Alhambra

The Alhambra with its Generalife Gardens takes a complete day to visit. The ticket booths open at 9 am and it is handy to be there a few minutes early to avoid lines. Alhambra comes from the Arabic name “Red Fort” and, although it is red, its somewhat plain exterior belies the richness and elegance of its interior. After your visit to this magical place, we are sure you will agree with the poet Francisco de Icaza who, after experiencing the Alhambra and then seeing a blind beggar, wrote: Dale limosna, mujer, que no hay en la vida nada como la pena de ser ciego en Granada; meaning “Give him alms, woman, for there is no greater tragedy in life than to be blind in Granada.” Look carefully to see a plaque with this inscription set into the Torre de la Vela on the palace grounds.