The superb Alhambra Palace is a “must see” stop on every visiting tourists itinerary when in the city of Granada, Spain. The palace spreads across what appears like a city in itself, high up on a hill with fantastic vistas of Granada.

The Alhambra Palace gardens, even in the depths of winter are beautiful with lots of fountains, flowers, and perfectly kept hedges and it is obvious a huge amount of planning has gone into their balance and layout. There is maze after maze of seven foot hedges, leading to even more elaborate buildings, fountains, and towers with the use of "aqua" as a real feature giving you the feel of affluence to the utmost. Much of your visit will be spent outside in the open air, strolling just within the fortress walls, so take warm, waterproof clothes in the winter and sun block in the summer.

The finer details of the Alhambra Palace are quite amazing with Arabic inscriptions carved into stone walls that tower high above you. There are domed and vaulted ceilings with highly intricate stone carvings plus towers and turrets a plenty. Climbing the sometimes very steep stairs to the top of every turret or tower is worth it just for the amazing views and panoramas. One part of the Alhambra Palace resembles the Coliseum in Rome although it is just a simple courtyard, the extravagance was not held back anywhere.

• When visiting the Alhambra Palace you really need an entire day there, or maybe more, so get an early start.
• Parking is a problem nearby so catch a bus; they are plentiful with buses going from all over the city to and from the Alhambra Palace that are both quick and inexpensive.
• During the summer months purchase an e-ticket beforehand, directly from the Alhambra Palace website, as the queues can be long.
• Hire a headset and tape player which will give you a virtual tour for only a few euros, they are very user friendly and informative, letting you know where you are at any paticular time, without the worry or restrictions of an organised tour party.
• The restaurants and dining establishments are quite expensive and not very good, so I would recommend taking a picnic with you, but there are plenty of stalls to buy refreshments.
• Wear good walking shoes as there are a lot of uneven floors, surfaces, and steep steps to travail.
• If you still have any energy left at the end of a day at the Alhambra Palace you can catch a sightseeing tour bus of Granada from the exit. Not only does it give you fleeting views of more of the city, but it will return you back to central Granada closeby your hotel.

All in all, the Alhambra Palace is a terrific day out for you and all your family.

For more useful and informative information about Granada and the palace please see Alhambra Palace