In Granada, all roads lead to Alhambra! The city’s star attraction, Alhambra attracts thousands of visitors each day and navigating the large 35-acre complex can prove to be a challenge. Getting inside too can get confusing if you are unaware of which gates can be accessed with your particular ticket. This quick blog will help you get into the complex with ease and without wasting any precious time! Read on to know all about the Alhambra’s entrances.
Alhambra’s location
The Alhambra – a 13th-century citadel and palace complex – is located on the Sabika hill that looms over the city of Granada. It is easily accessible by foot, public and private transport.
Pavilion main entrance
This entrance, located on the far east of the Alhambra, is for visitors who don't have a ticket or need to collect their QR code tickets. It's best suited for people who are arriving by private transport since the entrance is located close to the parking lot.
Head to the ticket office located in the Access Pavilion, a short distance from the Pavilion Main entrance. This entrance is nearest to the Generalife Gardens. Once you enter through the Pavilion Main Entrance, you will have access to the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife.
Tickets sell out fast as there is a restriction on the number of visitors per day. During peak times like weekends and holidays, make sure you arrive early at the ticket office since queues tend to be lengthy.
The Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia)
The Gate of Justice is the entry point for visitors with pre-purchased, QR-coded tickets and is located along Alhambra's eastern wall. This larger-than-life gate was erected by Yusuf I in 1348 and is recognised for its iconic silhouette, marking it as a symbol of the Alhambra. Please note, that there is no ticket booth at the Gate of Justice. Additionally, queues here are typically shorter compared to the Pavilion Main Entrance. The Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V, and the Nasrid Palaces are the nearest attractions to this gate.
Which Alhambra entrance should I choose?
If you have already purchased your Alhambra Palace entrance ticket online, make sure it has a QR barcode. If not, then collect your QR-barcoded tickets from the ticket counter at the Access Pavilion. In that case, the Pavilion Main Entrance is the best way to access the monument.
That said, if you’ve not purchased your tickets beforehand, the ticketing queues at this entrance can be serpentine during peak seasons. It’s best recommended to buy your Alhambra tickets online in advance to save yourself time, money and energy.
Recommended tickets to Alhambra
Getting to Alhambra entrance
You can get access to the Alhambra grounds by any one of the following ways.
By foot:
You can either take the Cuesta de Gomérez or Cuesta del Rey Chico to reach the grand complex.
By bus:
Bus routes C30, C32 and C35 stop at the Alhambra.
By car:
Private vehicles do not have access to the city centre from Alhambra. You will have to take N-323/ A-44 to reach Ronda Sur (A-395). You can access the complex easily from here.
Quick tips for your Alhambra visit
- Backpacks bigger than 40 x 40 cm aren’t allowed inside the monument complex. You will have to leave them in the cloakroom at the main entrance.
- Strollers aren't allowed inside. You can sign up for portable baby packs at Alhambra’s main entrance.
- The use of flash photography and camera tripods is prohibited.
- Food and beverages can only be consumed in designated areas.
- Wheelchairs can be rented at the main entrance pavilion.
- You can access the Nasrid Palace only at the time indicated on your ticket.
- Lockers are available at the Access Pavilion and the building next to the Puerta del Vino.
- Make sure to book your Alhambra tickets in advance, as the entry to Nasrid Palaces can sell out fast.
