Strolling Through the Alhambra: A Magical Granada Getaway

For this self-guided trip to southern Spain, I chose to drive through Andalusia. During my night in Granada, I specifically stayed at Hotel Guadalupe, located right next to the entrance of the Alhambra. 📍Hotel Guadalupe Address: Paseo de la Sabica, 30, 18009 Granada, Spain This hotel is practically across from the palace, just a three-minute walk to the ticket office—its location is absolutely dreamy! The hotel itself features typical Andalusian architecture, with red and white walls, wooden windows, and balconies adorned with flags from various countries. Inside, it’s simple yet cozy, with friendly staff who are very accommodating to self-driving travelers (they provide parking information). It was the most convenient and historically atmospheric accommodation of my entire trip. 🌄 Early the next morning, I walked up the hill and encountered almost no crowds, enjoying this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the soft morning light. Stepping into the Alhambra felt like entering a rift in time, where the present and the past intertwine. 💫 In the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaríes), every inch of the walls seemed like intricately carved poetry. Sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, casting dreamlike reflections on the courtyard pools. Standing atop the ancient Alcazaba tower, I gazed out over the entire city of Granada. The red-tiled roofs and white walls of the city unfolded below, with mountains in the distance—a moment of breathtaking beauty I’ll never forget. In my mind, scenes from the Korean drama "Memories of the Alhambra" surfaced, where Hyun Bin wandered through this very palace. It was surreal to realize that the settings and storylines from the drama truly exist in this city. This blending of reality and fantasy made the experience even more enchanting. 🍃 Back at the hotel, I sat on the balcony sipping coffee, watching tourists gradually arrive. I knew my early start was well worth it. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a journey into history and drama brought to life.