The Alhambra.
 

Ive got my parents heading over in about 10 days and im thinking of taking them to see The Alhambra whilst they are here. Granada is just a 2 and a half hour drive from here. So can make a day trip of it.

Ive never been myself at all. And not even exactly sure of what it is. I have heard it is really good :)

Has anyone been? Can anyone provide any tips and things I should know? I know you should book tickets beforehand as they only allow so many in. Where do I go to do this? Because there are only so many authorised letting agents that can do it.

Cheers

Re: The Alhambra.
 

Suggest you get this moved to the main forum.

Highly recommend the visit to Alhambra it is absolutely fantastic. We went in September and it was very busy, do not know what the situation is at this time of year. We could not get tickets in advance so went and queued patiently but were only offered a visit to the gardens when we asked if we could book for the following day we were told no. The following day we got there at 8.30 and queued yet again and after about an hour they announced that there were only a set number of tickets left. They also mentioned that it was possible to purchase the tickets via a credit card machine which would ensure that you would get one of those tickets. Graham dashed off and did this, it cost slightly more but well worth it, still had to remain in the queue but at least we knew that we would get in. Not sure whether this facility is available all of the time there or whether it only comes into operation when there is a limited number of tickets left but it is well worth investigating when you get there.

So the answer seems to be to get there very early in the morning and queue.

Rosemary

Re: The Alhambra.
 

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2.../IMG_2395A.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2.../IMG_2397A.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2.../IMG_2398A.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2.../IMG_2402A.jpg

Re: The Alhambra.
 

You used to be able to buy them in advance at BBVA banks but I notice La Caixa now advertises them as well.

Try here

Re: The Alhambra.
 

I just went along on the day. They have two queues, one for the prepaid tickets and one for buy on the day. Its true you need to be there early, but we got there around 10 and got in easily. I heard they allocate a new set of tickets for the afternoon session as well.

I tried to buy them on line but found that the links kept on dropping out

Re: The Alhambra.
 

or Alhambra site and tickets direct here
http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/
Book now to avoid disappointment!

Re: The Alhambra.
 

We have the advance tickets procedure for the Alhambra in the Andalucia holidays section of our website (link below!)

Re: The Alhambra.
 

Last time I went I was told by a local to turn up at 9 and try and get a preview entrance.

I did this and low and behold it worked, and we wondered around as the only ones there.


Not sure if they allow it every day or if we were just coincidently lucky but its worth a bash.

Re: The Alhambra.
 

The Alhambra and Granada are both truly stunning! We went in September and booked our tickets in advance on the internet from
www.alhambra-tickets.es
This was the web address on the ayuntamiento webpage. This also lists all other ways of gaining entrance. I am glad we pre-booked because we didn´t have to queue, you just go to a machine at the entrance and it prints out your tickets. Very easy and straightforward! A friend of ours from Granada was very insistent we should try to get tickets beforehand, as he knew of many people who had been disappointed.
If you have morning tickets, later on in the day it is so worth going up to the Albaicín and the Mirador San Nicolas to watch the sun setting over the Alhambra. The colours are truly spectacular! I´m not sure how old your parents are, but it´s quite a steep hike up to both the Alhambra and the Albaicín. However, there are excellent little shuttle buses which rattle round the steep streets at break -neck speed, which cost less than a euro.
The only disappointing thing is the lions from the very famous patio have been taken away for a good clean up and some restoration work and won´t be back in place until December this year!
I hope you all enjoy your day trip, I wish I was going too!:D

Re: The Alhambra.
 

You are 2 hours away from the Alhambra and you haven't been?:blink::eek:.. You are in for a treat!! Check out the Sierra Nevada too, I wouldn't bother with Granada if I was you..

Re: The Alhambra.
 

A couple of excellent links - we're planning to go soon, and are looking forward to it!

Re: The Alhambra.
 

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ra-theatre.jpg

Not this one then?

Re: The Alhambra.
 

http://www.alhambradegranada.org/gui...ntradas_en.asp

:thumbsup:

Re: The Alhambra.
 

Hey guys.

Thanks ever so much for all your replies. the place looks amazing. The problem i have is that the website wont let me go back to March to book the tickets, as the only day we can go is the 31st. It looks like the 1st april is sold out (but cant go then as they fly home)

So might have to postpone it for the next time they come. Grr. :( Nevermind im sure itll still be there next year hehe. They are coming again in the summer but it'll be too hot up there for them then.

Ill keep teh page bookmarked :D

Thanks again!

Re: The Alhambra.
 

Hi we have pre booked our tickets on the recoomendation of a friend who tried twice last summer to "walk in" and never made it. Very disappointing.

You can book for the morning or afternoon at a cost of 13E for the whole visit. Apparently if you only want to see the gardens you can just stroll on in as they are municipal?

Hope you can make it next time we are looking forward to visiting on the 2nd April.:thumbup:

Re: The Alhambra.
 

I don't think so, but you can buy a different ticket which allows access to the gardens (and everything else except the palace).

Re: The Alhambra.
 

You would be missing a lot if you didn't...


Monasterio de la Cartuja
Museo Arqueologico
The Albaycin Quarter (Old moorish area)
Granada Cathedral (Queen Isabella and Ferdinand are buried here)
Granada bull ring (Not to see a bull fight)

to mention but a few.

There is a lot to do and see in most cities in Spain, sadly a lot of tourists and locals miss some of the good bits in many of them. :)

Re: The Alhambra.
 

and you would think she would know wouldn't you?


What with being Spanish.

Re: The Alhambra.
 

If you are Spanish, but not from Granada, then your opinion about Granada is a tourist opinion.

Re: The Alhambra.
 

if I was a pig and said I was a frog would you think I was a frog or would you trust your eyes and say I was a pig?


What if I croaked like a frog but walked like a pig, snorted like a pig but lived in the water and hopped like a frog?


What then?

Re: The Alhambra.
 

That reminds me my first girlfriend

Re: The Alhambra.
 

The Alhambra is great.

But in the opinion of me and the missus then the Alcázar in Seville just beats it into a cocked hat.
Seville is maybe 2 hours from Estapona and a nice car ride.
The Cathedral in Seville is another site not to miss.
And of course the Tapas there are better than anywhere else in Spain:unsure:

Re: The Alhambra.
 

It's just my opinion and I don't mean to offend anyone but I absolutely hated Granada, I didn't want to elaborate cause it's not fair on the OP, who is excited about visiting. To me it isn't much more than dodgy city full of gypsies selling drugs on the streets and with very little to offer; what there is to see doesn't make putting up with those people and feeling unsafe at all times worth it. I must say, in the same breath, that I am a little paranoid regarding gypsies :o. I'd never go back to Granada if I can avoid it but I would visit the Alhambra or Sierra Nevada any day of the week. The Alhambra is definitely a must see!!

Re: The Alhambra.
 

:rofl:

Re: The Alhambra.
 

You must have problems with most Spanish cities and towns then Anabella :), to be honest anywhere there is tourisim there are problems with thieves and druggies, Granada is no worse than Sevilla, Barcelona and parts of Madrid etc. It would be a shame to scare people off from seeing some great sights for something that is common in most of todays Spain.

The rules are the same while visiting any tourist area of Spain 'or anywhere else for that matter', don't take loads of money and keep you eyes on your bag, wallet and what people close to you are up to and hopefully you should have nothing to worry about. :)

Re: The Alhambra.
 

Paris, Amsterdam, London .... all the same when you look beneath the fascade. Where there are travellers and large populations together there will always be those that want to profit from illegal activities.

Re: The Alhambra.
 

I'm a little surprised SoS hasn't popped in to add a few kind words.

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Either way it'd be an improvement?

But to answer your question - and based on the evidence - I'd say you were highly more likely to be a pig.

Re: The Alhambra.
 

Paranoid indeed. (SNIP):) Granada is one of the very safest cities I have lived in. It's extremely rare that people find trouble, or feel threatened here. People do occasionally get mugged - it happens in any tourism hot spot. I can name several other Spanish cities that are far more intimidating and it's got nothing whatsoever to do with gypsies.

Tickets to The Alhambra;

A certain amount of tickets are allocated everyday for 'on the day visits'. Not sure exactly how many, but if you're prepared to queue from 7.30AM you are virtually guaranteed entry on the day regardless of time of year. You are told what time you can visit the palaces (often mid afternoon) but, you can still quite easily kill Four, or Five hours in the General Life gardens and other areas of The Alhambra. Treat yourself to an excellent meal at the Parador maybe.

For those booked into hotels whilst staying in Granada it's often well worth asking at reception for help getting a ticket. The receptionists brother may well know someone who's sister knows a guy who's aunt knows. Spain innit!