen on the next image (pdf version).

Tickets to the Alhambra better to buy in advance (for example here). When buying on the internet you need to choose a window: before 14:00 or after 14:00, as well as a time of visit to the Nasrid Palace. You will receive a reservation, which must be exchanged for tickets at the ticket office or machine. There is also exist a night tour in Alhambra, tickets are bought on the same website.

Entrance to the compex can be reached on foot (from point 7 on the map below). Despite the fact that the road is beautiful, keep in mind that you have to go uphill. Also you can go by buses C3 and C4, the ticket is bought from the driver. Map of bus routes is here.

In the internet there are different tips about the order in which objects are best to visit in the Alhambra. As for me, there is no difference, number of visitors is always great (not on our photos, since we dispersed them :). Generalife Gardens left the most vivid impression, but they are more comfortable to visit first.
















After the gardens, the main part of the complex does not look so impressive, but still interesting.
















Monument to Washington Irving stands here for a reason. He wrote a famous book Tales of the Alhambra about this complex.


The strengthening of the Alcazaba fortress offers a good view of the city.




There is also a small old town in Granada, located near the cathedral (point 2 on the map below). Here are mainly restaurants and souvenir shops. More detailed map in pdf format can be downloaded here.




















In the evening it is good idea to go up to the San Nikolas viewpoint (point 24 on the map). It can be reached by bus C1, tickets bought from the driver. Find the bus stop on the Gran Via street or Plaza Nueva. Stops are not announced, so ask the driver or passengers.

There are usually a lot of people on the viewpoint.


Better to come in the evening and watch the complex at sunset and with lights.




Getting to Granada

The nearest large airport in Malaga (140 km). There is small airport in Granada, where fly Air Europa and Iberia. Buses depart from the airport after each flight and have the following stops: La Caleta, Gran Vía, Fuente de las Batallas and Palacio de Congresos. There is also a train station in Granada, connected with all major cities of Spain. The bus station is located far from the city center (Carretera de Jaén street). Granada is connected by regular bus service to Cordoba, Seville, Malaga.