Official Website of Alhambra Palace

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Landscape of the Alhambra Palace

alhambra-patronato.es is the official main information website of the Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife, the public body under the Junta de Andalucía that manages the Alhambra and Generalife complex. 

For official tickets, the Patronato uses its own portal on the same domain: tickets.alhambra-patronato.es (also accessible via the “Visit / Purchase your ticket” links on the main site).

But hold on, don’t rush yet. First, read the whole article and then decide if you want to book your Alhambra tickets on the official website or on a travel aggregator that offers more benefits.

Why some visitors avoid booking only on the official site 

Below are three reasons travelers often prefer other travel booking partners to book Alhambra official tickets:

Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled

Alhambra Patronato FAQ explaining tickets are final and firm, with only narrow exceptions for cancellations
Official Alhambra tickets are final—no cancellations except in limited cases listed by the Patronato.

On the official site, tickets are final once you pay. You cannot cancel them or change the date or time (reschedule) later. This is difficult if your plans change close to the visit. 

Choose a travel aggregator like Tiqets.com or GetYourGuide.com for flexibility. Here, tickets clearly show how and when you can make changes, and some provide up to 50–60% refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead.

Nasrid Palaces have a strict timed entry

Alhambra Patronato FAQ stating no date/time changes after purchase and strict Nasrid Palaces timed entry of 300 people per half hour
Once you pay, you can’t change the date or time; Nasrid Palaces have a fixed timed slot

You get a fixed entry time for the Nasrid Palaces. If you arrive late, you will lose palace access for that day—even with a valid ticket. That’s stressful, especially for families and groups. 

In situations like this, booking a guided tour is the best option. You’ll meet earlier, the guide makes sure you follow a steady pace, and arrive together for the Nasrid Palaces entry. 

Popular times quickly become “Not available”

Alhambra official website calendar for November showing the legend “Not available,” “Available,” and “Last tickets.”
Most of the official Alhambra calendar tickets are “Last tickets,” and “Not available”—peak dates fill fast.

On busy days, the official calendar moves from “Available” to “Last tickets” and then to “Not available” very fast. Weekends and mid-morning slots sold out first, so last-minute shoppers often find no preferred slots left. 

Check live availability on travel aggregators. You’ll find night tickets, guided and combo options with official entry, even when daytime slots are sold out.

When you find available tickets, you can pick your exact time, keep your whole group in the same slot, and plan the rest of your Alhambra trip with confidence.

Buy This Ticket

Key facts at a glance

  • Plan ahead: The official Alhambra tickets go on sale on a rolling basis 3 months in advance (Granada local time, CET/CEST). There’s no set release hour. If you’re aiming for, say, 10 January 2026, the window opens around 10 October 2025.
  • What “official” tickets include: Alhambra General covers Nasrid Palaces (timed), Alcazaba, Partal, Generalife, and Palace of Charles V.
  • Strict timed entry: The Nasrid Palaces admit a limited number of visitors every half hour (30 minutes). If you arrive late, you won’t be allowed on that day.
  • Walking and entrances: It’s 15–20 minutes on foot from the Entrance Pavilion to the Nasrid line. With a prebooked ticket, you can also use Puerta de la Justicia, which is closer to Nasrid and Alcazaba.
  • How your visit works: You can enter each main area once (Nasrid, Alcazaba, Partal/Generalife). You can leave and return to the Alhambra complex at any time during your visit. Plan about 3 hours.
  • Name & ID check: Tickets are personal, therefore it’s advisable to bring the same ID/passport used at purchase (including for minors who hold tickets).
  • Refunds/changes: No ticket cancellations and no date/time changes once paid (except venue-stated exceptions).
  • If tickets are gone: Try the Granada City Pass—it includes Alhambra General + Nasrid. Or book night visits (Palaces or Generalife), or the Gardens ticket. Also, keep checking for cancellations.
  • Calendar labels: You’ll see Available, Last tickets, and Not available; popular weekend tickets go first.
  • Bags and strollers: No strollers inside the Nasrid, Generalife Palace, or Alcazaba. Backpacks larger than 40×40 cm aren’t allowed. Use the cloakroom or a loaner baby carrier. 

How to book on the official website (step by step)

Step 1 — Pick ticket, date & group

  • Go to https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/
  • Scroll down to “SELECT YOUR ENTRY”
  • Choose your preferred ticket from all the options:
  • Click “BUY NOW” (prices display on the cards; a small commission + VAT is added later).
  • Complete the reCAPTCHA to enter the checkout.
  • On the official calendar:
    • Available dates show as selectable icons; unavailable dates are crossed out; your pick turns green.
    • Select your visit date.
  • In the ticket grid, set quantities (e.g., Adult, Minors 12–15, Minors 3–11, etc.).
  • Watch the 30-minute countdown (“Make your purchase in … minutes”) and the order summary at right (tickets, commission, VAT, Final price).

Step 2 — Choose your Nasrid Palaces entry time

  • Pick the Nasrid Palaces access time (this drives the whole visit).
  • Each button shows remaining spots in parentheses (e.g., 13:00 (43)).
  • A notice reminds you to be punctual; the rest of the complex is open 08:30–18:00 (winter) and 08:30–20:00 (summer).

Step 3 — Enter buyer & visitor details

  • Buyer details: Name, Surname, ID type (Passport / DNI / NIE), Document number, Email, Telephone (invoice option available).
  • Visitor data: For each visitor, enter full name and ID details.
    • For minors, add the legal guardian information.
    • You can mark Buyer as visitor if applicable.
  • “It is mandatory to identify all the visitors.” The original ID presented at the entrance must match the number entered here.
  • Tick “I have read and accept the privacy and purchase policies.” 

Step 4 — Payment & confirmation

  • Select your payment method and complete the transaction within the countdown window.
  • After payment, you receive the tickets by email with your Nasrid Palaces timeslot and visit details.

Important notes

  • No changes or refunds are accepted.
  • Bring the original identity document that matches what you entered.
  • Plan to be at the Alhambra at least an hour before your Nasrid Palaces timeslot; you can explore the rest of the complex within the posted hours.

Best Alhambra tours are also available on the official site

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve gathered the most common questions about Alhambra tickets:

Do I need to print my Alhambra tickets, or is a mobile QR fine?

Mobile QR is fine. On the day of your visit you can show the QR code on your mobile and your original ID/passport that matches the booking.

Do children need their own Alhambra tickets?

Yes. All visitors, including minors, must have a ticket to enter the monument. Children under 12 carry a (free) ticket, and must be with ticketed adults.

Which entrance should I use to enter the Alhambra Palace?

If you already have your tickets, visitors enter via the Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Justice). If you need to collect or sort tickets, go to the Access Pavilion / Ticket Office first.

How early should I arrive before the Nasrid Palaces time?

Arrive early and be at the checkpoint ahead of your slot. If you must collect tickets on-site, do so at least 1 hour before your Nasrid time.

Can I visit areas in any order? Can I re-enter the Alhambra Palace?

You can visit the other areas of the Alhambra Palace (Alcazaba, Partal, Generalife) before or after your Nasrid slot, but each area can be visited only once, and the time slot on your ticket is the entry time for Nasrid Palaces.

Are audio guides for the Alhambra available?

Book this Alhambra self-guided tour, it combines your entry ticket (including the Nasrid Palaces) with an audio guide in a single, easy checkout. The Patronato’s own interactive audioguide is temporarily unavailable, so this is the easiest way to have commentary right now.

Do I need my original passport/ID to enter Alhambra?

Yes. Original ID or passport is mandatory and must match the names on your tickets.

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Researched & Written by
Jasmine finds joy in life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s taking long walks through the places she travels, collecting souvenirs of everyday moments, or savoring a quiet evening with a good movie or a relaxing novel. A true foodie at heart, she delights in cooking spicy, flavorful dishes that keep her taste buds happy. Naturally drawn to art and driven by curiosity, she embraces every opportunity to learn and finds happiness in sharing her experiences through writing. Her favorite cities include Rome, New York, Singapore, and Venice. Favorite travel movie: Amélie Next destination: Greece

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