Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain

Sierra Nevada ismountain range in Andalusia in southern Spain, in part lies in the province of Granada and partly in the province of Almería.

In 1986 the mountain was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1999 as part of the national park. Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain in the Alps of Western Europe, Mulhacén peak (3479 m), is the highest in the entire continental Spain.

On the western slope of Mount Veleta is a ski resort, the southernmost in Europe and highest in Spain. At the same place at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level we can find an astronomical observatory of Sierra Nevada.

Climate of Sierra Nevada

Hot summers and mild winters caused by the Mediterranean climate occurs mainly in the valleys on the southern slopes of Las Alpujarras massif.

At altitudes above 3000 m there is snow from late October to mid-May, during tough winters until July. Differences in temperature between the highest peaks and the lowlands can reach 25 ° C.

To visit the massif and foothills of Las Alpujarras, the best period from March to June. Visit the highest positions is the most ideal during summer, when snow does not lie in the mountains.

Highest peaks in Sierra Nevada

Mulhacén     3480 m
Veleta     3393 m
Alcazaba     3371 m
Cerro los Machos     3324 m
Puntal de Siete Lagunas     3248 m
Puntal Caldera     3226 m
Pico de Elorrieta     3206 m

Sport and tourism

Sierra Nevada is particularly popular with skiers. There are several winter resorts equal to those in the Alps.

The local ski resort Pradollano them with regularity, site of the World Cup in Alpine skiing. In 1996 there took place even world championships. Prices here are slightly higher than usual in the Alps in the same high-quality centers. The whole mountain area replicating the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by high temperatures and excellent weather. Under favorable conditions, even see the coastline with beaches.

The Granada begins highest road in Europe, which has 46 km of sharp bends, and its end is below the peak of Pico de Veleta (3398 m). By bus from Granada to the local ski resorts get, due to the elevation, for about 2.30 pm Get off the bus or you can park your car in Pradollano ski area, which is also the beginning of the cableway. Farther east the mountain at an altitude of around 3000 m has only continued prepared dusty road (or path) and copies Mulhacén massif and descends to the south near the village Capileira, Pampaneira and Bubión.

Bus connection to Mulhacen

Office of Sierra Nevada Natural Park is providing bus with guide. It take 1 hour from Capileira to Mirador de Trevelez at 2700 m.

Service and timetable depends on season and weather conditions so it is recommended to call ahead

Hours are:
to Mulhacen - 8.30AM; 11AM, 15PM, 17.30PM
back to Capileira - 16.15PM; 18.45PM
The price is 7 euros
Contact : 0034/ 958-763-486 or 671-564-406(Office of Sierra Nevada National Park)