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Best Views of the Alhambra at Sunset

We will be in Granada for three nights in May. Our first evening will be at the Alhambra, the second will be a food tour, and we're wondering as to what to do on our last night in order to get a good view of the Alhambra. There are five of us (5 adults) and at least one of us is not as fit as the others. We're all willing to walk, but there may be limits as to how exactly how much of a hike that one person is willing to do, if you know what I mean. My thoughts are:

  • Sacramonte - too much of a hike?
  • Mirador de San Nicholas - too crowded, but if the view is good and we get there early, will it be fine?
  • I'm leaning towards making dinner reservations at one of the restaurants with a view - the only drawbacks are that many reviews say that they're overpriced and overrated, that one is really paying for the view. We would love a nice dinner, but we don't want to pay far too much.

I would greatly appreciate any of your suggestions. Thank you so much.

Posted by
134 posts

Hello, In 2014 we took Rick's Spain Tour and had dinner one night with a fantastic view of the Alhambra. I don't remember the name of the restaurant and, as far as cost goes, it was included with the tour, so I have no idea what the cost was, but the food was delicious. You might call Rick's office and ask the name and then Google it for more information. If you'd like to see the view, our scrapbook of the trip is linked to this site under scrapbook archives. Click on 2014, Spain, Theresa and William Barr. There are two pages with photos of Granada. Have a great trip, I know you will love Spain.

Posted by
212 posts

we did go to the Mirador San Nicolas and used the electric bus to get there. It is a little run down and there were certainly rather a lot of people but it was great fun, everyone was happy to be there and the view is awesome. There was music and little kids running around. We then walked down hill maybe 5 minutes to http://www.abenhumeya.com/en/ for dinner. The food was delicious, lovely and interesting, beautifully presented, the surroundings were gorgeous and of course there is that view. I have no idea what your definition of paying too much is. I would think all in the bill would be in the range of 40-45 Euros each … less if you had no starter and drank water.

Posted by
4526 posts

What about doing what Rick used to suggest - which is have an overpriced drink at the bar on the Mirador for sunset and go elsewhere for dinner? However, depending on the date, sunset might be late for some diners...https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/spain/granada?month=5&year=2019
Personally, the night at the Alhambra offers a whole lot of beauty and ambience in itself. You will see it as you travel up and back, and may even be there to see sunset over the mountains and city from the lookout. I stayed in the lower Albezin area and saw the Alhambra at night fairly often.

Posted by
1936 posts

I visited the Mirador at dusk and it was a bit crowded but fun and great views. I'd actually eat at a restaurant down in the center. IMO, the restaurants with views were not worth the price.

Posted by
183 posts

Thank you all!

Kate, 40-45 euros each sounds okay. I guess what I meant to say are restaurants that are much more than that, the super-swanky types, the ones that one has to dress up for. We won't have the right clothes! LOL! So, we'd prefer somewhere that we can dress nice, but not too over-the-top.

Heather, that's my concern also. We don't want to mainly be paying for a view. If I'm paying 45 euros per person, the food should be worth it also. Some of the reviews of the places didn't impress me much at all.

Posted by
687 posts

We also ate at Carmen Aben Humeya last April and I would highly recommend it. Fantastic view, really good food, elegant but not over the top (you would not need to dress up, just be presentable — the wait staff wore jeans). I think our bill for 5 people was around 230 euro. It is near the bus stop for the Mirador San Nicolas, so not a lot of walking. A reservation would be a good idea since it can get crowded.

Posted by
5188 posts

If you're looking for a great place to view the majestic Alhambra at sunset, consider going to El Huerto de Juan Ranas (right across the street from San Nicolás mirador) and sit on the open terrace by the bar. My mom and I enjoyed an early dinner, and a delicious cheesecake for dessert.

Do get there early as this place fills up quickly.

You can also go to the restaurant, by the same name, located a few steps down the street from the terrace bar, but the prices are more expensive. [You may also need reservations for this restaurant]

You can take the C31 Minibus from Plaza Nueva (city center) to Plaza San Nicolás, or a Taxi.
Once you get off the Minibus you’ll need to walk uphill a very short distance to the mirador.

Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
183 posts

Thank you again, everyone.

Having gone through all the options, the family has decided (and I'm perfectly fine with it), to go with Heather's suggestion. We'll enjoy the view and figure out our options from there.

Posted by
372 posts

There are a few outdoor patios down near the Darro river that would look up at the Alhambra. Just below the Albaycin area. Easy walk from the Plaze Nueva. We didn't eat there, but a possible option?

Posted by
1189 posts

Hi from Ronda,
View of the Alhambra...Mirador San Nicholas...not my cup of tea.
Try, Emita San Migel Alto. It puts the Sierra Nevadas behind the Alhambra, and is higher so you get a bit better view. It is a walk. Closest I got was bus C34 and then a hike uphill.

Wayne iNES

Posted by
183 posts

Thank you, Kathleen and Wayner.

I'm taking notes of everyone's suggestions, while also getting more and more excited for our trip!