Alhambra

The traditional Islamic patios of the Alhambra such as Los Arrayanes, the central pond being a typical feature with a border of myrtle bushes, Patio de los Leones has a central fountain supported by lions, this is rare as Islamic architecture did not usually feature animals. There is also the Machuca patio, in Renaissance style, like the Patio de la Reja and Lineraja both with a central fountain. There are several other gardens such as El Adarve in Renaissance style, laid out in a steep slope with splendid views or modern gardens such as El Partal which 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 the most recent additions.

Generalife

The particularly outstanding garden is that of the Generalife with its lovely Moorish patio of La Acequia and the patio of El Cipres or of La Sultana, that mixes Moorish and Renaissance features.

There are further terraced gardens in Italian style where you can see the Water Steps. The rest of the Generalife gardens are laid out using cypress hedges - not used in Moorish gardens - and countless fountains dating from the beginning of this century, occupying the site of old Moorish orchards.