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Alhambra day trip from Nerja

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My family of 5 will be staying for several days in Nerja and we would like to do a day trip to Granada including touring the Alhambra. We will have a rental car and Google maps says that it takes a little over an hour to get there driving.

What time would you suggest getting Alhambra tickets for? I hope to get my tickets printed in advance but know I may need time for that. Is parking a problem or is it better at certain times? Is there a charge to park there? If it is better to park in town and take local transportation to the palace, we would consider that as well if it makes more sense.

I see lots of pretty pictures of the Alhambra at night but not sure if we should stay until dark since we have to drive back to Nerja in the same day. I'm not sure if the roads are dangerous at all between the two (mountainous, curvy, etc.) so I want to make sure of our safety first rather than driving in the dark just to see the Alhambra lit up!

What other things should we try to do (or will we have time for) in Granada? We have 3 boys - ages 17, 14, and 11 so want to keep them interested. Not sure if they will find the Alhambra boring but if so, want to find other activities that will make Granada memorable for them.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Posted by
6572 posts

The tickets are for entering the palace. Since you're unfamiliar with the area, get the tickets for some time in the afternoon. One can get turned around finding the Alambra, so look at its website for directions for those driving there. There is plenty of parking. That being said, if you're going during the summer it will be very busy and you may not get to park as close as you'd like. It is pay parking. When ready to leave you go to a booth with your ticket and pay. Then go to the exit, insert the ticket, and the arm should raise. From parking lot you'll need to walk uphill for about a quarter mile to arrive at the grounds. Back to your original question; if you find that after you arrive, park, and walk up the hill, you're early, just walk around the grounds and gardens until your palace entry time. If you miss your entry time, you're out of luck. Leave yourself plenty of time. Between Nerja and Granada the roads are all interstates, so they are good roads.

The San Nicolas overlook is nice and probably the best place to take night photos, as is the tomb of Ferdinand and Isabel by the cathedral. The cathedral is nice, but nothing really special. Those are the Granada highlights. In my opinion, it isn't worth hanging out until dark just to get a night photo then have to drive back. After the Alhambra everybody will probably be tired and ready to head back. For the boys, south of Granada is Lanjaron castle not too far off the A44 They might enjoy it more than a cathedral and tomb. It's worth a short stop.

Posted by
2768 posts

I can answer some of this, but not all

The drive between the two is easy but I'd budget more like an hour and a half each way. So for ticket times - book your Nasrid Palace time at least 3 hours after you plan to leave Nerja. 1.5 hours to get there, then you can pick up your ticket and see other parts of the complex before your palace visit. Get to the palace at the appointed time (they are strict!) and see the rest after.

Parking - yes, there is a charge at the Alhambra lot but it's your best choice. Good access from the highway. Granada has restricted driving zones near the center so best avoid it. The Alhambra parking lot also has a bus to Plaza Nueva so you can leave your car in the Alhambra lot and get into town easily.

It is lovely at night, but I haven't driven the return after dark. Roads are good - hopefully someone who has been past dark will know more.

Other things to do - San Nicolas viewpoint, especially at sunset, is lovely. Wandering the Albayzin quarter is great - lots of hidden passages and a kind of funky vibe that teens would like.
The Cathedral and Royal tombs are quite interesting but not as fun for kids.

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