The Alhambra operates daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM between April 1 and October 14. During the winter season from October 15 to March 31, the site closes earlier at 6:00 PM.
Night tours are available Friday and Saturday evenings from 8PM to 9:30PM in the winter, and from Tuesday through Saturday from 10PM to 11:30PM during the summer. The ticket office opens at 8:00 AM daily and closes at the same time as the general visiting hours.
The Alhambra maintains the same daily schedule Monday through Sunday. Weekend hours do not differ from weekday operating times.
Night tours specifically run on Friday and Saturday evenings in the winter. These special evening visits operate from 8PM to 9:30PM, whereas in the summer they are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10PM to 11:30PM.
The Nasrid Palaces require timed entry tickets with specific time slots. Visitors must enter the palaces during their designated 30-minute window.
The rest of the Alhambra complex can be explored at leisure once inside. Visitors can access the Generalife, Alcazaba, and gardens without time restrictions after entering the site.
Visitors should arrive at the Alhambra at least 30 minutes before their Nasrid Palaces time slot. This allows time to walk through the complex and locate the palace entrance.
Many experienced visitors recommend arriving when the site opens at 8:30AM. This strategy provides ample time to explore other areas before the timed palace entry.
A complete visit to the Alhambra typically takes 3 to 4 hours. This includes time for the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress.
Visitors can stay on the grounds until closing time once they enter. The complex allows people to explore at their own pace without additional time restrictions.