The Court of Dismount, also known as the Patio del Descabalgamiento, is the main entrance to the Alhambra Generalife Gardens today. The entrance was named so due to the presence of several footrests that were constructed to help riders dismount from their horses. Visitors also get to witness two buildings on the side, which are believed to have been used by stable workers.

After walking through the Court of the Dismount, a narrow staircase would lead you to the Pabellon Norte, or simply the North Pavilion. The Pavilion has a five-arched portico and a larger central arch, which are beautifully adorned with motifs, stucco decorations, and calligraphic inscriptions. The arches are followed by an octagonal wooden-roofed gallery, which leads to the Royal Chambers.

The most stunning part of the Alhambra Generalife Palace is the Sala Regia or the Royal Chambers, which can be accessed after crossing through the Court of the Dismount and the North Pavilion. The bedchambers are lined with arches, while the magnificent architectural details include stunning plasterwork, enchanting stalactite capitals, and fine niches.

The Upper Garden of Generalife can be reached by the Escalera del Agua, an innovative ‘water stairway’ that has three flights of stairs and functional water channels in place of traditional handrails. As you climb up the mesmerising stone structure surrounded by laurel trees, you come across the Pabellon Romantico, a quaint pavilion from the nineteenth century. The Jardines Altos, or the Upper Gardens, are next to the Escalera del Agua and have been arranged in a terraced pattern up the hillside. Towards the southeast end is the Paseo de las Adelfas or the Walk of the Oleanders, a canopy of trees which leads to the exit gate of Alhambra Generalife Gardens.

The Lower Garden of Generalife sprawls over three vast hillside terraces, all of which have equal dimensions at 250 metres long and 35 metres wide, a classic example of Islamic fascination with symmetry. On the southwest side are the two lower terraces, which function as a market garden and an orchard since the fourteenth century. The topmost terrace has a number of gardens designed in the 20th century, known as Jardines Nuevos, which form the entrance of the palatial interiors of Generalife. Decorative plants like cypress and water structures like pools abound in this part of Generalife, and the open-air Generalife Theatre can also be spotted here.

Among the most important segments of Alhambra Generalife is the Patio de la Acequia or the Patio of the Irrigation Ditch. A mesmerising combination of Spanish and Islamic architectural styles, the Patio is an ornamental conduit that transfers water from Alhambra’s main canal to Generalife. Witness the lavish gardens from the tall pavilion of the Patio, which connects the upper garden with the lower garden. Planned as an interior garden space, the Patio de la Acequia has a western lookout point that had strategic purposes back in the day.

A small door welcomes to the Alhambra Palace of Generalife, a hidden architectural marvel of the ancient gardens. Adorned with fine marble, tiled lintels, and arch-key markings, the Palace is today masked by dense undergrowth. Follow the narrow staircase that leads you to the premises from the entrance as you admire the palatial residences and rooms of the structure. The Palace links with the Patio de la Acequia, which further connects it with an arcaded gallery and the Royal Chamber.

Historical rumours have it that Jardin de la Sultana’s courtyard was once the place of a forbidden romantic affair between the wife of the last Nasrid ruler and a knight, and today stands as one of the most enchanting places in Alhambra Gardens. The arcaded pavilion can be dated back to the sixteenth century and has stone fountains surrounded by cypress trees and myrtle hedges. The south end of the courtyard opens on the Patio de la Acequia and connects the Jardin de la Sultana with the rest of Alhambra Generalife Gardens.

If you are aiming to reach the highest point of Alhambra Gardens, Escalera del Agua is here to help your ascent. Among the greatest innovative features of Generalife, the ‘water stairway’ has three flights of stairs, and the handrails have been replaced by functional water channels. Constructed during the Islamic period, Escara del Agua has been built out of stone and is safe for visitors to walk upon despite being several centuries old. Surrounded by laurel trees, the stairway is one of the most enchanting visuals of Generalife Gardens.

One of the most recent additions to the ancient Alhambra Palace Generalife is the modern Generalife Theatre. Rather than adding the new structure to the garden premises, it was constructed by extending Generalife southwards. The outdoor theatre is stunningly symmetrical and is believed to have been inspired by the western design of theatres. Explore the centralised seating spaces and boxes that have been placed on both sides as you witness this modern touch that beautifully blends in with the old-world charm of Generalife Gardens.