The Generalife is the summer retreat of the Nasrid rulers, set on the Cerro del Sol hill beside the Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia. The word comes from the Arabic Jannat al-Arif, usually translated as the garden of the architect. The estate was built in the early 14th century under Muhammad III and Ismail I, and the gardens are laid out in terraces with water as the main feature. The Patio de la Acequia has a long canal lined with jets of water, hedges and flowerbeds, and a pavilion at each end. A water staircase, the Escalera del Agua, carries a channel down the handrails between laurel trees. The upper terraces give views of the Alhambra towers and the Albaicín. Orchards, cypresses and rose gardens are laid out beside them, and the planting is changed with the seasons. A full circuit takes about an hour. The site is part of the same UNESCO World Heritage listing as the Alhambra and is included in every Alhambra ticket, so timing is not fixed, unlike the Nasrid Palaces.
| Admission | Included in the general Alhambra ticket (about €21 / ~$24.15) and the Gardens ticket (about €13 / ~$14.95) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Same hours as the Alhambra (Apr–Oct 08:30–20:00; Oct–Mar 08:30–18:00) |
| Typical visit | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon in spring for roses and irises in bloom; early morning in summer |
| Getting there | A 10-minute walk east of the Palace of Charles V along the Paseo de los Cipreses; the Alhambra minibus stop is at the Generalife entrance |
| Address | Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n (Generalife entrance), 18009 Granada, Spain |
Location
Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n (Generalife entrance), 18009 Granada, Spain
37.1770, -3.5858 View on map
Highlights
- Patio de la Acequia with its long canal and fountains
- Escalera del Agua with water running down the handrails
- Upper terraces with views over the Alhambra and the Albaicín
- Roses, irises and orange trees in seasonal bloom
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Generalife first and finish at the Nasrid Palaces on the late slot
- Take the Paseo de los Cipreses between the two areas
- Bring a hat and water in July and August
- Spring weekdays have the fullest bloom
- Photography is allowed; tripods need permission
When to visit
Late April to early June for roses and irises; late afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups.
Accessibility
Mostly flat paths with a few steps; most of the gardens can be reached by wheelchair via the adapted route, but some stairs and gravel sections are difficult.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Generalife included in the Alhambra ticket?
Yes. All general and Gardens tickets include the Generalife, with no extra timed slot.
How long should a visit take?
About an hour for the gardens and the pavilions.
Is the Generalife open at night?
Not normally. Night visits cover the Nasrid Palaces on selected evenings; check alhambra-patronato.es.