Christmas in Spain: The Magic of Granada and the Alhambra

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

_{This post, Christmas in Spain: The Magic of Granada and the Alhambra}, _{is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own.}

Table of Contents

• Wandering the Alhambra in Granada
• We Made it to Granada
• Missed Reservation
• Alhambra and Generalife
• Flamenco in the Caves of Granada
• The Ferias in June
• Beware of the Gypsies
• Granada’s Unique Tapas Culture
• El Albaicín
• Like it? Pin it!

Wandering the Alhambra in Granada

I was exhilarated at the prospect of exploring the Alhambra’s courtyards in Granada. With a confident stride, the four of us bypassed the less informed crowds. I kept silent about the fact that our online tickets were worthless. Regrettably, we had missed our flight and consequently, our scheduled entrance time had elapsed hours before. Despite this setback, I had no intention of enduring that endless queue.

We Made it to Granada

If there was a casualty of the trip and our itinerary it was the Alhambra. I had purchased tickets for the Moorish castle online and could not trade our tickets once we finally arrived.

The drive to Granada took less than an hour. I couldn’t contain myself; I was finally going to wander the inner courtyards of the Alhambra. Online receipt in hand we strolled past the extremely long line of the less informed and made our way up to the automated ticket machines to the left of the gift shop. An English sign instructs you to insert the credit card you used to make your reservation before it spits out your tickets. No reservation found.

Missed Reservation

I strolled up to the manned counter, unknowingly past a very long line of patrons only to find there were no more tickets to the palace available. We had missed our reservation. I purchased the tickets to the Generalife (gardens surrounding the palace) when a security guard came to escort me out of line. I apologized with an “I’m a stupid American look” and he patted my shoulder and wished me a good day. Wouldn’t be the first time I apologized after the fact… won’t be the last.

Alhambra and Generalife

I purchased tickets to the Generalife gardens instead, and as I wandered, medieval fountains danced, fruit and nut trees provided shade, and the vibrant mosaics overwhelmed my senses. Built in the 13th century with the native red clay that gives it its name, the Alhambra housed Muslim royalty until the reconquest in 1492. It sits high above the city in a defensible position, which explains why it resisted Christian forces for over 200 years. My only regret was not being able to see the palace’s interior.

Medieval fountains dance, fruit, and nut trees provide shade and jubilant mosaics overwhelm all your senses. The Alhambra, originally built in the 13th century out of the native red clay that gives it its name, housed Muslim royalty until the reconquest in 1492. It sits high above the city in a highly defensible position which explains why it was able to outlast the Christian forces for more than 200 years. My only regret is not being able to see the inside of the palace grounds.

Flamenco in the Caves of Granada

While in Granada, I discovered a flamenco show in the Sacromonte caves that offered an unforgettable experience. For just $20, I enjoyed an intimate performance in a cozy cave venue and a complimentary drink. The atmosphere was electric, with the passionate rhythms of the guitar and the soulful singing filling the room. The cave’s acoustics enhanced the emotional intensity, making it feel like the performance was created just for me.

The Ferias in June

Granada came alive in June during the Ferias, a celebration of Andalusian culture. The streets were vibrant with music, traditional costumes, and food stalls. Locals danced Sevillanas in their flamenco dresses while children enjoyed fair rides. I loved immersing myself in the festivities and feeling part of the city’s rich traditions.

Beware of the Gypsies

My map distracted me, and I didn’t see the ambush waiting in the parking lot. An elderly gypsy woman grabbed my hand, rubbing something that looked like coriander on my palm. I tried to return the sprig of herbs several times, but she was relentless, muttering in Spanish as if she were reading my fortune. I handed her a two-euro coin and quickly tried to rejoin my family. But two euros wasn’t enough for her. She tugged on my clothing, begging for more, while more women approached from behind parked cars. I finally handed her another coin and sprinted away.

Granada’s Unique Tapas Culture

One of my favorite things about Granada was its unique tapas culture. When I ordered a drink at a tapas bar, I received a generous plate of tapas at no extra cost. These weren’t small or simple—they were well-crafted dishes made with high-quality ingredients. From savory jamón to local cheeses, every tapa felt like a thoughtful creation. Exploring the city’s tapas bars turned into one of the best culinary adventures I’ve had.

El Albaicín

El Albaicín, a vibrant neighborhood on the hill opposite the Alhambra, was another highlight of my visit. Wandering its narrow, winding streets, which haven’t changed much since the Moors walked them centuries ago, felt like stepping back in time. The area was filled with traditional Moroccan restaurants and flamenco venues. Many of the city’s musicians and gypsies live here, adding to the neighborhood’s lively character. I ended my evening at the Church of San Nicolas, enjoying a spectacular sunset view of the Alhambra.

Like it? Pin it!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!