Welcome to Generalife, a royal summer palace with lush gardens dating back to the 13th century.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most visited monuments in Spain, as it happens to be part of the Alhambra complex.
If you struggle with the name a bit, you’re not alone.
I called if ‘General-life’ a number of times before I realized my mistake. Pronounced ‘xeneralife’ in Spanish, the name means Gardens of Architect, although there are still discussions as to its true origins and meaning.
Palacio de Generalife was my last stop on exploration of the Alhambra, and one that I almost missed out on. After visiting the Nasrid Palace and Alcazaba, we almost completely missed the well-posted and very visible signs for Generalife. Luckily, your tickets are valid all day, so you can re-enter at any time on the same day.
In stark contrast to the Nasrid Palace with its elaborate ornamental decorations on walls and perfect symmetry anywhere you look, Generalife can seem a little plain and simple, but that certainly doesn’t take away anything from its beauty.
The gardens were designed as a relaxation place for the sultans and kings, and have undergone a lot of design and structural changes. The newest part of the gardens is outside the main Palace, right by the entrance – Jardines Nuevos.
The New Gardens (Jardines Nuevos)
These 20th-century gardens line the entrance point to Palacio Generalife – they were designed by Francisco Prieto Moreno and finished in 1951.
The gardens spread out on your left as you walk towards the entrance, with a newly built amphitheater visible on your right side. The new gardens are built around traditional fountain features with perfectly trimmed hedges creating a beautiful frame to the stunning views.
Further down the road, you will see a beautiful rose garden and right by the entrance to the place is a small patio with orange trees.
Palacio de Generalife
The entrance to the palace is through a spacious courtyard lined with orange trees, and if you’re visiting in early spring when they bloom – you’re in for a real treat!
As you pass through the main building you will end up in the main courtyard of the palace – and certainly the most impressive feature – Courtyard of the Water Canal.
Courtyard of the Water Canal (Patio de la Acequia)
The main courtyard is a feast for the eyes – a long water fountain feature stretches through the middle of the courtyard and is surrounded by flower beds on each side. All you hear is the trickling water and bees making their rounds between the flowers.
The archway offers beautiful views and leads you to the end of the courtyard where you can continue your journey to the upper gardens.
Water Stairway and Upper Gardens
The upper floor of the palace offers beautiful views towards the gardens below. The highlight of this area is the water stairway – three flights of stars with small water canals built on each side.
The gardens on the top are not as elaborate and intricate as the display below, but are shaded by large trees and a great place to hide from the summer heat.
As you make your way to the end of the garden you will find a vine-covered staircase that will lead you out of the palace gardens.
So much beauty all in one place!
I’ve not seen Generalife in autumn, but the change of colours must be spectacular here.
If you’re planning your visit of Alhambra, get your tickets for the Nasrid Palace for first thing in the morning so you can enjoy the gardens in relative peace after that.
You can also only visit the gardens without seeing the rest of the complex, as tickets are also available individually. There are refreshments or vending machines in Generalife, only by the entrance.
Until next time, Granada!
Granada Monuments Tickets & Tours
Here are a few guided trip options for visiting the main sights in Alhambra. To check availability and prices please click on the link below.
- Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Fast-Track Ticket – enjoy a fast-track access to all the sights within the grounds of Alhambra, including the Generalife Gardens. Does not include a guide.
- Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, and Generalife Tour – fast track entry to the Alhambra complex with a private or shared tour guide.
- Nasrid Palaces & Generalife Ticket with Audioguide – the same tickets to Alhambra this time including an audio guide in the language of your choice.
- Sacromonte: Flamenco Show at Cuevas Los Tarantos Tickets – entry tickets to the popular flamenco performance in the Sacromonte district of Granada
Explore More in Granada
13 Beautiful Photography Locations in Granada: Tips from a Local Expat
Visiting Alhambra in Granada: The Complete Guide
Generalife Palace & Gardens, Granada
The Palace of Charles V in Alhambra, Granada
The Charming Albaicin Neighbourhood of Granada
The Alcazaba of Alhambra, Granada
My Stay at Hotel Casa 1800, Granada
Carmen de los Martires, Granada
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