I have read most of the information available on the process of purchasing tickets for the Alhambra (i.e., Rick Steves, Mirabel's Guide, Trip Advisor) and feel confident that I can complete the ticket purchase online. However, I remain very confused about the time sequences for the visit, seeing the grounds, arriving on time for entry into Palacios Nazaries, etc. Specifically, how much time should I allow to see Generalife Gardens, Charles V's Palace, and the Alcazaba Fort PRIOR to my Palacios Nazaries entry time? The ServiaCaxia website suggests being at the Alhambra 60 minutes prior to the entry time for Palacios Nazaries to get the tickets. If I want to see the other attactions first, will I be allowed to get my tickets several hours prior to my entry time? I would appreciate any help your more experience Alhambra visitors can provide. Assuming an entry time of 12:00 noon into the Palacios Nazaries, when should I actually arrive at the Alhambra to get the tickets (purchased in advance online) and see the other attractions? Many thanks!

ttt

I'm probably not going to be much help, because I went in 2003 when the ticketing was a little different. However, on times spent, I took most of a day to wander around the main section and went back on a second day to review some areas and to see the Generalife.

There is no doubt you could do it more quickly, but I prefer to wander at leisure.

For info, my brief trip report is here: http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/2006/10/alhambra.html

One of my earliest attempts at blogging

hi macinpv,

i too went a few years ago [about 5] so they may have changed the rules, but basically, once you are in the grounds, you are in. the only restrictions are that you have to present yourselves to the entrance to the nasrid palaces within 30 minutes of the time on your ticket [ie if the time shown is 10am you have to arrive there by 10.30] and you can only enter the alcazar fort once, but at any time.

we had tickets with 10 am on them so we got there early, [about 9] walked through the gardens, went round the fort, and entered the nasrid palace at about 10.15. we spent a good hour there, [you can stay as long as you like] then wandered around the rest of that part of the site for about another hour or so, and grabbed a spot of lunch from the kiosk in the grounds.

finally we followed the route through the rest of the site to the generealife, and spent a couple of hours there, leaving at about 3pm.

that was long enough for us, but you may like longer, as Trav_eller did.

don't forget to book your night-time visit too. we were a bit dubious about it, thinking that it would only duplicate what we would see the next morning, but the atmosphere is completely different - for one thing they let in far fewer people - and the nasrid palaces [the only but they let you into] lit up at night are magical.

have a great trip!

Thank you Trav_Eller and annhig ~ I re-read Maribel's Guide and with your information have it figured out. We will get the late afternoon tickes because I have read that the crowds are smaller. Hope that is true. I any event, I am so looking forward to seeing the Alhambra! Thanks again.

macinpv - if you get an afternoon slot, even a "late afternoon" one, you can enter the site at the beginning of the session [2.30pm from memory] to see the rest of it, before you enter the nasrid palaces at the time given on your ticket.

It takes about 30 min from getting your reserved tickets from the machines at the entrance to the Nazarite Palaces. Generalife Gardens are about 15 min from the main entrance in the opposite direction but it's a long walk from there to the Nazarite Palaces, Charles V Palace and Alcazaba (allow 45 min, lots of steps). Those three are next to one another. I'd only spend about 30 min at Charles V Palace, as there isn't much to see (gallery can be omitted), as the good Alhambra Museum is closed in the afternoon.
Remember you can only enter the ticketed areas once, and only during the stated times printed on your ticket for the Nazarite Palaces.

Thanks Alec and annhig -

Maribel's guide states that you can enter the "grounds earlier, but must wait until 2:00 PM to visit the areas where your ticket is scanned, the Generalife gardens and Alcazaba fortress." What exactly does "grounds" mean? Alec, "It takes about 30 min from getting your reserved tickets from the machines at the entrance to the Nazarite Palaces." What takes about 30 min? The good Alhambra Museum closes at 2:30 so assuming that we can enter the "grounds" earlier than 2:00 PM, would we be able to see that museum since the Charles V is not one of the ticketed venues? Thanks for the information on how long it will take to walk to Nazarite Palaces, Charles V Palace and Alcazaba. It sounds like we should see those areas first and then double back to see the gardens. Is that the best plan? I read in Rick Steves' guide that you can get your pre-ordered/purchased tickets the day before. Is this true?

I forgot to add that we are staying at the Parador on the gronds of the Alhambra. Does this make a difference in terms of walking distance?

Think of Alhambra as a complex of sights, but only three of which require an Alhambra ticket to enter. The ground itself, the area called Alhambra Hill is open to the public, and this includes Charles V Palace, but its attractions have their own opening times and charges (for the Fine Art Museum). You can certainly enter Alhambra Hill any time and visit Alhambra Museum before it closes, then entering ticketed areas from 2 pm. As you are staying at the Parador, why not stroll down to the Arab Bath (may still be closed for restoration), church and Charles V Palace (takes about 5-10 min) in the morning, see the museum on ground floor and art gallery on the top (if you like; small entrance charge like 2 euro, free if you have EU passport; good views of the city from some of its windows). Return to parador for lunch, then explore the ticketed areas from 2 pm. See Alcazaba first (as it's on the western edge), then Nazrite Palaces (depending on what time slot you get), and then make the long, uphill but pleasant walk to the Generalife, stopping to see some decorated towers along the way, before returning to the parador.
Yes, you can walk to the entrance pavillion in the afternoon/evening of the day before, and look out for a separate, glass-covered wooden chalet-type building about 50 yards away where you see a bank of yellow Caixa machines with large touch screens. There is usually someone in blue Alhambra uniform to help out, but just insert the card you used to buy your tickets and they will be printed out. Choose English as language of instruction.

Thank you Alec. Your information is very helpful. We will follow your suggestions!

sounds like you've already got your answers but if you want one more experience here is mine. I chose the afternoon time (you can either enter the grounds in the morning or in the afternoon at 2:00, not sure what time in the morning as we didn't do that) because I wanted a leisurely day and not have to get somewhere in the morning. so, we got there about 1:15 and waited for our time to enter and I do believe they let us in about 15 mins. early. We had a 3:30 entry time for Nasrid Palace. We took the 20 minute walk to the Alcazaba (right next to Nasrid) and explored that for a bit(great views of Granada from up there!). then went over to the Carlos V palace before it was time to enter Nasrid. I didn't read anything about being there 30 mins. early but I think we actually did get in line at 3:00. wandered around the palaces for maybe an hour and by that time we were all too pooped to see the gardens. and we still had to walk back to the entrance to catch a bus back to town. It was also a very hot day and we just were out of steam. If I had it to do over again? I would make my Nasrid entry time later and start in the Generalife gardens. I remember them being quite beautiful from when I was there as a student 30 years ago. and this time I didn't get to see them at all sigh.....I hope this helps. Enjoy!!

however, I did not see the alcazaba 30 years ago so now I've seen the entire thing Plus, 30 years ago the hall of lions was not under construction. I read recently that some time this year that will be done. I just can't remember when. hopefully your timing is such that they are done with the refurbishing and you'll get to see the lions in all their beauty. that was a bit of a let down for me last year. ah well, still was great to be there after all these years.

Hi Tobyo - Thanks for sharing your experiences. I will get the afternoon tickets and a 3:30 - 4:00 pm entry for the Palacios Nazaries as well. We are hoping to enter the general grounds well before 2:00 to see Charles V and the first floor museum. Then at 2:00 pm be at the Alcazaba to wander around inside as well as outside and then head over to Palacios for a 3:30 entry. Leave the Palacios by 5:00 at the latest and head over the Generalife for a stroll hrough the grounds. Do these times sound reasonable? Although I have read that tickets are usually available online 90 days prior, they are not as yet. Has there been a change in the online ticket purchasing?

yep, those times sound reasonable to me. sounds similar to what we had planned too. I'm not sure if there was a change to the online ticket purchasing. but I think you'll still be able to get tickets in enough time before your trip. enjoy!!

Thanks! I will enjoy!