Jardín de Los Adarves, Granada

Gardens in Granada

The Jardín de Los Adarves is one of the most atmospheric corners of the Alcazaba in the Alhambra Complex. Laid out above former artillery platforms, this elegant garden combines tidy shrubs, seasonal blooms, water troughs, and stonework with towering magnolias, palm trees, jasmines, and orange trees—some of which rise higher than the fortress walls themselves. It is one of the must-see places in Granada for travellers seeking tranquillity and beautiful viewpoints within the Alhambra.

Located at the entrance to the Alcazaba, the garden offers a mirador on its western end where the landscape of Granada unfolds beneath you. From here you can observe the defensive wall leading toward the Puerta de las Granadas and Torres Bermejas, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that highlights scenic spots and military heritage.

History and Significance of Jardín de Los Adarves
Things to See and Do in Jardín de Los Adarves
How to Get to Jardín de Los Adarves
Practical Tips on Visiting Jardín de Los Adarves
Where to Stay close to Jardín de Los Adarves
Is Jardín de Los Adarves Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Jardín de Los Adarves
Nearby Attractions to Jardín de Los Adarves

History and Significance of Jardín de Los Adarves

The Jardín de Los Adarves occupies what was once an artillery platform built in the early 17th century. By 1628, threats from the Moors had diminished, and the ruler of the Alhambra, Íñigo López de Mendoza, the fifth Marquis of Mondéjar, transformed the space into a garden. Its creation marks a shift from strict military function to early modern ornamental landscaping within the fortress.

The garden retains the essential meaning of its name: an adarve is a parapet walk atop fortifications, from the Arabic ad-darb, indicating a protected path behind battlements. While most adarves are narrow and austere, this one became a spacious, classical-style garden with decorative fountains, stone pillars, and abundant greenery. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra for understanding how the fortress evolved from a defensive stronghold into a place of leisure and beauty.

Things to See and Do in Jardín de Los Adarves

A walk through the Jardín de Los Adarves reveals sculpted hedges, rose bushes, magnolias, and palm trees rising dramatically above the ancient walls. At each end of the garden is a historic water trough: the eastern one, beneath the Torre del Adarguero, dates from 1628 and features marine figures whose mouths release water through pipes. The western trough lies below the Torre de la Sultana and uses white marble for its decorative details.

At the western end stands a scenic viewing platform offering one of the finest vistas of Granada. Below you, the defensive wall snakes downward toward the Puerta de las Granadas. Nearby, on the exterior wall of the Powder Tower, a stone plaque commemorates a poem by Francisco A. de Icaza—written after witnessing a blind beggar playing the guitar—ending with the famous line: Give alms, woman, that there is nothing in life like the pain of being blind in Granada.

How to Get to Jardín de Los Adarves

The Jardín de Los Adarves is accessed via the entrance near the Torre de la Pólvora, which leads toward the Torre de la Vela. Visitors arriving from abroad usually land at Granada Airport before continuing to the Alhambra. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada’s train station offers convenient rail access from major Spanish cities, followed by a short journey up to the fortress. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, designated Alhambra parking areas provide easy access to the monument before walking to the Alcazaba entrance. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Jardín de Los Adarves

Suggested tips: Spend a few minutes at the western mirador for panoramic views over Granada’s rooftops and distant hills.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when soft light enhances the gardens and city views.
Entrance fee: Included with standard Alhambra entry.
Opening hours: Aligned with general Alhambra visiting hours.
Official website:
How long to spend: Around 10–15 minutes enjoying the gardens and viewpoints.
Accessibility: Pathways are mostly level, though some areas may include uneven surfaces.
Facilities: Nearby restrooms and cafés can be found closer to the palace zones.
Photography tip: Frame the fountains and greenery with the walls as a backdrop for atmospheric shots.
Guided tours: Many Alhambra tours pass through the Alcazaba and include the Adarves Garden.
Nearby food options: Cafés within the complex and restaurants at the base of the Cuesta de Gomérez.

Where to Stay close to Jardín de Los Adarves

For an exceptional location within the Alhambra grounds, the Parador de Granada offers peaceful gardens and historic charm. Nearby, Hotel América provides cosy accommodation inside the monument area. For a modern hotel next to the Generalife entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving is an excellent choice.

Is Jardín de Los Adarves Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Jardín de Los Adarves is absolutely worth visiting. Its blend of greenery, fountains, poetry, and sweeping views creates a peaceful pause between exploring the Alcazaba and the rest of the Alhambra. It offers both beauty and historical depth in one compact, memorable space.