Albayzín and Sacromonte Viewpoints

The Alhambra is a joy inside, but the picture everyone remembers is the view from outside: the red fortress on the Sabika hill, with snow-capped Sierra Nevada behind. You get that view from the Albayzín and the Sacromonte, right where the house is. These are our favourite viewpoints, all within a stroll of Cueva de Lindaraja.

Mirador de San Nicolás

Granada’s most famous viewpoint, in the square by the church of San Nicolás, at the top of the Albayzín. The Alhambra is straight ahead and, on clear days, Sierra Nevada rises behind it. At sunset it gets crowded and there are often musicians, so if you’re after peace and quiet, go in the morning.

From the house it’s about a 20-minute walk, uphill all the way through the Albayzín lanes.

Mirador de San Cristóbal

On the Carretera de Murcia, in the upper Albayzín. From here you see the whole Albayzín at your feet, with the Alhambra and the mountains behind. It’s less well known than San Nicolás and much quieter.

Mirador de San Miguel Alto

The highest of them all, next to the hermitage of San Miguel Alto, above the Sacromonte and the Albayzín. The climb is hard work, but from the top you get a view of the whole of Granada: the Alhambra, the centre, the plain of the Vega and the mountains in the distance. It’s perfect at sunset, with far fewer people.

Mirador de la Lona

In the Albayzín, near the placeta de la Lona. Rather than the Alhambra, it looks out over the lower city, with the Cathedral and the Vega, and it’s a good spot to watch night fall over the rooftops.

Quieter corners

• Placeta de Carvajales. A small viewpoint in the lower Albayzín, near the Carrera del Darro, with the Alhambra very close.
• Vereda de Enmedio and Camino del Sacromonte. In the Sacromonte itself, among the caves, the Alhambra and the Generalife appear in front of you at every bend. More in our Sacromonte guide.
• The house terrace. Without moving: the Mirador de Lindaraja has the Alhambra and the Generalife right opposite. See it in photos.

Tips

• The best light on the Alhambra comes at sunset, when the stone turns red. In the morning the light is flatter.
• Watch out for the slopes and cobbles, especially at night: wear comfortable shoes and carry a torch or use your phone.
• Combine it with your visit. If you have tickets, look at the Alhambra from outside first and you’ll understand better what you’re about to see. We explain how to get them in Alhambra tickets.