I was about to buy tickets online for a session at the Alhambra, then thought I would ask you folks:
Of all the sessions, which is the best to visit? We are going to be there mid-week in mid-June. Has anyone done the late night session? Would a late afternoon session be pleasant? Is there enough to see to do a late evening AND a day visit. Is it crazy busy and can you find a quet spot here and there? Any suggestions in the area??
The evening visit only allows you to visit the Nazrid Palaces (the jewel of the place) and the area around the Carlos V Palace, in the same area. You can't wander through the lovely Generalife. I prefer the morning daytime session, since it can get HOT in the afternoon. At night, you get wonderful views of the Alhambra from across the way in the Albaycin neighbourhood....a good place for a romantic dinner (don't forget, Spanish people don't eat until at least 9) and flamenco. The Nazrid palace will provide some quiet spots to sit and reflect....since admission is controlled there, it's not crazy busy inside. And there are some wonderful spots to take a break in the gardens of the Generalife.
The Nasrim Palace is absolutely magical at night.
Look, you are traveling all that way. Splurge. See the Alhambra first at night of the day you arrive in Granada. Then return the next day. That's what we did and it remains the most memorable part of Spain for us.
Two great replies.
I was thinking about the evening and then the morning return. Stop and smell the roses...or oranges...or whatever is there!
The evening dinner and the Alhambra view sounds great, too. So many choices, so few dias.
Thanks
Right next to the Alhambra grounds we stumbled into a huge garden (seemed like it was at least 20 acres, maybe more) called Carmen de los Martires Jardin Monumental Romantico (loosely translated, Carmen of the Martyrs Monumental Romantic Garden).
These gardens were spectacular. Peacocks roamed around, there were fountains, grottos, and statues all over, and the best part was we didn't see another soul for a while - it really felt like a secret garden to us (in fact, for a while we weren't even sure we were allowed to be there). Eventually we saw a maintenance man with a leaf blower and a girl reading on a bench along one of the many paths, but it didn't feel like these gardens were frequented very often (but who knows?), and there was no mention of them in the Rick Steves' Spain 2009 edition we had.
I mention them because you were asking about finding a quiet spot and for suggestions in the area, and we thought they were fantastic. Plus, if you are going to be there during a hot day, these gardens had plenty of shade to cool things down. HERE is a link to some info I found on them through Google. In fact, I liked these gardens more than the Generalife at the Alhambra, but it was the peacocks that helped sway my vote.
Angela-Thank you. That was a great website and I think I will plan an extra day in Grenada. The history is awsome. Adam and Norm had some helpful ideas, too.
Keep those ideas coming!
