The Artists in the Alhambra Retreat

Create beautiful art in the gardens of the Alhambra

During this art retreat, you have the opportunity to paint and explore your creativity in the beautiful Alhambra gardens and surroundings of Granada. Enjoy a balance of painting with fabulous excursions, soaking up the sunshine, making new friends and experiencing Spanish life and culture.

Our fabulous accommodation is within walking distance of the Alhambra as well as being close to some of Granada's best cafes and tapas bars. We also take day excursions to the nearby beautiful white villages of the Alpujarras and the fascinating troglodyte town of Guadix. The vibrant colours and playful landscape of Guadix are sure to capture your imagination.

If you would like to attend but are a bit shy about painting in the Alhambra Gardens or in plein air there is plenty of wonderful subject matter nearby and you can also paint in private at our accommodation.

Due to the rarity of this opportunity, we can only take a small group of artists to paint in the Alhambra Gardens. If you would like to apply for the permit to paint in the gardens of the Alhambra please book early and tick the box when you join the waitlist.

Please Note:  Obtaining a permit to paint in the Alhambra is optional.

An overview

We begin this retreat in Granada with a visit to the Alhambra. Its stunning Palaces, tranquil gardens and trickling fountains provide a glimpse into Spain's incredible Moorish Legacy. During the first day, you can explore the possibilities of subject matter and select your location to paint, draw or photograph in the Alhambra gardens or surrounding area. A walk around the Albaycin will entice you with its charming tea houses, architecture, painting, and photographic opportunities. Andalucía is the home of flamenco. In the evenings enjoy some wonderful tapas bars nearby in the Realejo or walk to the Albaycin to watch the sunset over the Alhambra and soak up the atmosphere.

It's each person's choice as to whether they work out on location or back on the terrace, under shade in privacy at our accommodation. You may not come away with completed paintings as ‘Plein air’ painting is most suited to quick rendering in preparation for studio work.  What you will have are lots of reference material to continue with when you get back home and fresh new inspiration. 

On other days, you can choose either to continue with your work or enjoy day excursions to some of Andalucia’s most interesting and colourful villages enjoying this time to rejuvenate and be inspired. The peaceful mountainous villages of the Alpujarras, Alhama de Granada and the colourful troglodyte town of Guadix are within easy reach of Granada. 

Your accommodation

Your accommodation is in a beautiful residence in the Realejo, within a 15-minute walk of the Alhambra. Breakfasts and lunches at our accommodation are included as is our guidance and assistance.

A once in a lifetime opportunity painting in the gardens of the Alhambra

This unique art retreat offers you the possibility to obtain a permit to paint in designated areas within the Alhambra complex itself. Permission to work within the Alhambra complex is pre-approved and booked in advance. A permit to paint in the Alhambra is for up to a maximum of five days and covers painting, drawing or photographing in the gardens surrounding the Alhambra. It may be possible to leave some equipment and materials in a secure area each day at the Alhambra if required. 

Note: The permit to paint within designated areas of the Alhambra gardens is optional and not a pre-requisite for participating in this retreat.

your art retreat is all-inclusive of the following

☀️ Entrance to the Alhambra palaces and Generalife.

☀️ A Permit to paint in designated areas within the gardens of the Alhambra*

• We send you the information required to apply for a permit when you register.

☀️ Luxurious accommodation in a beautiful villa in the Realejo.

NB: All rooms have double or twin beds and can be booked either as a couple or single ( single supplement applies )

☀️ Introductory drinks and tapas.

☀️ Evening aperitifs and tapas.

☀️ All breakfasts and catered lunches apart from during day excursions.

🍽️ A farewell dinner at one of the best Spanish restaurants in Granada to leave Spain richer and more refreshed than when you arrived.

☀️ Laundry services (a washing machine and iron) are available at our residence.

☀️ Land and travel costs during the retreat for excursions.

☀️ Day excursions to Guadix and the Alpujarras. 

Travel Light

We will be exploring Granada on foot so please travel light and be prepared to carry your own supplies.

We prefer participants to bring their own art supplies because most people have their own preferences. If you require any materials to be purchased on your behalf to save having to bring them with you, we are happy to help with this if given advanced notice (we can send you an estimate or quote ). We supply oil medium and odourless archival solvents for oil painting, charcoal for drawing and some supports. A limited number of easels will also be available. ( Please advise us in advance to reserve an easel ).

Most days we will paint out in the mornings and possibly later in the day so participants can come and go as their work allows. Breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments will be provided at our residence during the days we are not travelling on excursions.

Please note: We meet our guests either at Málaga train station on the first day at 1 pm or if you choose to arrive in Granada by the evening of the first day we will send directions to our accommodation. The art retreat terms and conditions→

Artists in the Alhambra Retreat

It’s time to give yourself this opportunity of a lifetime…

We find that meeting via a Zoom call is a wonderful way for you to meet us, learn more about the pricing options, and ask us any questions.

Reserve your spot early as participation is limited to a small group on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those on the waitlist.

🌟 Join the waitlist today to reserve your place for an unforgettable experience! 🌟
Click the link below and let the anticipation begin! 👇