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Sunset in Granada Spain – Best Alhambra Views + Mirador

Sunset in Granada Spain – Best Alhambra Views + Mirador

Sunset in Granada

For some of the best views in Granada. There are places around the city known as a Mirador. The Mirador of San Nicolas is the most famous one. And a must see when you visit Granada.

From here the views of the Alhambra palace, the city of Granada below and the Sierra Nevada mountains are breath taking. It is one of the most captivating views in Spain. Its also a view you never tire of contemplating. In different seasons the view changes as does the snowline on the Sierra.

Its pretty to see a sunset here, but its also magical at night to see the city lights flicker below in the dark.

Alhambra seen from Mirador de San Nicolas Granada

Mirador de San Nicolas

Trying to get a space on the wall can be real challenge. Its a popular place with locals and visitors so depending on the time of day it will be busier or empty. Weekends of course are more busy times.

You have a similar vantage point from some of the restaurants around the Mirador de San Nicolas. The most well known ones are:

Best Views in Granada Mirador + Sunset Spots

Getting to the Mirador

To get to the Mirador de San Nicolas from the city. You can walk up the cobbled Albaicin streets from Calle Elvira or Plaza Nueva. Another option would be to take one of the red minibuses from Gran Via or Plaza Nueva. (Line C30 or C32) The driver will indicate which stop you need to get off at.

The bus ride can be pretty bumpy as you go up the hill and twists and turn along the cobbled roads. Almost an attraction in itself. It cost 1.40 euro per person and you can pay the driver when you get on.

A taxi from the city centre will cost about 6 euros depending on the exact journey. You can also walk up. Take the street Caldereria Vieja and keep walk in an upwards direction until you reach the top.

It is not recommended to go to the Albaicin by car as there are many streets that are only for pedestrians. There is a one way system and some VERY narrow streets. There is barely any parking either. If you must go by car the best place to stop is just past Mirador de San Cristobal on the Carretera de Murcia.

Mirador Views from Albayzin Granada in Spain

From the Albaicin

If you dont want to head up to the Mirador de San Nicolas. There are other spots to get great views like this one.  Towards the middle of the Carrera del Darro, just before Paseo de los Tristes. There are a few side streets that are higher giving a perfect elevation to get this angle.

View of the Alhambra Palace in Granada Spain

Golden Hour

If you are thinking of visiting Granada seeing the Alhambra Palace on the inside is a must. Remember to book tickets ahead of time.

From inside the monument itself there are also great spots to see the sunset. This photo was taken from the Generalife theatre last summer. Looking out from the main walkway towards the Generalife. You can see the Alhambra itself and the city of Granada below as the sun goes down.

Sunset in Granada Blog

Hotels with Alhambra Views

There are some hotels that have good views to the Alhambra palace too.

Here are a few that I have selected for their great location and good views of the Red Fortress

Views from Sacromonte in Granada Spain

Miradors in Granada – Best Sunset in Granada

  • El Mirador de San Nicolás – At the heart of the Albaicin and the most known lookout. Head to Calle de San Nicolas. You can also see a view from the Garden at the Mosque next door.
  • Mirador de los Carvajales – A small square called Placeta Carvajales, close to Calle Calderería & the teahouses
  • Mirador de Santa Isabel la Real – This viewpoint is at the Convent Santa Isabel la Real in the Albaicin quarter.
  • El Mirador de San Cristóbal – Just off the main road Carretera de Murcia, its next to Iglesia San Cristóbal. Probably my favourite view and there are fewer crowds here.
  • Sacromonte Abbey – The car park of the Abbey has this leafy view shown in this photo. You can get their on the Sacromonte bus (C34) or by walking to the very end of the camino de Sacromonte. From here you don´t see the Sierra Nevada.

Granada Blog Best Sunset spots to see Alhambra Mirador

  • Mirador de Granada – This mirador is on a main road, just before the Alhambra main car park.
  • El Mirador de San Miguel Alto – The highest overlook in Granada. Its an uphill climb to get there but the views are panoramic.
  • Balcony at Manuel de Falla Auditorio . This views from here across the city are stunning.  It is up from the car park next to Carmen de los Martires, close to Hotel Alhambra Palace. Sadly it is often closed.
  • El ojo de Granada – The eye of Granada is just off Carril de la Lona and gives you a panaramic city view. (Photo at the top of this article)
  • Silla del Moro – Cerro del Sol is a short hike up past the Alhambra, some 15-20 minutes. This view is above the Alhambra and the city seen from the countryside surrounded the edge of the city.

William Shakespeare Quote

Travel Resources to Plan Your Visit

Here are a few resources to help you plan your visit to Granada:

Please Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. All thoughts, feelings and opinions shared on this blog and in this post are my own.

  1. Roxanne York says:

    I have a reservation that I can not seem to reach anyone to cancel. I have paid and the flights have been canceled making it impossible to get to Spain. Could someone please contact me about crediting my account?

    • Molly says:

      Hello Roxanne

      From your short comment I understand that you are looking to get a refund on tickets to visit the Alhambra Palace
      On the official Patronato de la Alhambra website, they say:

      The Council of Alhambra and Generalife will refund automatically the full amount of the bookings to everybody during the temporary closure of the monument.
      The contact email is: devoluciones.pag@juntadeandalucia.es

      If you have booked with a tour company a private guided tour, you will have a voucher or booking confirmation. You will need to contact them.

      Best wishes
      Molly Sears-Piccavey

  2. […] atop the Alhambra hill, refreshed, grabbed a quick bocadillo and headed across town to the “church with the view“… It was difficult to surmise where we were in relation to the church because the […]

  3. Great blog! I really find it very enjoyable and useful, keep it up !

  4. Linda Tay says:

    Beautiful photos. Came across your blog while researching for my first visit to spain in May 2013. Granada is one of my stops which will include Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. So lookig forward to it. Definitely will book tickets in advance to see the Alhambra which is a must. Having difficulty getting to the site to book tickets though. Have time and will try again.

    • Molly says:

      Great places planned on your trip! I’ve emailed with a few tips about the ticket website which I hope is of help.

  5. Mike says:

    Great post! I studied in Granada for 6 months about 3 years ago and have applied to teach on Spain for next year. I would love to be back in Granada! There are many gorgeous views of the Alhambra throughout the city. I like the view from the top of the steps at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos. It’s a different angle than your typical view.

  6. Flor del Mercado says:

    Very beautiful your blog, and very interesting!! We love Granada so we like what you write about the city and its “magic” :)) We follow you!!

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