Alhambra Hours
The Alhambra Palace is open all year, seven days a week, from 8:30 am except on Christmas (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January).
During peak months from 1 April to 14 October, Alhambra’s opening hours are from 8:30 am to 8 pm.
The last admission is accepted one hour before the Alhambra closing time.
| 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 Visit
Three parts of the Alhambra complex are open for night visits: the Generalife Palace and Gardens and the Nasrid Palace.
Night visit to Alhambra generally starts at 9:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
Alhambra Gardens Night Hours
During the Spring season, from 1 April to 31 May, it operates from 10 pm to 11:30 pm.
From 1 September to 14 October, it welcomes its night visitors from 9 pm to 10.45 pm.
You can visit the Gardens from Tuesday to Saturday.
During the winter months of 15 October to 14 November, the Generalife Gardens night timings start from 10 pm to 11:30 pm, Friday to Saturday,
The Alhambra Gardens are 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
You can visit the Nasrid Palace at night from Tuesday to Saturday.
From 1 April to 14 October, the visiting hours for Nasrid Palace start at 10 pm and end at 11:30 pm.
During winter, from 15 October to 31 March, it welcomes visitors from 8 pm to 9:30 pm.
It remains open from Friday to Saturday.
| 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 |
Alhambra Exterior Lighting
A jewel of Granada, the Alhambra Palace, is not just a daytime spectacle.
As the sun sets and dusk turns to night, the palace transforms under the glow of its exterior lights.
From 1 November until 28 February, the palace is bathed in a soft luminescence from dusk until 2 am.
This winter illumination schedule allows visitors to marvel at the architectural beauty under a starlit sky.
As spring arrives, from 1 March to 31 October, the lighting extends until 4 am.
During specific times of the year, including the celebration of Corpus Christi (the Saturday preceding the last Saturday of the event), Easter week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday), and Christmas (from December 24 to January 5), lighting is maintained for 6 hours at least.
| Months | Timings |
|---|---|
| 1 November to 28 February | Dusk to 2 am |
| 1 March to 31 October | Dusk to 4 am |
Alcazaba Malaga Opening Hours
During the summer months of April to October, Alcazaba opens at 9 am and closes at 8 pm, with the last entry at 7:15 pm.
In the winter months, from November through October, its opening hours 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
The best time to visit Alhambra is when it opens, which is 8:30 am.
The crowd starts emerging by 10 am, and the Alhambra can get quite crowded, especially during peak season.
Early arrival can help you escape the intense scorching heat and bypass the crowd.
Another best time for the visit is at 3 pm; by that time, most of the crowd is either about to leave or left.
And if you extend your visit long enough, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset views from the towers.
Weekend or Weekdays: Plan around weekdays; weekends attract more visitors.
Best time of the year: Summer and spring are the best time of the year to visit Alhambra.
During these months, the flowers burst into vibrant bloom and escape the hot sun inside the fortress.
Quick Tip
In summer, first start the outdoor exploration when the weather is pleasant. As the day heats up, seek the Nasrid Palaces for a cool retreat.
In winter, start indoors, and as the sun goes up and it gets warmer, move outdoors to Alcazaba and Generalife. Keep in mind Nasrid Palace is timed.
Alhambra FAQs
What time does Alhambra entry open?
Alhambra opens at 8:30 am and closes at 6 pm, with the last entry one hour before Alhambra’s closing time.
Alhambra Palace keeps open its gates throughout the year except 25 December and 1 January.
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 not arrived yet, you can bypass the long lines and capture the best moments.
If you visit in the afternoon, visit around 3 pm. By this time, the major tour groups have either left or are about to leave.
What is the best time to visit Nasrid Palace Alhambra?
It’s best to visit the Nasrid Palaces right 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.
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).
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, night tours are from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Image: Alhambra-Patronato.es