Torre del Cabo de la Carrera, Granada
Tower in Granada
The Torre del Cabo de la Carrera, today a quiet ruin along the Paseo de las Torres on the northeastern walls of the Alhambra, was once an important defensive tower positioned at the end of the Calle Mayor, the main street of the medieval palace-city. Restored or rebuilt by the Catholic Monarchs in 1502, it formed part of the transition between the Alhambra's fortified upper precincts and the rugged ravine of the Cuesta de los Chinos. Its location makes it one of the things to do in Granada for travellers exploring the lesser-visited towers between the Torre de las Infantas and the Torre del Agua.
Although little remains of the tower today, its evocative setting and tragic fate-destroyed by Napoleon's retreating troops during the early hours of 15-16 September 1812-make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that follows the old Nasrid and Christian defensive lines.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Things to See and Do in Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- How to Get to Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Practical Tips on Visiting Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Where to Stay close to Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Is Torre del Cabo de la Carrera Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Nearby Attractions to Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
History and Significance of Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
The Torre del Cabo de la Carrera owes its name to its historic position at the end of the Calle Mayor or Main Street of the Alhambra. This street was once the central artery of the inhabited fortress, linking residential areas, workshops, barracks, and administrative buildings. The tower, therefore, formed a symbolic and literal boundary between the urban heart of the Alhambra and the defensive walls overlooking the Darro ravine.
It was built or significantly restored in 1502 under the Catholic Monarchs, who undertook major works to reinforce and stabilise the Alhambra's fortifications after the Christian conquest. These interventions preserved many structures but also altered them, blending Nasrid foundations with post-Reconquest architectural solutions. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra if you want to understand how the fortress evolved under Christian rule.
Its story took a tragic turn during the Peninsular War. As French troops evacuated Granada, they blew up several key towers, including the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera, to prevent their reuse by Spanish forces. Only fragments of its walls survive today.
Things to See and Do in Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
The remains of the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera lie discreetly along the northeastern walls, between the Torre de las Infantas and the Torre del Agua. While the tower itself is no longer standing, visitors can still appreciate its footprint, surviving masonry, and strategic location overlooking the steep Cuesta de los Chinos.
The site offers excellent views toward the Generalife and the surrounding hillsides. Walking the path between these towers gives a deeper sense of how the Alhambra's outer defences once formed a continuous line of surveillance and protection. Its ruins also invite reflection on the 1812 destruction that reshaped parts of the fortress.
How to Get to Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
Visitors flying into Granada typically arrive through Granada Airport, which connects easily to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada’s train station provides convenient access for those arriving by rail from major Spanish cities. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, designated Alhambra parking areas near the main visitor entrance offer easy access before walking toward the quieter northeast paths. 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.
The Torre del Cabo de la Carrera is located along the northeastern stretch of wall between the Torre de las Infantas and the Torre del Agua.
Practical Tips on Visiting Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Suggested tips: Walk the Cuesta de los Chinos path for atmospheric views and a sense of the tower’s original defensive position.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when the ravine and walls catch beautiful light.
- Entrance fee: The Torre del Cabo de la Carrera is part 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 Torre del Cabo de la Carrera see Alhambra Opening Times.
- Official website:
- How long to spend: Around 5-10 minutes to view the ruins and surroundings.
- Accessibility: Terrain can be steep and uneven, with limited accessibility on the Cuesta de los Chinos.
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and seating areas are elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Use the remaining wall fragments as foreground elements with the ravine behind them.
- Guided tours: Specialist fortification or “hidden Alhambra” tours sometimes include this ruined tower.
- Nearby food options: Restaurants and cafés are located nearer the main palace areas and in central Granada.
Where to Stay close to Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
For convenient access to the Alhambra’s towers and gardens, the atmospheric Parador de Granada offers an unforgettable stay within the complex. A charming option nearby is Hotel América, ideal for travellers exploring the eastern and northeastern wall paths. For a modern hotel close to the main entrance, consider Eurostars Washington Irving.
Is Torre del Cabo de la Carrera Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera is worth visiting if you enjoy exploring the quieter, more atmospheric corners of the Alhambra. Though only ruins remain, its strategic position, dramatic history, and connection to the Main Street of the medieval fortress make it a meaningful stop along the northeastern walls.
What Other Travellers Say...
Torre del Cabo de la Carrera sits within the Generalife area in Granada and is best enjoyed as part of a garden-focused visit: visitors recommend arriving early to avoid crowds, spending about 30–40 minutes to explore the right-hand garden before moving on to the palace zone, and wandering the orange-tree-filled paths where royals once strolled and relaxed; nearby a rebuilt doorway is noted by guides as the spot linked to Napoleon's exit after being partially blown up, and while most find the gardens evocative and peaceful some visitors have felt it lacks interest.
FAQs for Visiting Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
Nearby Attractions to Torre del Cabo de la Carrera
- Torre de las Infantas: A richly decorated palace-tower located nearby.
- Torre del Agua: A reconstructed tower protecting the historic aqueduct.
- Cuesta de los Chinos: A scenic stone path linking the Alhambra and Generalife.
- Partal Gardens: Terraced gardens overlooking the Darro valley.
- Generalife: The Nasrid summer palace surrounded by orchards and gardens.
The Torre del Cabo de la Carrera appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
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
For opening times of the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Torre del Cabo de la Carrera is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Torre del Agua (0.0) km
Tower - Paseo de los Cipreses (0.0) km
Gardens - Paseo de los Nogales (0.1) km
Walk - Torre de Juan de Arce (0.1) km
Tower - Torre de las Infantas (0.1) km
Tower - Teatro del Generalife (0.1) km
Theatre - Torre de Baltasar de La Cruz (0.1) km
Tower - Torre de la Cautiva (0.1) km
Palace and Tower - Torre de los Siete Suelos (0.2) km
City Gate and Tower - Jardines Bajos (0.2) km
Gardens
