If you’re visiting the Alhambra, you’ll probably want to take photos. But what are the rules for photography at the Alhambra?

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Between the intricate Islamic carvings, the symmetry of the Courtyard of the Lions, and the sweeping views over Granada, it’s one of the most photogenic places in Spain.

The good news is that you are allowed to take photos inside the Alhambra. The slightly more complicated news is that there are rules you need to respect, especially inside the Nasrid Palaces. If you understand those rules before you arrive, you won’t run into any problems.

Is photography actually allowed inside the Alhambra?

Yes, it is. As a regular visitor, you can take photos throughout most of the complex for personal use. That includes the Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V and, importantly, the Nasrid Palaces themselves.

The key distinction is personal versus commercial use. If you’re simply capturing memories of your visit, you’re fine. The Alhambra receives millions of visitors each year and photography is a normal part of that experience. Staff are not trying to stop people from taking pictures. What they are trying to prevent is damage, congestion and professional activity without permission.

As long as you behave like a visitor and not like a production crew, you’ll have no issues.

Why flash photography is not allowed

One of the most important restrictions concerns flash. Inside the Alhambra, flash photography is prohibited. This isn’t an arbitrary rule. The Nasrid Palaces in particular contain delicate plasterwork, centuries-old painted wood and intricate decorative surfaces that are sensitive to repeated light exposure. Even though a single flash might not seem harmful, the cumulative effect of thousands of flashes per day can be damaging over time. That’s why staff are strict about it.

Before you enter interior areas, it’s worth checking your phone or camera settings. In darker rooms, automatic flash can switch on without you noticing. If you accidentally use it once, you’ll probably receive a polite reminder. Repeated use, however, may lead to staff intervening more firmly.

Can you bring a tripod or professional equipment?

This is where many visitors get surprised. Tripods are not allowed inside the Alhambra. The reason has less to do with photography itself and more to do with space. The Nasrid Palaces are narrow, visitor flow is continuous and entry is timed. A tripod in that environment quickly becomes an obstacle.

You’re also not allowed to set up lighting equipment or large stabilizers. Even monopods are typically discouraged. If you show up with bulky equipment, you may be asked to store it before entering sensitive areas.

That said, you are allowed to bring a proper camera. A digital single-lens reflex camera or mirrorless camera is not a problem in itself. The staff do not ban “professional-looking” cameras; they ban professional setups. There is a difference. If you’re holding a camera and taking photos like any other visitor, you’re fine. If you’re directing people, staging shots or unpacking accessories, it starts to look like commercial activity.

What about filming video?

Casual video recording is generally allowed, provided it is clearly for personal use. Short clips on your phone or a small handheld camera are normal and common. The Alhambra understands that visitors want to capture the atmosphere.

However, once filming becomes structured or equipment-heavy, you move into a different category. Interviews, scripted content, influencer-style productions with gear or anything that resembles commercial work requires official authorization.

If you’re unsure whether your setup is “too much,” ask yourself whether it would attract attention in a crowded historic monument. If the answer is yes, it’s probably better to keep things simple.

Tickets sell out fast – check your options

Drones are strictly prohibited

If you were hoping to capture aerial footage, that won’t be possible. Drones are strictly prohibited over and around the Alhambra. The monument is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and lies within regulated airspace. Unauthorized drone use can lead to fines and confiscation.

The dramatic aerial shots you may have seen online were taken with official permits. As a visitor, you should not attempt to fly a drone under any circumstances.

Photography inside the Nasrid Palaces

The Nasrid Palaces deserve special mention because they are the most controlled part of the complex. Entry is timed and strictly regulated. You must enter at your assigned slot, and once inside, movement is continuous. You cannot leave and re-enter.

Photography is allowed here, but you need to be efficient and aware of your surroundings. You won’t be able to stand in one spot for long while waiting for the perfect empty frame. Crowds move steadily through each room.

It helps to plan ahead. Know which areas you most want to photograph and be ready when you reach them. The Courtyard of the Lions and the Hall of the Ambassadors are among the most photographed spots, but they are also the busiest.

Are there penalties if you break the rules?

In most situations, staff will simply remind you of the rules. The Alhambra team is experienced and understands that visitors sometimes make mistakes. Serious issues tend to involve drones or unauthorized commercial filming. If you respect the monument, avoid flash and don’t block other visitors, you’re extremely unlikely to face any problems.

When is the best time for photography?

If photography matters to you, timing is more important than equipment. Early morning entry slots generally offer softer light and fewer visitors. Late afternoon can provide warmer tones in the gardens and dramatic views from the Alcazaba.

High season, which runs roughly from spring through early autumn, brings larger crowds throughout the day. Midday is typically the busiest period. If you want calmer scenes, book the earliest Nasrid Palace time available.

There are also night visits, which create a completely different atmosphere. Lighting is dramatic and the experience feels more intimate. Flash is still prohibited and tripods remain banned, but the mood is unique and worth considering.

One important thing most visitors forget

While it’s natural to focus on photography rules, there’s something more critical to check first: ticket availability. The Alhambra operates with strict daily visitor limits, and Nasrid Palace entry is tied to a specific time slot. During peak periods, tickets often sell out days or even weeks in advance.

Before you plan your photography, make sure you actually have confirmed entry for your chosen date. Without a ticket, no amount of camera preparation will help.

Do you already have tickets for your visit date?

If you still have practical questions about your visit, Take a look at our full Alhambra FAQ page for clear answers.