When planning a trip to see the famous Alhambra palace and fortress in Granada, Spain, one of the most important things to arrange in advance is your tickets. The Alhambra is extremely popular and often sells out tickets weeks or months in advance. So it’s crucial to book through an authorized seller to ensure you get valid tickets for your chosen date and time.
The Alhambra’s Official Website
The official website for the Alhambra is www.alhambra-patronato.es. This is the only official website sanctioned by the Alhambra and Generalife Trust, which oversees management of the Alhambra grounds. On this website, you can check availability, view visiting hours, and securely purchase entry tickets.
The Alhambra website should always be your first stop when booking tickets. Purchasing directly from the official site guarantees your tickets are 100% valid. You’ll also pay the standard entry fee with no inflated third-party costs. The website is easy to navigate, available in English and other languages, and offers all the ticket types you might need.
One key tip is to create an account and log in before trying to book. This speeds up the process and prevents tickets from selling out while you enter your details. Overall, booking through the official Alhambra website is the safest, most convenient way to get guaranteed tickets.
Authorized Ticket Resellers
In addition to the official website, there are some authorized ticket resellers who can legally sell Alhambra tickets. These include:
- Ticketmaster Spain
- Civitatis
- GetYourGuide
- Tiqets
These resellers purchase ticket allotments directly from the Alhambra itself to resell on their platforms. This means the tickets they offer are legitimate. Prices are often slightly higher than face value due to fees and commissions.
These authorized resellers can be handy when tickets are scarce on the official site. Just be aware of the cancellations policies, as they may differ from the Alhambra’s own policy. Also double-check the fine print to confirm exactly what the ticket includes.
Unofficial Resellers to Avoid
Some key warning signs that an Alhambra ticket reseller may not be legitimate include:
- Prices well above face value
- Claims of “last minute tickets” when the site is sold out
- Requests personal information like credit card details via email
- No physical address for the business
- Poor reviews online
Illegal ticket scalpers have been known to sell overpriced or fake Alhambra tickets outside the entrance. But even more concerning are online scammers running convincing fake ticket websites.
These unofficial resellers often advertise unbelievably low prices to lure in visitors. But the tickets they send are counterfeit or completely fabricated. The buyer only finds out after they arrive and are not allowed to enter. There are countless horror stories of families left stranded this way.
To avoid getting scammed, only use the official Alhambra website or authorized resellers. Do not purchase from companies advertising themselves as “Alhambra ticketing services” or similar, no matter how compelling the deal. And think twice before buying from online marketplaces like Craigslist that have no vetting processes.
When to Buy Alhambra Tickets
Alhambra tickets go on sale three months in advance of the visit date. Here are the optimal times to purchase:
Visit Date | When to Purchase |
---|---|
January 1st | October 1st |
May 15th | February 15th |
September 1st | June 1st |
You can buy tickets up to the last minute, if they are still available. But leaving it late is risky. Weekend slots and certain times of year sell out quickest.
If your dates are flexible, check the calendar to see lower demand days. Avoid Spanish holidays and peak summer months for the best ticket availability.
Picking Your Alhambra Ticket Time
All Alhambra tickets are for a specific one hour time slot. You must enter during the allotted hour, with a four hour stay limit before exiting. When purchasing tickets, consider these optimal times:
- 8-9am – Beat the crowds with the earliest slots.
- 10-11am – See the palace at a leisurely pace before it gets busy.
- 14-15pm (2-3pm) – Stroll through the gardens during the cooler afternoon.
- 16-17pm (4-5pm) – Enjoy spectacular sunset views.
Morning hours tend to be quieter. Afternoons get more crowded but are cooler on hot days. Sunset visits are popular in warmer months.
Ensure your time slot provides enough flexibility for travel delays, long lines at the entrance, and time to leisurely explore. 2-3 hours minimum is recommended. An early morning or late afternoon slot allows a more relaxed Alhambra visit.
Types of Alhambra Tickets
There are a few main ticket types to choose from:
- General Daytime Visit – Access to Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens at a pre-selected time. From €14 online.
- Gardens and Generalife Night Visit – Evening access to gardens only. From €8 online.
- Premium Ticket – Daytime entrance without time restrictions. More expensive but maximum flexibility. From €18 online.
- Guided Tour – Daytime tour with official guide. Various languages available. From €18 plus entry fee online.
For first-time visitors, the general daytime ticket is recommended. It includes the iconic Nasrid Palaces and surrounding grounds. Check the Alhambra website for full details on the different tickets.
Purchasing Your Alhambra Tickets
Follow these steps to securely purchase Alhambra tickets online:
- Visit the official Alhambra website and create an account.
- Search for your desired date and check ticket availability for each time slot.
- Select your preferred entry time then click to view available ticket types.
- Choose your ticket type and enter the quantity needed.
- Enter your payment details and complete the transaction securely.
- Receive your electronic ticket via email to print out or display on your phone.
Make sure to have your ticket confirmation on hand on the day. Printed or mobile tickets are accepted. Tickets must be purchased for children of all ages as well as adults.
If tickets are all sold out for your dates, check back frequently as new releases or cancellations open up availability daily. You can also opt for the Gardens and Generalife only night ticket if day tickets are unavailable.
Insider Tips for Visiting the Alhambra
Follow these expert tips to make the most of your Alhambra experience:
- Book a guided tour – Learn in-depth history from an expert guide and skip long ticket lines.
- Stay at an on-site hotel – Unique lodging options with premium access before opening or after closing.
- Purchase a multimedia guide – Audio tours provide commentary as you explore each area.
- Pack snacks and water – Food and drink prices inside are high – bring your own!
- Get there early – Arrive 30-60 minutes before your time slot to beat the queues.
- Wear comfortable shoes – There is a lot of walking over steep, uneven terrain.
- Visit the Baths first – Start your tour here before it gets crowded later on.
- See the Generalife last – End your visit amid the serene garden landscapes.
Careful planning using the official Alhambra ticket website will guarantee you an unforgettable visit to this iconic Spanish treasure.
Conclusion
Booking directly through the Alhambra’s official website is always the best way to ensure you get valid, guaranteed tickets for your chosen date and time. While authorized resellers are also safe, unofficial scalpers and scammers should be avoided at all costs. Tickets often sell out months in advance, so plan ahead. With your tickets purchased, you can look forward to exploring the incredible Alhambra for yourself!