Paseo de los Cipreses, Granada

Gardens in Granada

Paseo de los Cipreses Generallife Alhambra 4
Paseo de los Cipreses Generallife Alhambra 4
CC BY-SA 3.0 / AdriPozuelo

The Paseo de los Cipreses, or Walk of the Cypress, is one of the most atmospheric pathways in the Generalife. Originally laid out in 1862 for the visit of Queen Isabella II, it now serves as the official entrance and exit to the Generalife Gardens. Lined with tall cypress trees and bordered by rose gardens, it forms a gentle, scenic approach to the palace grounds. Its leafy tranquillity makes it one of the best places to visit in Granada and often visited on walking tours of Granada.

Walking this path offers a first glimpse into the layered landscape of the Generalife: ancient terraces, 20th-century additions, and the historic estate gifted to the Spanish state by the Granada-Venegas family in 1921. It is both a transitional corridor and an experience in itself.

History and Significance of Paseo de los Cipreses

The walkway was originally built in 1862 to honour Queen Isabella II's visit to the Alhambra and its gardens. At that time, the Generalife belonged to the Granada-Venegas family, descendants of converted members of the Nasrid lineage.

After the gardens were donated to the state in 1921, the Paseo de los Cipreses was redesigned by architect and restorer Leopoldo Torres Balbás. His work sought to recreate the feeling of a medieval street while maintaining the formal beauty of the path, blending historical imagination with practical garden design.

Things to See and Do in Paseo de los Cipreses

Walk beneath the dense canopy of cypress trees, which create a cool, shaded corridor even on warm summer days. Their height and age lend the walkway a wonderfully solemn character.

Admire the rose gardens and the rambling Jardines Nuevos (New Gardens), which spread outward from the pathway and were built during the 20th century. These gardens offer colour and texture throughout the year, with seasonal blooms softening the architectural lines of the estate.

At the path's starting point, the Paseo de las Adelfas-also known as the Walk of the Oleanders-forms a long floral archway along the upper section of the dividing wall between gardens. This fragrant passage leads directly into the Paseo de los Cipreses, creating a natural transition from one landscaped space to another.

How to Get to Paseo de los Cipreses

The Paseo de los Cipreses runs through the Generalife Gardens and forms part of the site's primary access route. The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Visitors can reach Granada by rail from major Andalusian and Spanish cities, arriving at the main station before continuing by bus or taxi to the Alhambra area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, parking near the Alhambra is limited and best reserved ahead of time or approached early. 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 Paseo de los Cipreses

  • Suggested tips: Walk slowly to enjoy the transition from oleander-covered archways to the towering cypress avenue.
  • Best time to visit: Morning, when the light filters through the trees and the path is quieter.
  • Entrance fee: The Paseo de los Cipreses is part of the Generalife of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
  • Opening hours: For opening times of the Paseo de los Cipreses in the Generalife see [link_post post_id="3786" anchor="opening" type="link"]Alhambra Opening Times[/link_post].
  • Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/edificios-lugares/paseo-de-los-cipreses
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes as part of the larger Generalife route.
  • Accessibility: Mostly level, making it one of the easier paths within the gardens.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are available elsewhere in the Generalife and Alhambra estate.
  • Photography tip: Capture the long perspective of the path framed by cypresses for a dramatic composition.
  • Guided tours: Many Alhambra and Generalife tours begin along this path.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés near the Alhambra entrance or restaurants in the Albaicín.

Where to Stay close to Paseo de los Cipreses

For a memorable stay inside the monument grounds, Parador de Granada is an exceptional choice. Nearby, Áurea Washington Irving offers refined comfort near the garden entrances. For a charming, traditional stay closer to the palace pathways, consider Hotel América.

Is Paseo de los Cipreses Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Paseo de los Cipreses is absolutely worth visiting. It forms a serene and beautifully designed introduction to the Generalife, blending history, landscape architecture, and natural elegance. As both a walkway and an experience, it enriches any visit to the Alhambra.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (63)

Patio del Ciprés de la Sultana, tucked into the Generalife at Cam. Fuente del Avellano 4 in Granada, is a small, intimate garden featuring galleries, rectangular and square ponds with fountains, lush plantings and a notable old tree; visitors recommend pausing to look back into the patio when ascending the stairs, enjoy the water features and views, and note that while beautiful it can feel less striking after seeing the larger palaces.

Eric Berberich
a year ago
"You can't miss it as part of Alhambra / Generalife.. Stu ing beautiful garden. Ensure to watch back into the patio when walking up the stairs at theend..."
Lee O'Co or
a year ago
"The Patio de la Sultana is a small garden with fountains in the Generalife, which is part of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The Generalifewas the summer abode of the emirs of Granada. It consists of amazing gardens, water features, and views. The Alhambra is the most impressive thing in Spain and one of the most impressive things in the world. An acquaintance knew I travel to Spain frequently and told me he was pla ing a trip with his girlfriend to Spain and wanted to propose on the trip. He asked me where he should pop the question. Without hesitation, I told him, "In the Alhambra Palace in Granada." He did, and she said "Yes."..."
Jan Torfs
7 years ago
"One enters thé Palacio del Generalife to proceed to thé very beautiful Patio de la Sultana with nice gallery , rectangular and square ponds withfountains , beautiful plantings and a special old tree. Legend says that the sultan caught his wife for infidelity under this tree...."

FAQs for Visiting Paseo de los Cipreses

Because the path is lined with tall, mature cypress trees.
Leopoldo Torres Balbás reconfigured it in the early 20th century.
It was enhanced over time and became the official visitor route in the modern era.
It links with the Walk of the Oleanders and the New Gardens.
Around 10-20 minutes.

Nearby Attractions to Paseo de los Cipreses

The Paseo de los Cipreses appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

For opening times of the Paseo de los Cipreses in the Generalife see Alhambra Opening Times.

Price:

The Paseo de los Cipreses is part of the Generalife of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.

Address: Promenade of the Cypress Trees Unnamed Road,18009 18009 Granada Spain
Granada: 1 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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