The Alhambra remains open throughout the year, from Monday to Sunday.
During peak months from 1 April to 14 October, the Alhambra opening hours are from 8.30 to 8 pm.
From 15 October to 31 March, it opens at 8.30 am and closes at 6 pm.
Late entry to Alhambra is allowed one hour before the closing time.
Alhambra remains closed on Christmas (25 December) and New Year (1 January).
| Months | Days | Alhambra Palace Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 15 October to 31 March | Monday to Sunday | 8:30 am and 6 pm |
| 1 April to 14 October | Monday to Sunday | 8:30 am and 8 pm |
Alhambra Night Timings
Alhambra has two types of night visits: the Generalife Palace and Gardens and the Nasrid Palace.
You must book a separate ticket to the Alhambra for nighttime visits.
We’d recommend booking it to see Alhambra in the moonlight and the night’s stillness; it’s a magical experience.
Alhambra Gardens Night Hours
Peak season (1 April to 31 May): It operates from 10 pm to 11.30 pm for night visitors.
Transition Season (1 September to 14 October): Nighttime visitors can enter from 10 pm to 11.30 pm. You can visit the Gardens from Tuesday to Saturday.
Off-Season (15 October to 14 November): The Generalife Gardens operates from Friday to Saturday, from 10 pm to 11:30 pm. The Alhambra Gardens remain closed for night visits from 1 June to 31 August and 15 November to 31 March.
| Months | Days | Alhambra Garden Timings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April to 31 May | Tuesday to Saturday | 10 pm to 11.30 pm |
| 1 September to 14 October | Tuesday to Saturday | 10 pm to 11.30 pm |
| 15 October to 14 November | Friday to Saturday | 10 pm to 11.30 pm |
Nasrid Palace Night Visit
Peak Season (1 April to 14 October): The Palace opens its gates for night visitors from Tuesday to Saturday. The visiting hours start at 10 pm and end at 11:30 pm.Â
Off-Season (15 October to 31 March):Â In this season, Nasrid Palace welcomes night visitors from Friday to Saturday. You can visit from 8 pm to 9:30 pm.
| Months | Days | Alhambra Garden Timings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April to 14 October | Tuesday to Saturday | 10 pm to 11.30 pm |
| 15 October to 31 March | Friday to Saturday | 8 pm to 9.30 pm |
Alcazaba Malaga Opening Hours
From April to October, Alcazaba operates from 9 am to 8 pm, with the last entry at 7.15 pm.
In the winter months, from November through October, its hours of operation are from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entry at 5.15 pm.
Alcazaba remains closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
| Months | Alcazaba Timings |
|---|---|
| April to October | 9 am to 8 pm |
| November to October | 9 am to 6 pm |
Best Time to Visit Alhambra
We suggest arriving right when Alhambra opens, i.e., at 8:30 a.m. This is the best time to visit Alhambra Castle, as many tourists arrive at 10 a.m.
You can avoid the intense Spanish heat and bypass the crowds by arriving early.Â
The second best time to visit Alhambra is 3 pm; by that time, most of the crowd has either left or is about to leave.
If you extend your visit long enough, you can witness the breathtaking sunset views from the towers.
Weekdays/ Weekends: Alhambra is quite crowded during the weekend, so we suggest planning your visit around weekdays.Â
Best time of the year: Spring and summer are the best times to visit Alhambra.
During these months, the flowers burst into vibrant bloom and escape the hot sun inside the fortress.Â
Quick Tip
During summer, start the outdoor exploration when the weather is pleasant. Seek the Nasrid Palaces for a fantastic retreat as the day warms up.
In winter, start indoors, and as the sun goes up and it gets warmer, move outdoors to Alcazaba and Generalife. Keep in mind that Nasrid Place is timed.
How Long Does it Take to Visit Alhambra
While it takes three to five hours to explore Alhambra fully, some visitors prefer to spend all day admiring its architecture.
Even then, how much time you’ll take will depend on your pace; if you are a relaxed tourist, you will take longer than someone who prefers a quick visit.
You must note that you also have to walk around 2 miles (3-4 kms) and will have to climb many steps.
We’d advise taking some time to enjoy Alhambra’s wondrous architecture because once you’ve left a complex, you cannot re-enter.
Alhambra Palace FAQs
1. What time does Alhambra entry open?
Alhambra operates from 8:30 am to 6 pm, with the last entry one hour before the Palace’s closing time. Alhambra Castle welcomes its visitors all year except on 25 December and 1 January.
2. What is the best time of day to visit Alhambra?
If you plan to visit in the winter, arriving in the morning is advisable to maximize your time at Alhambra. For those traveling during the summer, spring, or fall season, the afternoon is the ideal time to make the most of your visit.
3. What is the best time to visit Nasrid Palace Alhambra?
It’s best to visit the Nasrid Palaces when the Alhambra Castle opens at 8:30 am. Early visits help you avoid crowds and extreme summer heat. If you’re a photographer, late afternoon offers a warm sunset glow for stunning pictures, but morning and early afternoon are also good options.
4. Is Alhambra Granada open every day?
Yes, Alhambra remains open all year round from Monday to Sunday except on two days, Christmas (25 December) and New Year(1 January).
5. What is the best time of year to visit Alhambra?
The fall and spring seasons are the time to plan your visit to Alhambra. The weather is pleasant during these months, and you will encounter fewer crowds.Â
6. What is the best time to visit the Nasrid Palaces?
The Nasrid Palace is open day and night. Summer (1 Apr to 14 Oct) opens from 8:30 am to 8 pm, with night tours from 10 pm to 11:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. In winter (15 Oct to 31 Mar), its daytime hours are 8:30 am to 6 pm, and night tours are from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.Â
7. Are there any closed dates for visiting the Alhambra?
The Alhambra Castle remains closed for two days- 25 December and 1 January. However, it remains open throughout the year with varying opening hours depending upon the season. Typically, its opening hours are 8:30 am.Â
8. Is it better to visit Alhambra in the morning or afternoon?
Morning visits are best to avoid crowds and have peaceful experiences. As tourists have are yet to arrive, you can bypass the long lines and capture the best moments. If you visit in the afternoon, come around 3 pm. By this time, the major tour groups have either left or are about to leave.
9. What are Ahambra’s closing times?
Alhambra closing time varies depending on the season and the surrounding area. Alhambra Place shuts its doors from 1 April to 14 October at 8 pm. From 15 October to 31 March, the Palace closes at 6 pm. The Palace of Alhambra accepts the last entry one hour before closing.Â
Image: Commons.wikimedia.org
