Granada – Tips & Suggestions

Alhambra

If you have decided to visit Granada it is very likely that you come to see the Moorish monument of the Alhambra. We strongly support you in that, especially if you have limited time. Cathedrals can be seen anywhere in Europe, but the Alhambra is unique.

We won't repeat the historical and architectural details you will find in your travel guide book, and we recommend to read a bit about the Moorish times in Granada when parts of Spain were ruled by Muslims for many centuries. Nowadays some people still argue that Muslim countries and culture haven't contributed much to the world in their 1400 years of existence. Granada is a good place to see the world with different eyes. After 1400 years of Christianity the Christian countries were still in their dark age of ignorance and intolerance while their Muslim neighbors already had promising periods of religious tolerance and were centuries ahead regarding culture and arts, science, medicine and hygienic standards.

To see the Alhambra we strongly advise to buy tickets in advance. If you want to see only the Generalife, the gardens and the fort, you will easily get a ticket at the entrance. Admission to the Nasrid Palaces, though, is limited (to protect the monument). You could try to buy a ticket that includes the Nasrid Palaces at the entrance, but you would have to be there early in the morning and prepare for a queue, especially during high season. It's better and more comfortable to book a ticket at least one day in advance. You can do so by phone (+34-902 441 221) or online at www.alhambra-tickets.es. The pictures on this page may give you an idea of what you will miss if you don't get a ticket for the Nasrid Palaces.

If you are a romantic come to the Alhambra at sunset. From the walls between the fort and the Nasrid Palaces you have a wonderful view of the sunset beyond the city and of the small white houses and the lights in the Albaicín quarter. For that area of the Alhambra you even don't need a ticket. Just access it at the lower entrance. [ Map: Granada, Alhambra ]

Terrace Café

The hotel Alhambra Palace [ Map: Granada, Hotel Alhambra Palace ] has a small cafe on its terrace overlooking the city and with view of the snow covered mountains. The cafe has moderate prices and is open to the public. Although close to the Alhambra (5-10 minutes walking) it is unknown to most tourists and thus a pleasant place to relax after sight-seeing and to enjoy the view. Best time is in the afternoon sun around 15:00.

El Tragaluz – a culinary melting pot

Granada had been a melting pot of Moorish, Sephardic and Mediterranean culture and lifestyle for many centuries. You can get – literally – a taste of that mix in El Tragaluz, a small quiet family-run restaurant off the main tourists' routes. Located at Calle Nevot 26 [ Map: Granada, restaurant El Tragaluz ] it is just a short walk away from the cafe at Hotel Alhambra Palace mentioned above.

El Tragaluz serves lunch from 13:30 to 16:00 (Tuesday to Sunday) and dinner from 20:30 to 23:30 (Tuesday to Saturday). For Tuesdays and Wednesdays it is recommended to book and check opening times (+34-958222924, mobile +34-687322704). A two-course dinner with some wine is about 25–30 €.

Los Italianos

They have the best ice cream in town – and maybe even better than anywhere in your town. No more big words, just try it and you'll be rewarded. In the city center at Gran Vía de Colón 4. [ Map: Granada, Los Italianos ] Closed in winter.