Visitors 31
After a major trip it usually takes some time for impressions to settle down. Looking back at Granada ~2 months after, when I'm composing this text, its memory sticks the strongest among all Andalucia sites I visited in continental Spain. Of course main attraction is Alhambra - magnificent fortress complex, and one of best preserved palaces of historic Islamic World. For a World Traveller it is simply a must - having been all around the globe it is puzzling my first visit here happened when I was already in my 60s. It certainly didn't disappoint; some online sources claim you need ~3hrs to see everything, but this is simply not true. I spent full day and could have easily spent another. Main attraction are famous Nasrid Palaces. Due to huge popularity entry is timed, and you must specify your time slot when buying the ticket. They are not joking either - my slot was for 11:30 am; I came at 11:05 and was turned back, having to wait another 20-25 minutes! Needless to say booking Alhambra Ticket well ahead is a must; 3-4 months is not too soon. From Photography perspective, Alhambra is very challenging because of endless stream of tourists, pouring behind every corner. I did my best to cut many of them in Photoshop post-processing, but this was largely Sisyphus effort, specially in Nasrid Palaces.
But Granada is not all about Alhambra. Historic old town with Granada Cathedral and many artisan shops where most visitors will have accommodation has distinct Moroccan feel. Travel guides also recommend Albaicin - trendy neighbourhood with Medieval Feel, and well known San Nicolas Terrace where countless hordes flock to watch Sunset framed by Alhambra and Andalucian Sierra Nevada. I enjoyed great afternoon hilltop hike visiting Abadia del Socramonte, then loop hiked back to Albaicin for San Nicolas Sunset.
Last day was spent exploring "Alhambra Ridge" - large hilltop Urban Park that stretches for several kilometers above Generalife Gardens, ending at superb Sierra Nevada viewpoint. If you are outdoors oriented I highly recommend this; besides open, aerial scenery most of the way there is also awesome "Reloj Del Sol" - ancient Sundial and Historical Landmark.
Like other Galleries on Spanish Trip, photos are organized in sequence of my exploration. If you are interested in licensing something, please contact me for your high-res copy.
But Granada is not all about Alhambra. Historic old town with Granada Cathedral and many artisan shops where most visitors will have accommodation has distinct Moroccan feel. Travel guides also recommend Albaicin - trendy neighbourhood with Medieval Feel, and well known San Nicolas Terrace where countless hordes flock to watch Sunset framed by Alhambra and Andalucian Sierra Nevada. I enjoyed great afternoon hilltop hike visiting Abadia del Socramonte, then loop hiked back to Albaicin for San Nicolas Sunset.
Last day was spent exploring "Alhambra Ridge" - large hilltop Urban Park that stretches for several kilometers above Generalife Gardens, ending at superb Sierra Nevada viewpoint. If you are outdoors oriented I highly recommend this; besides open, aerial scenery most of the way there is also awesome "Reloj Del Sol" - ancient Sundial and Historical Landmark.
Like other Galleries on Spanish Trip, photos are organized in sequence of my exploration. If you are interested in licensing something, please contact me for your high-res copy.
© Autumn Sky Photography