Embark on a journey through the enchanting gardens of Granada and Almería, where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Alhambra and Generalife gardens in Granada, with their exquisite Moorish and Renaissance features, to the diverse botanical treasures of Almería, this garden route offers a unique glimpse into the rich horticultural heritage of Andalusia.
Discover the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene water features that define these magnificent gardens. Whether you are strolling through the historic patios of the Alhambra, exploring the terraced gardens of the Generalife, or admiring the exotic plant collections in Almería's botanical gardens, you will be captivated by the beauty and tranquility that these spaces offer. Join us on this garden route and experience the natural splendor of Granada and Almería.
Of course the most emblematic gardens in Granada are those of the Alhambra and Generalife. There are traditional Islamic patios in the Alhambra, such as that of Los Arrayanes, the central pond being a typical feature, with a border of myrtle bushes; that of Los Leones has a central fountain supported by lions, which is a rare motif in Islamic architecture that did not feature animals; though at present there is no greenery, originally it had sunken beds. And there is the Machuca patio, in Renaissance style, like the patio of La Reja and Lindaraja, the latter two with a central fountain. Other gardens are of several styles, such as El Adarve in Renaissance style, laid out on a steep slope with splendid views, or modern such as El Partal wich are the largest, set upon part of the ruins of the old Nasrid Palace imitating the original layout. The San Francisco and El Secano gardens are recent additions.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qBUbQh5JuC8MuXED8
The Generalife is particulary outstanding owing to the lovely Moorish patio of La Acequia and the patio of El Ciprés or of La Sultana, that mixes Moorish and Renaissance features. There are, furthermore, terraced gardens in the Italian style, where one may see the Water Steps. The rest of the Generalife gardens (map) are laid out using cypress hedges- not used in Moorish gardens- and countless fountains dating from the beginning of this century, occupyin the site of old Moorish orchards. On the way up to the Alhambra, one passes through a thick wood of deciduous trees planted in the 18th.
At Sierra Nevada there is a plan for making an Alpine garden, with the mountain flora of the area. At Víznar not far away, is Cuzco Palace (map), that as an 18th garden with French and Italian influence and some Moorish features; it is particulary charming in that it unites the leafiness of northern gardens with the light of Andalusian skies; it has a good quantity of fruit trees and two magnificent century old magnolias and, not least, a marvellous view of Sierra Elvira.
On the coast, apart of the many private gardens with exotic plants, there is El Majuelo park in Almuñecar (map), with a large collection of tropical and semi- tropical plants, particulary palm trees.
Almeria, known for its diverse landscapes, offers several beautiful parks and botanical gardens that showcase the region's unique flora. In Almeria we have the gardens of La Alcazaba, upon bits of the old fortress. Nicolás Salmerón avenue is a wide garden area parallel with the port, home of the Italian lizard, Podarcis sicula, unique in Andalusia. Near the town, is the garden of Pechina, part of a private initiative that is trying to develop gardens for arid areas.
Here are some of the most representative gardens in Almería:
Located in El Ejido, this botanical garden recreates an Andalusian garden-orchard, resembling an oasis in the desert. It features over 1600 different plants, including 150 native species and 1450 exotic and carnivorous plants. The garden also offers educational workshops and activities for children.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eYEMAu4DHUqo18Gr9
Situated in Rodalquilar, this garden showcases a variety of plants, from endangered species native to Cabo de Gata to foreign species adapted to the local climate. It also features traditional crops like palmettos and azufaifos.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G8HFzdvAwo5JNm3w5
This free-entry nursery in Níjar presents a wide variety of cacti, succulents, and other plants in a setting that reflects the Almerian style. It is almost like a botanical garden due to its extensive collection of aloes, agaves, and cacti.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPfpVTbpD49LFi5o6
This garden offers a peaceful environment where visitors can enjoy the diverse flora of the region.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vstGD5f22AJ4nWtz7
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