Sierra Nevada, Spain

Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, stretches across the Granada and Almería provinces in the far south. Sierra Nevada translates to English as “snowy range,” and quite justly so. The snow-capped peaks soar into the air, visible from afar. One can see the white range on a clear day just walking down the streets of the city of Granada, or from one of the many hills in the city such as that in the district of Albayzín or from the Alhambra,.

The range was created around the same geologic period as the European Alps and the Atlas Mountains, which seems bizarre given their considerable distance from each other. The range is classified today as a protected biosphere.

The Sierra Nevada lower elevation environments are teeming with fauna and interesting flora, attracting many visitors. Part of the range is organized into the Sierra Nevada National Park. The range also hosts the Sierra Nevada Observatory in the northern hills.

The north side of the mountains is steeper, and the formation is drastic in comparison with the calmer southern slopes. The foothills of the range stretch all the way to the old city of Granada. That popular tourist destination sees many visitors spending days on excursions into the Sierra Nevada.

Some visitors just want to see the highest mountain in Spain (not including Spain’s maritime territories). The Mulhacén peak rises 3478 meters above sea level. The Veleta and Alcazaba peaks are the next tallest, and both offer unique experiences themselves.

Visitors to Andalucía usually can’t be expected to want to ski. Andalucía is known for its Mediterranean climate, its tropical coast offering a particularly beautiful getaway. The contrast between that climate and the alpine climate of the higher Sierra Nevada is almost overwhelming.

It’s easy to go from sun bathing on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to carving S’s at the Sierra Nevada Ski Station. Despite Andalucía’s reputation as a province with warm temperatures, the drier, colder climate of the Sierra Nevada provides excellent skiing conditions.

Besides crisp air and pleasant wildlife viewing, the Sierra Nevada is the source of many rivers and lakes. Hikes into the range often bring trekkers to the stone bridge over the Rio Poqueira. There’s also good camping in the wilderness, and several tour operators in Granada offer equipped trips.