Location: Province of Granada
Top Things to do in Province of Granada
What to do and see in Province of Granada, Andalucia: The Best Castles
There’s an Arabic inscription that captures the essence of Granada in a few words: “There is nothing so sad as to be blind in Granada.” The perspicacity of this declaration becomes obvious as soon as you penetrate the austere walls of the Alhambra and take in the full majesty of the architecture, carvings and fountains of the Nasrid palaces. Your ticket (which should be bought well in advance following the instructions on the attraction’s website) also affords entry to the Renaissance Palace of Carlos V and to the exquisite gardens of the Generalife. If you are celebrating a special event, or are in the market for a splurge, you can stay in the lovely Parador, right on site. Make your way down into the city via the atmospheric old quarter of the Albaicin, with its tiny craft shops and restaurants, and head for the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. Also plan a visit to the crypt for the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the instigators of Spain’s imperial adventures to the New World and beyond. It’s worth making the short journey out of town to visit the Monasterio Cartuja, a fabulous Carthusian monastery in the baroque style. Admirers of the poet Lorca should make the effort to visit the Casa-Museo Federico Garcia Lorca in Fuente Vaqueros, about 11 miles from the city centre.
Restaurants in Province of Granada
1. Nasrid Palaces
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By stinkwink - Sydney, Australia
In 2017 we already visited Alhambra but weren't able to get a ticket for the Nasrid Palaces. Now, two years later on, we tried again, and it was nearly the second failure. When long months ago the planned holiday in Granada I wanted to buy the ticket to this desired place, the only availability was Nasrid Palaces Private Guided Tour with Tickets Operator: Granada Tours a Pie. 110 euro per person. You can imagine my feelings. Since I'm writing this review, obviously I paid the 220 euros. We had a guide only for the two of us, and this ticket included the Alcazaba and the Generalife as well. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, and told us interesting stories as well. It was a delightful 3 hours, but still, I would prefer something less fancy but for 20% of this money. The Nasrid Palaces were as extraordinary as I expected. Every minute more and more miracles were greeting us. The hall of the two sisters with its stunning ceiling, the Tower of the ladies with its reflecting pool, the Hall of the Kings (Sala de los Reyes) with its painted ceiling, there are so many uniquely beautiful places, and then I didn't even mention the Court of the Lions. Also when a water channel ran with small splashing water rays, in the middle of the yard and two colored flower beds on both sides. The Nasrid Palaces are offering so many pleasures to the eye, that at the end you feel, that you can't consume anymore.
2. Sala de las Dos Hermanas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
This is one of the small but beautiful rooms within the Alhambra complex. It is a part of the Court of Lions which was the private living space of the Sultan and his family. The most striking feature is the ceiling. When you stand in the middle of the room and look up, you are overwhelmed by the stunning 8 sided star dome. Light comes through sets of small lateral windows and the whole effect is like standing under an exploding star. Over 5000 small prism shapes (musqarnas) were used to create this unique effect. They are arranged in such a way that the light reflects and bounces off them and creates abstract patterns that suggest ideas of creation, divinity and the cosmos. Absolute precision and mathematical equations were needed to construct such a dome and this was a field in which the Moors were very advanced. Other features include the enormous and elaborately carved wooden doors and the small fountain in the centre of the room which connects vis a little channel to the lion fountain in the central courtyard. The walls are covered with extremely fine stucco plasterwork and inscriptions and verses from the court poet, Ibn Zamrak. The name ‘Two Sisters’ sounds intriguing but it’s the least interesting part of the room and only refers to the two large, marble flagstones on the floor (which I failed to notice at the time because I could barely take my eyes away from the dome).
3. Castillo De Illora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
4. The Alhambra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42,039 reviews
The second most visited site in Europe: this breathtaking palace-city is a sophisticated blend of medieval Islamic, Renaissance Christian and modern architectural styles..
Reviewed By 381lianem
A wonderful experience, palaces, wonderful gardens, etc etc. take time to explore, best on your own ... book online the general day pass on the official Alhambra site (well in advance/months before you plan to go, as they are sold out fast) and take the time to enjoy the vast „Alhambra sight in the different day lights. Take Buslinie C32 and C 31 to get to the main entrance of the Alhambra ( Tickets 1,40€/person, available on the bus), it is quite a steep walk from the city center...
5. Castillo de Montefrio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By ChristinaSwedem
You really have to walk up to the church on the top and take the 111 steps up to the very top! Marvellous????????????
6. Cuesta del Rey Chico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Just_Tina_C
Very pleasant walk from Paseo de los Tristes up towards the Alhambra Access pavilion walking along a path surrounded by trees and partly next to a stream below the Alhambra walls. Quite steep going up. There are people up and down most of the time so nothing too 'lonely' and it is definitely the most attractive way to reach or return from the Alhambra.
7. Castillo De La Calahorra
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 121 reviews
Spectacular 16th century castle overlooking the village of La Calahorra, Spanish and Italian architecture over original moorish ruin.Built 1510
8. Castle of Castril
9. Castillo de Moclin
10. Lanjaron Castle
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