La Alhambra – a World Heritage Site which hardly requires any introduction.
It is one of the most iconic monuments of Spain’s Islamic past surviving in the western world.
Any traveler to Granada will no doubt be paying a visit to the Alhambra – for the towers of the mighty defense fortress the Alcazaba; the delightfully manicured gardens of the Generalife bursting with plants and fountains; and of course the breathtaking Moorish architecture of the grand royal Nasrid Palaces.
After touring the immense and inspiring palace compounds, why not take a step back to admire the palace in its entirety at your own leisurely pace.
All the best viewpoints are undoubtedly situated in the Albayzin area (Granada’s old Muslim quarter), which is seated on a hill and separated from the Alhambra by the river Darro.
These are our recommendations on exactly where you can get the most spectacular views of the Alhambra:
Mirador San Nicolás
Here you will get the best view of the Alhambra from the highest vantage point at no charge.
There’s a great view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range (aka skiing paradise) as well.
As such, this spot is really not such a well kept secret.
You can definitely expect a constant lively atmosphere as the square is crowded with buskers, vendors, tourists and lovebirds alike.
El Huerto de Juan Ranas
We were here on a winter afternoon.
The outdoor bar is not open at night in the Winter as it could get chilly in the seating areas.
This is the highest point other than the Mirador San Nicolás for unobstructed views of the Alhambra.
If jostling for photo opportunities at the Mirador is not your thing, it’s a good idea to come here, relax with a drink, and take as many photos as you want.
Go early to avoid disappointment. They do not take reservations for the terrace seating.
Las Tomasas
This is our personal favourite.
Starting at the top of the stairs, which leads down into the restaurant, there’s a fantastic view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada peaks to the left and sweeping views of the city of Granada to the right.
Not many people know of this little hideaway but it is the perfect selfie spot not far from the revelry at the Mirador San Nicolas.
We chanced upon this charming place one afternoon and knew that we had to make reservations for dinner here.
There is the Alhambra in the day, then there is the Alhambra at night.
Glancing out through the large windows you can see the Alhambra serenely sitting on the hilly outcrop and lit up, giving it an enchanting look completely different from in the daytime.
Dinner here is very reasonably priced considering the awesome view and incredible quality of the food.
First there was the free tapas (sweet minced tuna pie) with our drink – characteristic of Granada but still unexpected since this is a restaurant and not a tapas bar.
The grilled octopus and acorn-fed Iberian pig with baked brie and fruit compote were delicious.
To quote the maître d’, “In Winter, only indoor seating is possible”.
But you’re still free to wonder to the terrace to get even better photos.
Mirador de Los Carvajales
Los Carvajales is the less boisterous little brother of San Nicolás.
It does offer a lower vantage point but still manages a complete view of the Alhambra.
As we were gazing out from the towers of the Alcazaba towards the Albayzin, we could spot both the San Nicolás and Los Carvajales Miradors.
The Los Carvajales is a quaint and quiet little square – particularly nice in the morning.
Hotel Casa Morisca
If you would like to experience staying in a Casa with design elements similar to what you see in an Alcázar, this is the place for you.
There’s a fountain in the courtyard.
And in the rooms there’re coffered ceilings engraved with ornamental design and Arabic inscriptions, and even elaborately adorned stucco arches.
In Room 8, we could recline comfortably on the bed and still get a direct view through a small window of the Alcazaba and the tourists milling around under the hot sun.
Further plus points: the room is large, well furnished, and as mentioned, full of Moorish beauty.
Being softies for rooms with a view, we also stayed in Room 15, which is said to have the best views in the hotel.
The room itself is much smaller (like an attic), with fewer decorative elements; but they’re definitely not kidding about the view.
From here you can peek over rooftops and get a clear view of the entire length of the Alhambra .
Imagine falling asleep with the soft ethereal glow of the Alhambra as your nightlight.
What more can we say?
Voyage Grande 