The Generalife is the Alhambra’s calm corner: the summer palace where the Nasrid kings escaped the bustle of the main palaces to rest among gardens, fountains and water running everywhere. A lot of people rush through it, almost in passing, and that’s a mistake: for me it’s one of the loveliest parts of the whole site, especially in spring. I’ll tell you what to see, whether it’s included in your ticket and when to go to really enjoy it.
What the Generalife is
The Generalife (from the Arabic Yannat al-Arif, roughly “the architect’s garden”) was the sultans’ country retreat, right next to the Alhambra, on the hill opposite. This is where they came to rest, away from the protocol of the Nasrid Palaces. It’s a small, plain palace compared with the Nasrid ones, but what makes it magic are its gardens and the water, which is everywhere.
What to see in the Generalife
- The Patio de la Acequia (Court of the Water Channel): the heart of the Generalife and the image you’ve seen a thousand times. A long, narrow pool with crossing water jets, hedges and flowers down the sides. Pure calm.
- The Escalera del Agua (Water Stairway): a staircase with water running down the stone handrails. A beautiful idea and one of the most original things you’ll see in the Alhambra.
- The Patio del Ciprés de la Sultana (Court of the Sultana’s Cypress): with its pool and the legend of the sultana, Boabdil’s wife. Romantic to the core.
- The upper gardens and the lookout: at the top you get lovely views of the Alhambra and the Albaicín facing you.
Is the Generalife included in the Alhambra ticket?
Yes. The general ticket to the Alhambra includes all three areas: Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba. And if the general ticket is sold out for your date, there’s a “Gardens, Generalife and Alcazaba” ticket (without the Palaces) that does let you see the Generalife. One important thing: the Generalife has no fixed time slot like the Nasrid Palaces, so you can see it at your leisure within your visit. How to choose, in the guide to Alhambra tickets; and the step by step, in how to buy tickets.
The Generalife at night and in summer
At certain times of year there’s a night visit to the Generalife, with the gardens lit up, which is something else. And in summer (June and July) its open-air theatre hosts Granada’s International Festival of Music and Dance, with concerts in a dreamlike setting. More on the night visit, in the guide to the Alhambra at night.
When to go and how to fit it into your visit
Spring is its best moment, with everything in bloom (the Generalife roses are famous), though it’s gorgeous any time of year. As it’s the calmest part and has no fixed slot, I’d leave it for after the Nasrid Palaces, to wind down. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. To see the whole site and where to start, check what to see at the Alhambra and the main guide to visiting the Alhambra.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Generalife at the Alhambra?
It’s the Nasrid kings’ summer palace and gardens, next to the Alhambra, where they came to rest. The best part is the gardens, the fountains and the water everywhere.
Is the Generalife included in the Alhambra ticket?
Yes. The general ticket includes the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba. There’s also a gardens, Generalife and Alcazaba ticket (without the Palaces) if the general one is sold out.
What is there to see in the Generalife?
The Patio de la Acequia (the classic image), the Water Stairway, the Court of the Sultana’s Cypress and the upper gardens with views of the Alhambra.
When is the best time to see the Generalife?
Spring, with the gardens in bloom. In summer there are also concerts of the Music and Dance Festival in its open-air theatre.
Does the Generalife have a timed entry like the Nasrid Palaces?
No. The fixed time slot is only for the Nasrid Palaces. You can see the Generalife at your own pace within your visit.
Planning your visit? You’ve got the main guide to the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces (the jewel, with its exact time slot) and how to buy tickets without the stress.