Visiting the famous Alhambra of Granada should be on everyone's bucket list while in southern Spain.
I'm currently working remotely from beautiful Sevilla for a few weeks and during my time here, am trying to get out on weekends to see as much of the surrounding region as I can by train.
High on my list was a day trip further south to Granada, a wonderful city in of itself and well worth taking the time to explore its bustling streets. Its greatest attraction - and one you need to book in advance due to its extreme popularity - is the epic Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose construction began in the 1200s.
Perhaps the most well-known monuments of Islamic architecture and considered one of the best-preserved in the world, the Alhambra is an expansive palace and fortress on the hillside of Granda, overlooking the city below.
Much of the complex is free to explore at leisure, but you must pre-book an assigned entrance time to the Palacios Nazaríes. I strongly suggest at least a half-day to fully appreciate the exquisite architecture, long history and stunning views.
Buy your tickets in advance here. Note that the 11:30am is the most popular and thus the busiest; I recommend spending the morning exploring the Alhambra complex and entering the palaces at the 2:30pm slot instead.
After you've finished visiting the Alhambra, wander your way through the city to the Mirador de San Nicolás for an incredible view of the Alhambra against the Andalusian mountains and for sunset with live music.
