Are you planning a trip to Granada and wonder if one day is enough for Alhambra?
The short answer is yes; it is plenty of time to see not just Alhambra but also other historic locations in Granada.
I have visited Alhambra three times already and have stayed in Granada six times, so you could say I’m a bit of a local expert.
In this article, you will find a detailed one-day itinerary for visiting Alhambra and also suggested activities and things to do on a one-day trip to Granada.
Let’s dive in!
Is One Day Enough for Alhambra?
Yes, it is, you don’t need more time.
In fact, to see Alhambra at a slow pace, all you need is a maximum of 4 hours in total to see all parts of the complex, including the Nasrid Palaces, the gardens of the palace, the Palace of Charles V, the courtyard with views, the Alcazaba, and finally the Generalife Gardens.
With only one day in Granada, you will also get at least half a day to explore some gorgeous parts of the city, like the Albaicin or Sacromonte district, or other stunning monuments like Granada Cathedral.
When to Book Your Alhambra Tickets
Here is the most important thing to remember about Alhambra tickets: they are hard to get on a short notice!
Book your tickets online as soon as you confirm your travel dates. Even in winter, you can’t get the tickets with a few day’s notice, and in summer, they sell out weeks in advance.
Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain, so there is a very high demand for the tickets.
Don’t expect to be able to get the tickets on the day from the ticket office; it’s nearly impossible unless you’re visiting off-season.
Planning Your Day Trip to Alhambra
A day trip to Granada will give you plenty of time to see Alhambra and other beautiful historical monuments.
Having said that, I do recommend that you extend your itinerary to at least 3 days because it will allow you to explore Granada in its full glory. I have stayed in Granada six times already, and I always discover new, beautiful places and stunning locations that take my breath away.
If you’re visiting Southern Spain, you’re probably arriving at Malaga International Airport (AGP), and from Malaga, you have plenty of options for planning this day trip. You can get to Granada by car, bus, or train, but also book an excursion from Malaga to Alhambra with a local company.
If you’re staying on Costa del Sol, you can book this day trip from Marbella, and you can see Alhambra on a day trip from Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Estepona or even Nerja.
Granada is well connected to other big cities in Southern Spain, so you can definitely make a day trip to Alhambra from Cordoba or Seville, but it will take a little longer to get there.
Even from Madrid, you might find good train connections and local companies offering this as a day trip.
One Day Itinerary For Alhambra
You should always plan your day trip itinerary for Alhambra depending on what time slot you have selected for your entry to the Nasrid Palace and go there first.
On average, you should expect to spend at least half a day exploring the Palace complex, with all of its parts: Nasrid Palace and Gardens, Charles V Palace, Alcazaba, and Generalife Gardens.
Here is an example itinerary with approximate time to spend at each location:
8:00 AM – Arrival at the Alhambra
- Start Early: If possible, try to book the first available time slot for the day and arrive at the Alhambra right when it opens. This will help you avoid some of the crowds and the midday heat.
- 30 Minutes Before Entry: I recommend getting there at least 30 minutes before your slot, official guideline says 15 minutes. This will give you some time to find the right entrance and also take some photos before you wait.
- Wait in the Line: there is a line on the courtyard between the Palace of Charles V and the Alcazaba, you will see people waiting there. That’s where you need to join and wait for your entry.
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Make sure to buy your tickets online well before your visit as they can sell out quickly.
8:30 AM – Nasrid Palace Tour
- Highlight of the Visit: Begin your tour with the Nasrid Palaces. These are often considered the crown jewel of the Alhambra, with their intricate Islamic art and architecture.
- Only Timed Entry Tickets: The Nasrid Palace is the only part of the complex where you need a timed entry ticket, you won’t be able to get in without it.
- Bring Your ID: It’s crucial that you bring your ID with you so they can scan it and check your ticket. You won’t be allowed entry without it.
- Allow 1 – 1.5 Hours: To get the most out of the tour, allow at least one to two hours to explore the Nasrid Palace and its gardens, they are quite extensive.
- No Re-Entry: Once you leave the Nasrid Palace, you cannot re-enter anymore.
- Take Your Time: Enjoy the stunning rooms like the Hall of the Ambassadors and the Court of the Lions.
10:00 AM – Alcazaba
- Historic Fortress: After the palaces, head to the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra complex. Climb the Torre de la Vela for a breathtaking view of Granada.
- ID Required: Same as for the Nasrid Palace, you will need to show your ID and your ticket.
- Allow 30 – 60 minutes: There isn’t much to see in the inner courtyard, but the views from the towers are amazing!
- Sierra Nevada Views: The Torre de la Vela tower offers breath-taking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains as well as the whole city and Albaicin neighbourhood.
10:30 AM – Charles V Palace & Museum
- Renaissance Architecture: Visit the Palace of Charles V, a stark contrast to Islamic architecture with its Renaissance style. Inside, you can explore the Alhambra Museum, which features Moorish artifacts. The Palace is located right across from the Alcazaba, next to the entrance to the Nasrid Palace
- Allow 30 Minutes: I have been to the Palace but not the museum, so if you want to get inside add another 20 minutes to your schedule.
11:00 AM – Generalife Gardens
- Explore the Gardens: Walk over to the Generalife, the sultan’s summer palace. The gardens here are lush and an ideal spot for some peaceful strolling. The Palacio de Generalife offers a quieter, more reflective counterpart to the grandeur of the Nasrid Palaces.
- 10 Minutes Walk: From the Alcazaba, it’s about 10 minutes walk before you reach the gardens, they are not very close. It’s an easy pleasurable walk with gorgeous views throughout.
- Allow up to 2 Hours: The gardens are quite extensive and an absolute pleasure to stroll through. They offer plenty of photo opportunities so give yourself the time to explore these on a slow pace.
- Separate Entrance: The Gardens have a separate public entrance, so you can purchase separate ticket just to see the gardens and enter them from a main entrance point at Access Pavilion of the Alhambra, close to the taxi rank and bus stop.
One Day Itinerary For Granada
So what’s there to see and do in Granada besides the Alhambra?
Well, I happened to know a lot of cool places I discovered during my six trips to the city. Here are some options on how to spend the afternoon exploring Granada:
Don’t leave Granada without exploring the cobblestone streets of the Albaicin district, one of the oldest parts of the city. Head over to Carrera del Daro and walk your way to Paseo de los Tristes – stop for a drink with free tapas and admire the views of Alhambra.
After that you have lots of options where to head next.
If you want to explore the cave district, the Sacromonte cave museum is a good introduction to cave life in Granada. The nearby Sacromonte Abbey offers stunning views and a cool little secret – a church built in a cave underground!
For those who are chasing the perfect photo, head over to Mirador San Nicolas, or take a short taxi ride to Mirador San Miguel Alto, which is much higher up, less crowded, and offers amazing views of the whole city, not just Alhambra.
If you’re visiting with kids, they will absolutely love the Science Museum in Granada, although you would need at least half day to see everything it offers.
My personal favourite hidden gems are the Basilica San Juan Dios, the Inquisition and Torture Museum in Albaicin, visiting teterias (tea shops) in Albaicin, and tapas hopping between local restaurants.
Practical Travel Tips for Alhambra
A day trip to Granada is probably the best way to see the Alhambra, especially for those who have a very tight itinerary for a Southern Spain trip.
Here are a few practical tips to make the most out of your excursion to Alhambra:
If you’re wondering if you need to book a guided tour to see the Nasrid Palace, the answer is no. It is not required and you are free to explore on your own.
The tickets have an option to upgrade to an audio tour, and you can also book an official tour guide for your visit.
The best time to plan your visit to Alhambra is in the morning hours, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. Granada is very hot in the summer, and there are a lot of tourists in the city, so the morning slots will give you the best chance to explore the monument without many people and endure the heat.
What if you want to see the Alhambra, but tickets are already sold out?
I think it’s still worth planning a day trip to Granada, even if you can’t get tickets to Alhambra. If you want to explore other options, the best tip is to book an Alhambra day trip with a local tour company, as they usually include tickets to the monument.
It’s the best last-minute option for getting into the Alhambra complex, plus it also includes transport to and from Granada, so it makes the trip planning much more straightforward.
Is Alhambra worth visiting, even on a rainy day or winter?
Yes, it is! If that’s your only chance to see the monument, do not skip it just because of the weather.
It is true that the best time to visit the Alhambra is spring or early autumn, but you can appreciate the beauty of the gardens and the monument even on a sunny winter day.
The most rainy months of the year in Granada are usually in January and February, so if you plan your trip to Southern Spain keep that in mind.
Once you are in Granada, the best way to get to Alhambra is to take a local taxi or a local bus. Taxi is a very affordable and hassle-free option; a journey from Plaza St Ana in Albaicin to the entrance of Alhambra costs around 7 euros one way.
If you’re driving, the closest parking option next to the Alhambra entrance is the one by the main ticket office, marked on the map below.
There are toilets available in the complex, on the courtyard between the Charles V Palace and Alcazaba, a member of staff there will show you the way if you can’t find them. There are also toilets available in the Generalife Gardens.
Access with baby prams is limited, you can’t take them to the Nasrid Palace or Alcazaba and need to store them in the storage room. The same goes for big backpacks – you’re not allowed to take them inside.
You’re not supposed to eat food or drink inside the palace. If you want to have a snack in between exploring, there is a small cafe in the courtyard next to Alcazba, and also a few benches if you bring your own lunch.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, everything you need to know to plan a perfect Alhambra day trip!
If there is something specific you want to know about the visit, or help planning your trip, I’m more than happy to help – just leave a comment below – it’s the fastest way to find what you need.
Frequent Questions
How Much Time Do You Need at Alhambra?
You will need at least 3 – 4 hours to see Alhambra, so allow at least half a day to explore the whole complex without having to rush.
What is the Best Day of the Week to Go to the Alhambra?
The start of the week, Monday to Wednesday, tends to be more quiet than weekends.
Is 1 day enough in Granada?
Yes, one day is plenty of time to see Granada and the Alhambra monument, but if you could, extend your stay for at least three days to experience and see everything Granada has to offer, beyond its most famous monument.
LOVE it? SAVE it for Later!
Save this pin to your Pinterest profile so you can get back to it when you’re ready to plan your trip! Also, check out my Pinterest boards on Alhambra and the best things to do in Granada to find even more inspiration!
