Granda, Spain - The Alhambra

Sadly, it was a short one night stay in Granada but what a visit!  Beyond words, a visit to The Alhambra has to be on any traveler's list of "must-see".  The complex (yes, it's complex) was started in 899 as fortress, then abandoned and in the 13 century reconstruction began and in 1333 it became a royal palace for the Sultan of Granada.  After the Spanish Inquisition, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand received Christopher Columbus at the (Alhambra) Palace and endorsed his expedition.
That bit of history aside (there's lots of history there, but for you to read another time), the magic of The Alhambra is in the gardens and, of course, the palace.  I put together a short video of our visit there - and I will say, that photos do not do it justice.  You have to see it for yourself...

When you decide to visit Granada, specifically The Alhambra, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Tickets must be purchased on line, well in advance.  (http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Home/1472+M5ba3513c9aa/0/) Admission to the grounds and palace are limited, there are a few types of ticket purchased, and the session can be for a morning (8a-2p) or afternoon (2p-8p).  We went the first week of June (2016) and it was h-o-t.  For my return visit, I would like to go anytime between April and mid May.
I did find a very convenient hotel (Alixares Hotel http://www.hotelalixares.com/en/).  The hotel offered a reduced rate at the parking lot (P2) for The Alhambra. The hotel and the parking lot (P2) were at the entrance to The Alhambra.  The rooms were simple, very very clean and quite reasonable for location.  The staff was helpful, restaurant offered a nice menu and the lobby bar was a perfect place to sit and sip while recounting the day's amazing tour.

Now, grab your sangria, put up your feet and enjoy an idyllic tour of The Alhambra, courtesy of me!