WORDS & PICTURES: Yannic Hannover
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Yes, I admit it: we were too late. After me and my girlfriend spent the morning taking in some much-needed sleep – which we were missing due to our very late arrival in Granada, Spain – we only managed to arrive at the Alhambra after midday. And this is too late. Too late, at least, to gain entry to the Nasrid Palace and Garden, which is considered the crown jewel, the centrepiece, THE place to see at the Alhambra park. Well, what can I say? Shame on me. The Alhambra, the fortress and palace that mainly date back to the 13th and 14th century, is nowadays considered one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in Spain. During that time, it was at some point deemed the royal palace of the Emirate of Granada, which happened to be the last independent Muslim state in Western Europe.
The Moorish architecture can still be seen and admired at many of the sites. Gigantic gates with beautiful engravings, enormous walls, and neatly-designed patios exist in such opulence that you can’t help but feel like you are walking around an extremely well-designed movie set. As a more than apt soundtrack, little streams make their way through the park. All of the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, rightfully, is one of the most-visited tourist sites in Spain. So, add some camera-clicking to the soundtrack as well, and there you have it.
As you can guess, you still have plenty of sites to visit aside from the Nasrid Palace, such as the Alcazaba: the old fortress and actually the oldest part of the whole Alhambra, as well as the Courtyard of the Palace of Charles V.
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In general, if you think you have seen everything in the Alhambra, you are probably wrong! But if you feel like continuing anyway, you don’t have to walk much further until you reach the next gem around the corner. While others might still stand waiting in a line, make your way towards the garden Carmen de los Mártires. Palm tree lovers will especially appreciate the Mirador del Carmen de los Mártires (and your Instagram followers will appreciate it, too), where, besides some dreamy fountains and wild peacocks, you can catch breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and, while standing in the bright sun under the palm trees, spot the mountaintops covered with snow in the near distance.
Once you’re done pinching yourself to check if these places are all real, and you are, in fact, in the here and now, take a walk into the old town of Granda. On the way down, make sure to check out as many of the small streets with incredible views as possible. And take pictures: because if you later try to describe this place, people will not get it.
When you are looking for a place to stay the night (so that at least YOU can make it in time for the Nasrid Palace, once you’ve reserved your tickets in advance), check out the Hostel Vita which also offers very comfortable private rooms for two people. And if you are craving a coffee or a little snack from all the walking and all the unforgettable views you’ve just seen, stop by Dulcimena Coffee & Go – they are awesome.
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It is said that, back in the day, Moorish poets described the Alhambra as “a pearl set in emeralds,” and I would agree with that. Instantly. 100%. While I am sure that the city of Granada has even more in store for people who would like to stay longer, and immerse themselves even deeper into the rich history of the city and the region, I can already conclude that it took no more than a day to make me a true fan.
