We (a group of 7, including children ages 6, 10 and 12) are visiting in mid-February and have 4 pm Nasrid entry tickets. For lunch, I'm thinking of trying the Parador, either the snack area or the restaurant. Or getting sandwiches and drinks in the Alhambra grounds. Has anyone done either and what do you suggest?
MMMdc,
I visited during the summer of 2012 with my teenage son. Food options up on the Alhambra are not great. The Parador really is your best bet. Inside, you'll find a casual lounge where snacks (tapas, sandwiches, ice cream, dessert, drinks) are served. These are very tasty and reasonably priced, considering you're in an upscale hotel.
The restaurant is just in front of the lounge and it offers a wonderful Menu del Dia (set lunch or dinner). Dinner was 34 euros and we sat outdoors in the garden, facing the Generalife Gardens. Granada is not a cheap place to eat; I guess they get a lot of tourist business. Across the valley in the restaurants of the Albaicin, we had a similar meal for 75 euros!
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In the visitors' centres, there are vending machines with sandwiches and drinks. It is ... vending machine food, lol.
In the little gift shops, they sell a few snacks but nothing too substantial.
The other option is eating in the patio of Hotel America. It's a cute hotel next to the Parador. DO NOT EAT HERE. It looks quaint and you think it'll be cheaper than the Parador. It's a huge rip-off. I stayed here one night and had to pay 8 euros for b'fast the next morning. I should have taken a picture of the food. It was so outrageously bad.
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If you have time to ride the Segway in Albaicin, do it! It's a great way to see the area and a lot of fun too.
Edited: 2:11 pm, January 18, 2013Wow, thanks for the great information. The Parador definitely seems like the best option.
Parador downstairs snack area is great; done that three times now (almost a hidden secret for people in the know; most visitors think they cannot go in the Parador); enter via door/archway to left hand side as you approach Parador and go down the stairs.
But I've only done it in hot weather when the wonderfully scenic external terrace was in use; could be cold there in Feb. Slow service but great to do it.
I'm assuming you're aware that with your Nasrid entry of 4pm, you should start visiting all the other ticketed areas soon after 2pm ie go in for your slow-service snack at about 1245-1300.
Yes, I do realize that, and thank you for the heads up.
Yes, definitely have lunch at the Parador. The outdoor patio of the restaurant is beautiful with views all the way to the Generalife, and St. Nicholas Mirador, across the way. Unforgettable (and the food was good too). Perhaps chilly in Feb. though! But you can also wander a bit around the Parador, it's a beautiful building too.
Thanks. I think we'll go for it!
