Alhambra Granada Location, Directions & Traveler Tips
Alhambra Granada Location, Directions & Traveler Tips
Explore Alhambra with our informative guide, providing details on its location, directions, and helpful traveler tips. Discover the most convenient routes to reach this iconic landmark and familiarize yourself with essential tips to ensure a seamless and memorable stay.
Also get acquainted with our considerations for visiting the palace and fortress complex with your children and the options available on site for visitors with reduced mobility.
Alhambra Granada Location
- Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, Centro, 18009 Granada, Spain
- Find on Google Maps: Alhambra Granada Location
Directions: How to Get to the Alhambra, Granada
The best options to reach Alhambra are to either walk or take the bus. If you have followed our advice and purchased your ticket online in advance, you can use the Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Justice) entrance in both cases.
Find the various transport options listed below:
On Foot:
Walking will allow you to appreciate the natural and artistic beauty of the surroundings, which might go unnoticed when using public transportation. The most beautiful and historically interesting walk is the one that starts from Plaza Nueva and goes along Cuesta de Gomérez. The stroll takes about 15 minutes. The path leads uphill with a difference in altitude of around 230 feet. On the way you’ll pass Puerta de las Granadas, the gate that marks the beginning of the Alhambra’s avenues leading to Puerta de la Justicia, the entrance to Alhambra.
However, the footpath to the entrance pavilion to the Alhambra, which you have to head for if you don’t have tickets, is not recommended because it leads even further uphill and takes much longer. It’s much better to get to this entrance by bus.
By Bus:
The bus stops to both entrances are in immediate vicinity. To get to Puerta de la Justicia, take bus line C30 or C32 and get off at the namesake bus stop and walk just 130 feet to the gate. Same lines will also take you to the entrance pavilion. To get there, jump off at Alhambra – Generalife 2 stop and walk 360 feet to the pavilion.
> Bus line 30 route map: Click here to see the route map
> Bus line 30 stops: Click here to see the stops
> Bus line 30 schedule: Click here for the schedule
> Bus line 32 route map: Click here to see the route map
> Bus line 32 stops: Click here to see the stops
> Bus line 32 schedule: Click here to check the schedule
> Fares: Visit this website to check the public transport fares
By Car:
Another alternative is of course to arrive by car. However, we advise against this option because, on the one hand, the parking spaces can be full, especially in high season, and, on the other hand, they are not necessarily cheap.
There are paid parking spaces near the entrance pavilion 564 (P1 to P4). They are located on the Camino Viejo del Cementerio. There are 64 spaces available for caravans on the Camino Tramo de Unión.
>> Click here to see the Location of parking lots and parking fees
The most convenient route for getting to Alhambra by car involves utilizing the southern ring road, as the city center imposes restrictions on private vehicles. Navigate southward along the Granada ring road (Circunvalación de Granada – N-323 / A-44) and follow the signage directing you to the “Alhambra” (Ronda Sur A-395).
Upon reaching the Serrallo Tunnel, stay on the left side of the road and take exit 5A. Follow the left turn at the roundabout and proceed along Avenida Santa María de la Alhambra. Continue straight on Camino Viejo del Cementerio until you reach the Alhambra parking lots.
Accessibility at Alhambra
The Alhambra is partially wheelchair accessible, meaning you can visit and enjoy many areas despite some limitations. Here’s a breakdown:
Accessible Areas
Main Entrance: Puerta de la Justicia is accessible, and assistance is available for boarding the shuttle buses to Generalife and Alcazaba.
Gardens: Most gardens, including Generalife, Partal, and Cypress of the Queen, have accessible paths with varying slopes and textures.
Palaces: Some areas of the Nasrid Palaces are accessible, like the Court of the Myrtles and the Comares Palace courtyard. The Palace of Charles V has an accessible entrance and elevator.
Exhibitions: Most temporary exhibitions are accessible.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available in various locations.
Limited Accessibility Areas
Nasrid Palaces: Most of the interior spaces, including decorated halls and rooms, are inaccessible due to narrow doorways, stairs, and uneven floors.
Alcazaba: The fortress itself is primarily stairs and uneven terrain, with limited accessible areas.
Water features: Some fountains and pools have limited accessibility due to steps or uneven edges.
Additional Information
Free wheelchair service: The Alhambra offers a free wheelchair loan service upon request. Book in advance to ensure availability.
Assisted tours: Guided tours specifically designed for visitors with reduced mobility are available.
There is a modified route available for the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and wherever feasible. Wheelchairs are provided for these tours.
Free sign language guides in Spanish and English are available in the entrance pavilion next to the ticket office.
15 Traveler Tips for Visiting the Alhambra Granada
To make the most of your visit to Alhambra, consider following recommendations.
1. Purchase your tickets in advance
Book your tickets online to avoid long lines at the ticket office.
Important note: Due to capacity restrictions, entry to the Nasrid Palaces is limited to the time stated on your ticket. If you do not enter within the specified time, you will forfeit your visit to this section. If your entry to the Nasrid Palace coincides with the final passage (one hour before closing), it is advisable to explore the Generalife and the Alcazaba earlier, as the tour of the palaces takes at least an hour.
2. Arrive early: Beat the crowds by aiming for opening hours or late afternoon. Weekdays generally see fewer visitors than weekends.
3. Pack comfortably: Walking shoes are essential for exploring the complex grounds. Dress appropriately for the chosen season.
4. Visitor information: There are information points located at the Entrance Pavilion, the Carlos V Palace, the entrance to the Nasrid Palaces, and the service pavilion near Puerta del Vino, providing you with information about schedules, itineraries, access, services and much more.
5. Take advantage of a guided tour: These tours are led by experienced guides, offering valuable insights and information to enrich your experience, ensuring a more comprehensive and enhanced visit. To book such a tour, check out our recommended tickets & tours.
6. Take advantage of an audio guide: If you wish to explore the vast palace complex on your own, an audio guide is your perfect companion. It will undoubtedly enhance your experience by providing detailed information. There are multilingual audio guides available in the Entrance Pavilion (next to the ticket office) and Palace of Charles V.
7. Internet Connection: When exploring the enchanting Alhambra, you’ll be pleased to know that there is Wi-Fi available in certain areas. The Wi-Fi network named “Wi-Fi Alhambra” and the password is “unesco2012”. Feel free to connect and share your awe-inspiring moments online while surrounded by centuries of history and architectural marvels!
8. Local currency: Consider exchanging some cash for smaller purchases; credit cards are accepted in the souvenir shop and café.
9. Cloakrooms: Backpacks, large bags and strollers must be left in the cloakroom in the entrance pavilion or in the service pavilion next to Puerta del Vino.
10. Baby carriers: As you are not allowed to enter Alhambra with a stroller, baby carriers are available at the cloakroom at Puerta del Vino if required.
11. Restrooms: Due to the specifics of Alhambra, restrooms are only available in the following places:
- Entrance pavilion (accessible for disabled visitors)
- Pavilion of Services, next to Puerta del Vino (accessible for disabled visitors)
- Low gardens of Generalife
- Patio de la Sultana in Generalife
12. Gift & Book Shops: There are gift and book shops at the entrance pavilion and the Palace of Charles V.
13. First Aid: Spanish Red Cross health workers provide first aid in the service pavilion next to Puerta del Vino.
14. Allowed
- Personal belongings: Small bags and purses are allowed as long as they don’t obstruct other visitors.
- Cameras: Regular photography is permitted (without flash) unless otherwise indicated in specific areas. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking their views.
- Water bottles: You can bring a sealed water bottle for personal hydration.
15. Not allowed
- Large bags and luggage: Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage must be left in the cloakroom (see #11 cloakrooms).
- Food and drinks: Consuming food and drinks inside the complex is prohibited except in designated areas.
- Smoking: Smoking is strictly forbidden inside the Kasbah except in in designated areas.
- Pets: With the exception of trained assistance dogs, animals are not allowed inside Alhambra.
- Sharp objects: Items like knives, scissors, and other sharp objects are prohibited for safety reasons.
- Tripods and professional photography equipment: Professional photography requires prior permission and a permit from the palace administration. Tripods are generally not allowed.
Additional Points
Respectful behavior is expected from all visitors. Avoid shouting, running, or engaging in activities that might disturb others.
Follow staff instructions and signage placed throughout the complex.
Be mindful of the historical value of the artifacts and exhibits. Touching or leaning on them is prohibited. This also applies to the plants in the gardens.
Do not drink water from the fountains.
Do not lie down on benches or on the grass
Don’t throw away any garbage. Use the designated trash cans and recycle bins.
