Alhambra: Day Trips and Tours from Málaga

The one must-do attraction in Granada is certainly a Málaga to Alhambra tour to explore where the kings of the past once lived, discover spectacular palaces with beautiful salons, royal chambers, courtyards, patios, and amazing gardens.

On a guided Alhambra tour from Malaga, you can visit other attractions such as the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, and the Alcazaba.

Nowadays the Alhambra of Granada is the most visited attraction in Spain and certainly one of the best day trips from Malaga.

Are Alhambra tours from Malaga worth it?

Alhambra day tours from Malaga offer many benefits.

• No need to worry about transportation from Granada from Malaga.
• Your Alhambra tickets are purchased and reserved. As you may know, the Alhambra is often sold out.
• You get fast track access. You don't have to queue at the entrance gate, simply follow your tour guide and enter the Alhambra.
• Ask any questions you may have to your tour guide and learn much more.

If you're traveling to Granada on your own (by private car, bus or train), you can reserve a guided tour of the Alhambra starting in Granada.

Malaga to Alhambra tours and prices

If you wish to go on a day trip to visit the Alhambra from Malaga, you may either book a small group tour (usually around 8 to 12 people) or book a private tour.

Guided tours include pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Malaga to the Alhambra, tickets for the different sites in the Alhambra (such as Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife Gardens), and a tour with a local guide during the entire trip. Note that meals are usually optional.

Small group tours range from €89 to €189 depending on the inclusions. Private tours are more expensive — at least €210 per person with a minimum of 2 travelers per tour.

Best Alhambra tours from Malaga

Compare our top picks for Malaga to Alhambra tours. Whether you prefer a small-group or private tour, or will be arriving to Malaga by cruise ship, we've got a tour that fits.

Small-group Granada & Alhambra day trip

Our most popular option with over a thousand positive reviews. You'll have about 3 hours at each location — the Alhambra and Granada old town.

• Price: €95 for adults, €85 for children (age 3-12)
• Duration: 10 hours
• Operating days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (most of the year)

Private tour to Alhambra from Malaga

Our highest-rated private tour option allows your group of up to 8 travelers enjoy a fully-customizable exploration of this historic site with an art historian guide.

• Price: €210 per person (group of 8), €350 per person (group of 4), €520 per person (group of 2)
• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Operating days: 7 days a week, year round (except Dec 25 and Jan 1)

Shore Excursion: Granada and Alhambra from Malaga Port

This tour is only for cruise ship passengers arriving at Malaga Port and is limited to travelers 8 years old and above.

• Price: €119 per person
• Group size: up to 18 people
• Duration: 7 to 9 hours

Typical itinerary

Starting at your hotel or nearby pickup point in Granada, you'll travel about 2 hours by car or mini bus to Granada.

Once at the Alhambra, you'll explore the Nazari Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba and Charles V palace for about 3 hours.

Afterwards, you'll head to the Granada old town to see popular sites, such as the cathedral and typical streets and squares. You'll have plenty of time for a sit-down lunch or you can hop between tapas bars to snack while you sightsee.

Finally, you'll head back to Malaga and arrive in time for a late afternoon coffee or beer.

How to get to Granada from Malaga

A day trip to the Alhambra from Malaga is a full-day journey. The Alhambra in Granada is located 123 km away from Malaga. You can either travel by car or by bus.

By car

The Alhambra is a 90-minute drive along the A-92 highway.

By bus

From the Malaga bus station, it will take up to 2 hours to reach the Granada bus station. Then, you'll need to take another bus to reach the Alhambra.

By guided tour

If traveling by bus or renting a car is too much of a hassle for you, you can book a Alhambra guided tour from Malaga that includes transportation and the Alhambra tickets.

If you're also spending some days in Seville, another option to visit the Alhambra is booking an Alhambra tour from Seville.

Historical background

Back in the year 889, the Alhambra was constructed as a fortress. In the 13th century, it became the official royal residence and court of Granada after the establishment of the Arab Nasrid Kingdom.

Several palaces were built and monuments like the Generalife Gardens and the Courtyard of the Lions were added to the fortress. In 1492, the Alhambra became a Christian court when the Catholic Monarchs conquered Andalusia. Several new sections were built, including military barracks, a monastery and a church.

The Alhambra had three main sections: the Alcazaba which was a military base, the palatial zone which contained several palaces, and the Medina where court officials lived and worked.

Since 1984 the Alhambra complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Albaicín and the Generalife Garden.

Its unique and amazing architecture, with different styles from Moorish to Renaissance, is a testimony of the rich history of Andalusia. The Alhambra complex is considered as one of the most exquisite jewels on Spain’s crown and attracts millions of visitors every year.

The best time to visit the Alhambra

Spring and fall are definitely the best seasons to visit the Alhambra. From the months of April to June and from October to November, the weather is comfortably warm without the strong heat that you may experience during summer time.

If you are looking for less crowds, we recommend you to visit the Alhambra in the winter.

Travel Tips

• Book in advance if you can. The Alhambra is extremely popular and often fully booked.
• Take your time and don't rush. The Alhambra is very vast, most visitors easily spend 3 to 4 hours to visit the complex.
• Don't miss the opportunity to visit Granada, the city has much to offer.
• Backpacks aren't allowed on many tours and may not be allowed in the Alhambra, depending on the size, so confirm this before your trip.