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Sierra Nevada


The Sierra Nevada forms the main peaks of the mighty range that stretches across southern Spain from Gibraltar to Alicante. Here, more than a dozen peaks over 3,000 metres break the skyline, including the two highest on the Spanish mainland - Mulhacen (3,482 m) and Veleta (3,398 m). The sandstone flanks have been deeply gouged by melting snows into precipitous barrancos, or ravines, as can be seen
throughout the Alpujarras.

The map below shows the National Park. (Los Piedaos with its beautiful holiday homes is just south of Canar in the bottom left). In order to avoid damage to this unique and delicate micro-climate, it is not possible to take your own car onto the road marked blue and red on the map, but you can go on a special bus to the top of the blue sector, and from that point it is possible to walk to the highest point in Iberia, Mulhacen at 3,366 meters, (over 11,000 feet) if the snows allow!

All the year round, trips start from the car park in Pampaneira at 8am every Thursday, and more often in the high season. You book by phoning Nevadensis (whose office is near the car park) on +(34) 958-763-127. The cost is 35 euros including a picnic lunch.



The Sierra Nevada National Park was created in an effort to protect the delicate ecosystem and the enormous variety of mountain flora. Of the 2,000 species catalogued, over 15 percent are nationally endemic and nearly 100 are exclusive to the area. This park is the southernmost habitat of certain arctic-alpine plants.

The most prominent animal to be seen is the Spanish mountain goat (cabra hispanica), which is so happy with the environment that it's in danger of overpopulating the area and has to be culled. Meanwhile birdwatchers won't be disappointed by the opportunities of seeing eagles, hawks and other birds of prey that circle above, riding the thermals.

If you would like to read more about about the flora and fauna click here .



There are various information and reception centres for those who want to find out more about the park. They can provide information and maps and help you plan your route:

** Reception Centre, El Dornajo, Ctra Sierra Nevada Km 23, Guejar Sierra.
Tel: 958-340-625

** Visitor's Centre and Information, Provincial Delegation of A.M.A. of Granada, Calle Marques de la Ensenada, Granada.
Tel: 958-537-600

** Iniciativas Lider Alpujarra, Calle Lora Tamayo, 17, Orgiva.
Tel: 958-784-340 or 958-784-326.

For more see: Spanish Unlimited Excursions.

If you would like to spend a day skiing or snow boarding, you can drive from Los Piedaos and in just over an hour reach an altitude of 2,100 metres (about 7000 feet) above sea level and arrive at the ski resort of Pradallano, which is in the Sierra Nevada's popular winter sports center.

Downhill and cross-country skiing are popular in and around Pradollano during the winter months, while summer sees the hikers out in force. There are plans to build a lift direct from Lanjaron, just up the road from Los Piedaos.

For ski insurance see: Best Ski Insurance

The road that goes to the ski resort is kept clear of snow in the skiing season, and in the summer you can continue on up as far as the peak of Veleta, justifiably earning it's title as the highest road in Europe.

Specialist companies operating from the Alpujarras offer a variety of organised trips around the area and into the Sierra Nevada, including:

Horse Trekking
Hiking, Rock-Climbing and Nature Walks
Paragliding

For some stunning photos by Alan Ingram of the Sierra Nevada see:
Sierra Nevada Photographs




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