For those of you who have read my previous two blogs you will know what an action packed time we were having during our magical mystery tour of Spain’s wonderful region of Andalucia. Marbella, Mijas, Ronda, Jerez, Cadiz and Seville. How could we possibly top that?
Well our next and final destination was most probably the one for which we had all been secretly waiting. We were heading in to the high country of the Sierra Nevada, to visit Granda and more specifically, the Al Hambra Palace.
The drive to Granada was a couple of hours and as the altitude increased the air temperature became cooler.
Granada is an interesting place; it is not pedestrianised but many of the roads only allow authorised vehicles. So, once you have booked your hotel, ring ahead before entering the town and make sure you take the designated route or else prepare for the fine!
Our hotel was called Sercotel Palacio De Los Gamboa and was located in the centre of town. They were super organized and had provided detailed written instructions from the edge of town, including pictures of landmarks and the correct roads to take. Even with all of that guidance we still had a couple of squeaky bottom moments. Once we had parked the car securely in their underground car park we breathed a sigh of relief, checked in and had a cold beer!
We had arrived early evening and the weather was looking really mixed with dark clouds and intermittent rain forecasted. However, we weren’t going to give in to a bit of bad weather and after all, we do live in Plymouth, where it has been known to suffer its own share of wind and rain.
Given that we only had a few hours of light left we decided to head directly to the Mirador de San Nicolas, which is said to offer one of the best panoramic views of Granada as well as the famous Al Hambra Palace.
It took us a good 30 minutes of slogging uphill to reach the church but it was well worth it. For this particular visit and with the light beginning to fade it was all about getting the best view of Alhambra.
We found a lovely bar called El Balcón de San Nicolás. We only wanted a drink and they welcomed us on to their lovely terrace. Following our Jerez experience we ordered chilled sherry and peanuts and then enjoyed the view of the Alhambra, and what a view!
The best view of Al Hambra from the terrace of El Balcón de San Nicolás.
The best way to enjoy Al Hambra Palace, from a terrace with a glass of chilled sherry.
The next morning we were up early to enjoy an 8.00 a.m. cafe con leche and a pastry from one of the local bakeries. Our hotel had recommended we book a taxi to take us the short drive to the Alhambra. It is only a 5 minute drive but if you decide to walk it will take you a good 40 minutes and it is all uphill. I think it was the best five euros we spent whilst in Granada.
Having been deposited at the entrance to Alhambra, we scanned our tickets and passed through the entry check. Our ticket allowed us to download an audio guided tour. However you needed earphones, which we we had conveniently forgotten and the guide seemed to be eating our phones’ data. So we deleted this and pressed on.
Early morning shadows of Al Hambra.
The Al Hambra Palace is located on a rocky hill, on the banks of the river Darro, protected by mountains and surrounded by forest and stands as a testament to Moorish civilization.
Although originally constructed for military purposes, in the 13th century, after the establishment of the Nasrid Kingdom, it became the royal residence of King Mohammed Ibn Yusuf Ben Hamar (better known as Alhamar). The name Alhambra originates from the arabic meaning red or vermillion. The Alhambra became a Christian court in 1492 when the Catholic Monarch conquered Granada.
We spent almost 5 hours walking around the palace and its grounds. I wholeheartedly recommend you book an early ticket slot in order to avoid the crowds (even out of season it was busy) and as the sun rises so does the temperature.
Alhambra is not a singular palace but an entire complex housing Renaissance and medieval palaces and courtyards, all within one fortress.
We decided to visit the Nasrid Palace first in order to beat the crowds. You have a designated time and they will not let you in before this in order to limit the number of people. This shows proper organisation and provides for a much better viewing experience, unlike the Real Alcazar in Seville.
After the Nasrid Palace we enjoyed the beautiful gardens before visiting the Kasbah, a fortress at the western tip of the Al Hambra complex. A climb to the top of the high tower is very much recommended as the views are superb. Our tour was completed by a climb up to the Generalife which provided spectacular views of the Alhambra as well as Granada itself.
There is plenty online which provides in-depth information about the history of this wonderful complex. From my perspective, it was simply a beautiful walk where my photographer’s eye was constantly treated to image after image. Let me now provide you with a tour of Alhambra through my eyes.
A gentle stroll through the gardens as your enter the complex.
The Nasrid Palace.
I really enjoyed the little details.
The Kasbah.
You guessed it, out with the analogue sat-nav.
Peaceful reflections.
Beautiful architecture and wonderful light and shadows.
The detail in these archways is something to behold.
I waited for 15 minutes to get a clear view for this image.
Can you imagine having this as your home?
Stunning views from the gardens.
A moment of Zen by the Partal.
The gardens are beautifully manicured.
The Palacio de Carlos V - I just loved the light and shade.
The Palacio de Carlos V.
Rooftops of Granada.
The Torre de la Vela.
The view from mid-way up the Torre de la Vela.
View from the top with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
The Generalife.
And through the arched window……..
The Generalife.
The Al Hambra Complex and rooftops of Granada from the Generalife.
Well I hope this gives you a flavour of the beautiful Alhambra. The visit was everything it promised to be and I look forward to going back and visiting it over a couple of days so that I may spend quality time in each area of the complex.
The walk back in to town.
So there you have it, the climax of our Andalucian tour……or was it? Well during the drive back to Marbella we had one last detour. So if you want to see my nerves tested to their limits look out for my next blog “Caminito Del Rey”.
Warmest regards from Plymouth U.K.