Alhambra in Granada

I wasn't that quite enamored with Granada, despite glowing feedback from other travelers I've met. Perhaps it was because I was coming off an emotional high from Valdelavilla, but more likely the intense heat that made walking around a miserable affair. 

My hostel was situated in the Albayzin, an area with narrow, unmarked and uphill alleys filled with Moroccan tea houses and shops. In fact, it felt like being in Morocco at times, and fortunately it was only a few minutes hike up to the Mirador de San Nicolas, a popular hangout at sunset for the great views.

That big palace on the cliff is the Alhambra, the star attraction in this city. Perhaps the most well-preserved of all Moorish architecture in Spain, over three million tourists visit the expansive grounds and palace every year.

As you can imagine, it pays to buy your ticket online in advance. I logged in on a Saturday and the earliest availability was for Wednesday evening, which worked out just fine. Alternatively, people have reported success by showing up early (around 7am) to join the queue. 

There's not really much else to say about the Alhambra that other people haven't already said. Even if you're not into palaces and architecture, the Alhambra is well worth spending a few hours in.  It does live up to all the hype, and one can only marvel at the intricately carved and colorful patterns adorning the walls.