As you saw from my Instagram account, we just returned from a trip to Spain. We stayed in Marbella, which is located on the Southern coast of Spain, otherwise known as La Costa Del Sol (the coast of sun). And that it was! It was a great location to soak up the Mediterranean rays, but it was also conveniently located near some of the country’s must-visit spots. One of which, has been on my list for quite some time. Granada. Which means pomegranate and is known for it’s Moorish palace, the Alhambra.
A few things to remember:
- Purchase your entrance tickets for Alhambra on Ticketmaster, prior to your arrival. There is a limit of tickets they sell on a daily basis and once they’ve sold, that’s it. We purchased a general admission ticket and received a confirmation email. It was simple and easy.
- There’s a long line for tickets, ticket pick-up and general questions. I’m talking looong. What no one will tell you is that there is an automatic printer around the corner that you can pick up your tickets by bringing along the credit card you purchased them with. Your welcome!
- Be on time! One of the most photographed parts of the complex is the Nasrid Palace. You need to select a specific time to visit when you initially purchase your tickets. They will only allow you in at the time, so make sure to be punctual.
- While you can get around Granada by foot, there is the free, LAC bus that gets you into the city center where most streets are pedestrian only.
- Most stores and restaurants close during the day for a siesta. Yes, that’s a real thing. While Granada is a tourist destination, make sure to fuel up before the afternoon. Kitchens generally don’t reopen until 8 pm.
We wandered the streets in search of a spot for midday tapas- there are so many to choose from
The architectural details of the city are a happy melange of Roman, Greek, Arabic and even Phoenician influences
The Cathedral of Granada was beautiful and enormous. But beware of the gypsies waiting around to tell you your fortune- they come offering a rosemary sprig and expect to be paid
There were details around every corner- I especially loved this carved door
This linen, cargo wrap-dress kept me cool in the heat. Wearing: Kate Spade Saturday (a recent find from TJ Maxx)
I spy a geometric street light! Amazing. The historic center of Granada is ped-xing only and there is a free-shuttle, LAC (Lìnea de Alta Capacidad), to get you through the city
Five euros and a rosemary sprig later, Petar and I decided to celebrate our fortune full of children (3 to be exact) and love with a photo. Victim of a tourist trap. My purse did smell heavenly for days though
The Moorish influences still exist. Spice racks (including dried cannibus) are sold on nearly every street corner.
We were greeted by this view as we waited in line to enter the Nasrid Palace, one of the most photographed spots of Alhambra. P.S. We were late and had to go back and change our entrance tickets…but it was well worth it
Like I said, well worth it. The details of the Nasrid palace were unreal and the peachy hue of the palace did not disappoint
The courtyard itself, is divided into four parts, symbolizing the four parts of the world. Four water channels irrigate and bring life to those four parts and is intended to be a materialization of Paradise.
These mythical lions represent the 12 tribes of Israel and spout water that brings life and water to the rest of the courtyard
Why don’t you have a seat? This backdrop gazes upon a long pool
I need a door like this in my life
And then there were the gardens… an abundance of orange trees. The smell was divine
Sources of water and lush gardens were a common theme throughout the complex
With this view, a selfie was required
The city captured me- from the architecture and the history to the peaceful gardens and sound of running water. One day was simply not enough!
Make sure to stay tuned for more recaps during the week!
