Allhambra & 8:30am tickets

We entered through the main entrance but don't remember the name of the entrance. For there it was about a five minute walk. We had a 15 minute window to enter so I think you would have till 8:45. Truthfully we decided not to enter until at the end. We had noticed early long lines to go in and the slow shuffle going in. So we waited till near the end and didn't feel any pressure from behind to keep moving.

I don't know that the Justice Gate ever closes. We went through quite early in the morning ( the cats were still asleep on the walls to the side). If you are entering there you must pick up your actual tickets the day before. With an 8:30 entry time, you must go through the collection point at the Nasrid Palace between 8:30 and 9:00. Your ticket is invalid at 9:01. We fretted a bit because they were letting in tour groups and school groups ahead of individuals. It kept getting closer tour close-off time and we were afraid we would not get in, although we had arrived at the line in plenty of time. We finally went through at 9:25 on our 9:00 ticket.

Sandy, Have you printed out your tickets at home, or will you collect them when you get to Spain? I found one of the easiest ways to collect tickets there (Sagrada Familia, Alhambra) is at the La Caixa "super ATM's". If you use that method, you MUST have the credit card that you used to book the tickets. To reach the Alhambra from Plaza Nueva, you can use a Bus, Taxi or walk. The #30 Minibus has a station close to Plaza Nueva, but I'd have to check my notes for more detail. Cost is ~€1.20 each way. If you prefer to walk, it will take about 30 minutes, depending on your speed (keeping in mind that it's uphill). If you want to go directly to the Palacio Nazaries, then the Justice Gate entrance is the closest one. If you'd also like to have a look at the Generalife Gardens (they're beautiful and worth a visit), then use the main entrance and walk to the Palacio (it's not really that far). There's also the Alcazaba, if you're interested. They're very precise about entrance times, so DON'T be late. While in Granada, I'd also recommend the Gypsy Flamenco show at Venta El Gallo, which is in the Sacromonte area. I didn't have dinner there, so can only comment on the show. I was there in June and really enjoyed it. Many of the hotels sell tickets, and they'll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel (or at least close to the hotel). Happy travels!