Today we visit the Alhambra

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Geo: 37.1882, -3.60667

We set out early this morning to head to Granada. This part of the Costa del Sol is heavily developed, and with it, traffic! This morning had the added disadvantage of an accident during rush hour on the coast highway. We wove our way through some communities until we reached an inland toll highway, which was then much faster going. Nevertheless, it was a 3 hour drive to Granada. We took the coastal road, and were impressed by the amount of fruit and vegetable production along the coast east of Malaga.
We were forewarned to reserve Alhambra tickets months ago, and it was a good thing we did, as the Alhambra was completely sold out by the time we arrived. Our tickets gave us entry to the Nasrid Palaces at 2:30, and we used the time before that to see the Generalife, which was the palace gardens dyuring Moorish times. We continued on to the Medina, and the Palace of Charles V, built after the "Reconquista", when the Christian Spanish re-took Spain from the Moors.
The Nasrid Palaces were wonderful. Because of the way tickets are sold, the crowds touring the Palaces at any one time are not huge. The Palaces have been substantially restored, and all of the wonderful Moorish architecture and details are evident. Interior walls and ceilings are all intricately decorated in traditional Moorish designs. Despite having been occupied by the Spanish, and subsequently abandoned, the Palaces retain much of their original grandeur.
Finally, we toured the Alcazaba, the original defensive fortifications.
We then returned to Estepona via the inland route, and were much impressed by the miles and miles of olive orchards.

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Comments

[Teresa]

I'm all caught up now after our internet was down the last few days. LOVE

[Linda Crouch]

We loved visiting Granada and Alhambre! Brings back great memories! Photos look so familiar. Enjoy. Love Linda &Geoff.