Alhambra advance tickets - how far in advance?
 

How far in advance do tickets sell out? I'm still sorting out flight times and travel details through two other stops before I get to Granada. That said, Alhambra is the main reason for my venture to south western Spain. So, if someone here tells me I need to book months ahead, I'm kind of in a bind as I'm going in May. I'd need to take whatever they have and then plan everything else around it.

IF they are sold out, I've read that they have a reserve of same-day admissions. I assume that's still the case (please confirm if anyone has been in 2016/2017) but that queues must start early. How early? Also, I read hotels often have a cache of tickets. Is that true?

Thanks!

I understand it is best to book months ahead, if possible. You might check to see what is available now.

Sorry, I don't know about same-day admissions or when to queue. I hope someone else can jump in with good advice.

I think an email to your hotel is a good idea.

Some tickets (around 800 or so) are set aside for the same-day entry. To get them, you have to queue up at the main Alhambra ticket office, which opens at 8 am. In busy period, which is Holy Week onwards till about November, you need to be in line long before the office opens, and I suggest around 6 am to be sure. The line gets longer very quickly, and by the opening time, it's quite possible for more people to be in the queue than the tickets available.
If all the advance-sale tickets are gone and you don't fancy lining up from the crack of dawn, Granada Card gives you guaranteed entry into Nasrid Palaces (you specify the date and time when you buy), general Alhambra entry and some other attractions in the city plus some transport tickets. Costs 37 euro. http://en.granadatur.com/granada-card

Thank you! I'm so used to Italian destinations that aren't so hard to plan for. This info will really help.

KatieLJ - I'm planning a trip in late June/early July and I've found Maribel's guides really useful. Here's the one for Granada, it has a lot of detail on the Alhambra and tickets and such: http://www.maribelsguides.com/mg_granada.pdf

Maribel's guides, thaough useful, are slightly out of date. I'd doublecheck the details -- opening days and hours, ticket costs, etc -- you get from the guide.

Thank you for all the helpful hints!

Buy them today, meaning right away. I bought mine more than two months in advance and I went in late October(less tourists? But there were still plenty!). Better safe than sorry(I doubt if there are many same day admissions tickets available in May.). We also went to Granada mainly because of the Alhambra.