Sites to See...The Alhambra and the Generalife, Granada (Spain)

No visit to Granada would be complete without touring the Alhambra palace that sits atop a hillside overlooking the city. Built in the 14th C. as the primary residence of the Nasrid Sultans, it is one of the most famous examples of Moorish architecture, and the most popular tourist attraction in all of Spain.

Set aside a few hours to visit the various parts of the palace, including the Alcazaba (military fortress), the Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces), and the Generalife Palace and Gardens. The Alcazaba provided defense for the royal family, and is the oldest part of the complex, dating from the 9th C. You will marvel at the handiwork of the Moorish craftsmen that produced the most exquisitely decorated function rooms, courtyards, fountains and patios found in the Palacios Nazaríes. The smaller Generalife Palace served as the summer retreat from the main palace, and is known for its lush gardens.

Tickets for the Alhambra can be bought at the ticket office, but due to the high demand for tickets and the restricted number of visitors allowed per day, advance ticket purchase is recommended.

For more information on types of tickets available and for online purchase of tickets, visit Turismo de Granada

Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife

• C/ Real de la Alhambra s/n
• Granada, Spain
• Phone: (902) 441 221
• Web: La Alhambra y el Generalife

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Itinerary Suggestion: An Introduction to the Treasures of Spain I

 

 

First time visitors to Spain will often ask us where they should go or what they should see on their first visit to the country. This is a difficult question to answer, as Spain is so very rich in history and culture that it is impossible to do more than just skim the surface on any one trip. That’s why we recommend that people plan to visit Spain more than once, and on each trip they can concentrate on a specific area so that they can truly appreciate the beauty of the treasures that abound.

A good way to get a quick introduction to the people, the culture and some of the country’s most iconic cities and sites is to follow this 8 day 7 night itinerary. It is designed to give travelers an overview of some of the most significant sights to see. Once you’ve had this overview and gain some insight into what Spain has to offer, you are sure to return, and hopefully you will be able to incorporate time in your itinerary, outside of the sightseeing, to experience those intrinsic things that make Spain – and its people – uniquely special. Spaniards have a unique love of life and appreciation for living life to its fullest, and this can be seen in the simplest activities they enjoy, such as taking an evening stroll through town, meeting friends and going for tapas, or sitting in an outdoor café and watching the people go by.

This first itinerary begins in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and takes you to the enchanting Andalusian cities of Seville, Córdoba and Granada, where you can visit some of the country’s iconic sites, including the Cathedral of Seville (world’s largest Gothic cathedral and burial place of Columbus), the Mezquita in Córdoba (8-10th C. mosque that was converted into the Cathedral of Córdoba), and the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace). 

• Day 1: Arrive in Madrid in the morning; sightseeing in the afternoon
• Day 2: Sightseeing in Madrid
• Day 3: Sightseeing in Madrid
• Day 4: Leave early in the morning. Drive (400 km) or take the high-speed AVE train (2.5 hours) to Córdoba; sightseeing in Córdoba
• Day 5: Take morning AVE train to Seville (45 minutes); sightseeing in Seville
• Day 6: Morning sightseeing in Seville. Depart in afternoon to Granada (about 3 hours by car, bus or train)
• Day 7: Sightseeing in Granada
• Day 8: Return to Madrid for trip home (4 hour drive or train ride, or a 1 hour flight)

Information on what to see and do, and where to eat in these cities can be found on our website or on our blog. Simply search by city.

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Time to Save…Granada Card (Spain)

 

 

 

The Granada Card provides direct access (one visit only) to the Alhambra, Generalife, Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Monastery of Cartuja, Monasterio San Jerónimo, and the Science Park Museum, without having to stop at the Ticket Office. Exact date and time for entrance to the Alhambra has to be chosen at time of purchase, and is subject to availability.

The card also includes limited free trips on city buses, and a 24 hour ticket for the Granada city sightseeing tour bus. 

You can purchase the Granada Card from the Granada City Hall, the Science Park Museum, at certain branches of the Caja Granada Savings Bank, or online from Caja Granada. For more info on the card click here

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Checking In....Alhambra Palace Hotel, Granada (Spain)

The Alhambra Palace is a 4-star hotel that is located on the Alhambra hill. It was inaugurated by His Majesty the King Alfonso XIII in 1910, and is just a five minute walk to the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace) and the Generalife (summer palace & garden retreat).

The hotel offers Standard rooms, some of which have balconies and sweeping views of the city, as well as Garden Suites, which have sitting areas and a separate bedroom.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On the Menu...Restaurante Oliver, Granada (Spain)

After visiting the treasures of the Cathedral, take a short walk to Restaurante Oliver to sample the delicious local cuisine. You can take in the ambiance alongside the locals who frequent this restaurant and make a meal of the many savory tapas (small appetizer portions) served in the bar area.

If you prefer a more leisurely meal, you can sit in the dining room or terrace area and enjoy some of the specialties on the menu, including Andalusian gazpacho, mixed seafood paella, lamb chops, or one of the many fish dishes.

The wine list includes selections from the famed wine regions of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as some local wines from the Granada region. Be sure to finish off your meal with a homemade dessert, such as rice pudding, flan, or a popular Andalusian dessert called tocino de cielo (heavenly treat) made from egg yolks and sugar.

Plaza Pescadería, 12                Phone: (958) 262 200
Granada, Spain                       Web: Restaurante Oliver

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Hot Deal: Hotel Alhambra Palace

ILC is proud to announce a special deal for booking a stay at the historic Hotel Alhambra Palace. Inaugurated by His Majesty the King Alfonso XIII, this 4-star Moorish castle-style hotel was built in 1910 and is located on the Alhambra Hill in Granada.

The property is a short 5 minute walk to the Alhambra palace (built in the 13th century) and the Generalife summer palace and garden retreat. It's also a 5 minute ride to the city center, which includes Capilla Real (a royal chapel), a 16th century cathedral, Albaicin (old Moorish quarter), the Archeology Museum and the Sacromonte.

Rates for this hot deal start at €150.00 + 7% Iva tax, per night (based upon double occupancy).

Click here for more information.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.