The Alhambra worth the effort to Granada?
 

I've only got a few days in Madrid (most likely 3 at most). Is the Alhambra worth the time and effort on such a short trip, or would I be better served staying the Madrid area? I want to take a day trip to Segovia, as well as explore Madrid itself. I'm not sure when I'll be back in Spain, and can't decide if I should make the Alhambra a priority or not during this trip.

I would stay in Madrid and enjoy your three days and nights. There just isn't enough time to make the trip.

I'd rather stay in Granada for 3 days, but if you only have 3 days for Madrid then dont' try and be in too many places

If you want to take a day trip from Madrid, I would recommend that you choose Granada, not Segovia. The Alhambra is one of the most amazing sights we saw on our trip to Spain. That said, 3 days is a very short time for Madrid.

I liked the Alhambra better than I like the Alcazar, but that doesn't mean that you would or should.

This isn't the kind of question others can answer for you.

I'm with Robert2533 - too little time to go all the way to Granada. Plus there is so much to see in and around Madrid that it would make much better use of your limited time. FWIW we enjoyed Madrid a lot more than we thought we would. Its a great city - enjoy it !

Granada is too far away from Madrid.

Take 2 full days for Madrid - it is worth it (and more) and take 1 day for a daytrip around Madrid. My first priority would be El Escorial (which can be combined with Avila and/or Segovia).

Ditto what PP said regarding Granada.

Toledo would be my choice for a day trip from Madrid.
Segovia is lovely, but Toledo is more interesting(IMO) .

You can take a virtual tour of the Alhambra (ekscrunchy posted this cool link on another thread):

http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issu....alhambra.htm#

I would rather be in Granada than Madrid. However, I would not take a day away from Madrid to travel all the way to Granada. I would, instead, visit Toledo (or even Seville). Agree with Danon about Toledo. You will enjoy either Segovia or Toledo. Some people like Segovia better - others prefer Toledo. I am in the Toledo group, mostly because of the cathedral.