Albayzín

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  • Transport
    bus: 31 and 32 from Plaza Nueva

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Lonely Planet review

On the hill facing the Alhambra across the Darro valley, Granada's old Muslim quarter, the Albayzín, is one of the city's most fabulous treasures. The steep, winding, cobblestone streets with gorgeous cármen es (large mansions with walled gardens, from the Arabic karm for garden), reveal the best views of the Alhambra and, likewise, the best views of the Albayzín are from the Alhambra.

The Albayzín's name derives from 1227, when Muslims from Baeza (Jaén province) moved here after their city was conquered by the Christians. It survived as the Muslim quarter for several decades after the Christian conquest in 1492. Islamic ramparts and fountains remain, and many of the Albayzín's cármenes and churches incorporate Islamic remains. Despite all this charm and beauty, this neighbourhood is still a work-in-progress and, unfortunately, its narrow streets are often havens for thieves and muggers. We have had reports of muggings, some violent, in the Albayzín so if you are alone try to avoid this area during siesta time ( to ) and after dark.

Buses 31 and 32 both run circular routes from Plaza Nueva around the Albayzín about every seven to nine minutes from to .