when to visit the Alhambra
 

First off, we just got back from a long weekend in Nice, and loved every minute of it. We stayed at a wonderful 4 star hotel in the center of town called the Hotel Park. <BR> <BR>Here's my question. We going to Spain in 2 weeks. When is the best time of day to visit the Alhambra? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

Steve, <BR>The Alhambra shouldn't be too crowded in two weeks; it's terribly, terribly congested during the summer months and also during school breaks (Xmas, Easter). If you want to see the Royal Apartments before the tour busses start rolling in, purchase your tickets for an early, morning slot. We purchased ours for 9-9:30, went in prompty at 9 and while we didn't have the rooms to ourselves, we arrived at the Patio of the Lions while we were still able to take photos without being in everyone's way.

You picked a great time to go to Granada--Andalucia is amazing in the springtime. <BR> <BR>At this time of year, crowds should not be a problem. I would plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Alhambra, maybe late morning-midday? Also, you should check to find out if they close for siesta (typically 2-5). <BR> <BR>If you get a chance, you should go to the Albaicin--the view of the Alhambra is stunning and would probably be lovely at sunset.

We'll be in Spain mid April and Alhambra is on our list. Will we be disappointed as to time restrictions if we join a tour from Torremolinos area? Have been trying to figure out the train TT and it looks pretty complicated .. need to take 3 different trains just to get to Grenada? Anyone done this?

For Steve: <BR>The Alhambra is open in April from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. It doesn't close during siesta in winter or in high season. The first timed 1/2 slot for visiting the Nazari Palace (Royal Apartments) is 8:30-9:00 (not 9-9:30, as I mentioned in another post). The box office opens at 8. More info in English at www.alhambra-patronato.es <BR>For Anne: <BR>From Torremolinos organized bus tours are available to Granada for a visit to the Alhambra and the Cathedral and Royal Chapel downtown (burial place of Ferdinand and Isabella), or from Malaga (short train ride from Torremolinos) you could take a public bus to Granada-the trip should take about 2 hrs. (I've never gone by bus to Granada from Malaga, only to Nerja, but there should be about a dozen daily departures).

To the top!

I'm so glad you loved Nice. There's a place I think is vastly underrated. If you're going to be in Seville, plan to spend a morning wandering around the Alcazar. There generally are not a lot of people there, and you can wander the beautiful old moorish palace and especially the garden with its splashing fountains and romantic little nooks to your heart's content. It's marvelously evocative.

For carol - underrated is a great word for Nice. It's a beautiful, clean city with lots to do and see. (...and I love Italy too!) <BR> <BR>For mirabel - thanks for that information. Actually, I'll be there right at the end of march, but i believe the hours are the same as in April. Regarding tickets, I plan to call before we leave and order them before we leave. I have a number to call and talk to someone in English. Anybody else done this?? <BR>BTW, here's the number - 0034-913745420. (I haven't tried it yet.)