On this tour of the Alhambra's surroundings, we'll see all the spaces that make up this emblematic landmark of Granada which you can visit for free: the Palace of Charles V, the gates of Justice and Wine, the gardens of the Convent of San Francisco, and the archaeological remains of the Palace of the Abencerrajes.
Tour Details
The monumental complex of the Alhambra in Granada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a variety of spaces which can be visited with no ticket. To explore them further, we'll meet at the indicated time at the Polinario Café Bar.
After finding out why this gate has this name, we'll continue our route in the direction of the Gate of Wine. From here, we'll go on a guided tour of the areas in the Alhambra with free access. As we stroll through these spaces, we'll enjoy beautiful scenic views of Albacín, one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Granada.
Additionally, we'll admire from the outside the turrets and walls of the Alcazaba, the 13th-century fortress that protected the palaces of Mexuar, Comares, and the Lions, where the famous stone fountain is found. Although we won't access the inside of the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra, we'll discuss its history and architecture.
We'll continue our route with a visit inside the Palace of Charles V, a Renaissance mansion that was built by the most powerful man in Europe in the 16th century. Did you know that he spent his honeymoon with Isabel of Portugal in the Alhambra?
Right next to the Palace of Charles V, we'll find the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación and the Convent of San Francisco. This Franciscan monastery was built in 1494, 2 years after the reconquest of Granada by the Catholic Kings. We'll stroll through the gardens of this ancient monastery, which is currently a 4-star Parador.
Lastly, after a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes exploring the free access areas of the Alhambra, our tour will come to an end with a visit to the archaeological remains of the Palace of the Abencerrajas, one of the most powerful families in the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
Other Tours of the Alhambra
If you wish to get to know other spaces within the Alhambra which require buying tickets, we recommend the following activities:
