World Heritage Sites : Sierra Nevada

Overview

The Sierra Nevada National Park covers 86,208 hectares and is home to two of the Iberian Peninsula’s highest mountains - the Mulhacén (3,482m) and the Veleta (3,392m). The park stretches between the provinces of Granada and Almería. It is divided into two main areas - one that forms the high ridge of mountains clearly marked by glacial action and with little developed vegetation and the Mediterranean mountain range of less severe peaks that abound with flora and fauna of all types. The higher peaks are snow covered practically all year round and provide a much needed supply of water for the foothills below where more than 2,000 species of plants have been discovered and catalogued. Over 60 species of birds live in the sierra, not only the typical giants of the high mountains like the golden eagle and the griffin vulture, but also mountain birds like the golden oriole and the hoopoe. The easiest mammals to spot are the wild mountain goats as they hop nimbly up and down the most incredible precipices, and more patient observers will see foxes, badgers, wild cats and a great variety of snakes and lizards.

How to get there

From Granada
Autovía N-323 in the direction of Motril, exit Ronda sur, A-395 following signs for Pradollano ( ski station) – Veleta
From Granada via la Alpujarra
Autovía N-323 in the direction of Motril, at the Lanjarón crossroads, take La Alpujarra road which goes across the south slopes of the Sierra Nevada
From Granada via Marquesado
Autovía N-323 in the direction of Jaén, get onto the A-92 towards Almería, take the A-337 towards La Calahorra – Puerto de la Ragua
From Almería
On the A-92 towards Granada
From Almería via la Alpujarra
A-92 towards Granada, in Benahadux take the A-348, which takes you through the Almerian Alpujarra

Visitors Centres and Information Points

El Dornajo
Carretera de Sierra Nevada, Km. 23, 18196, Güéjar Sierra (Granada)
Tel: 958 34 06 25
Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9.30am – 2.30pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Services: Information, library, book and map shop, cafe, green shop
Other activities: Environmental education, outdoors sports activities, guided walks

Laujar de Andarax
Carretera Laujar de Andarax Berja Km. 1, 04470, Laujar de Andarax (Almería)
Tel: 950 51 35 48
Opening times: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 2pm and 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Services: Information, book and map shop

Pampaneira
Plaza de la Libertad, s/n, 18411, Pampaneira (Granada)
Tel: 958 76 31 27
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm; Sunday 10am – 3pm
Services: Information, book and map shop
Other activities: Outdoors sports activities, guided walks

Puerto de La Ragua
Carretera de La Calahorra Cherin, Km. 11,6, 04479, Bayárcal (Almería)

Tel: 950 52 40 20
Opening times: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, 10am – 2pm and 4pm – 6pm
Services: Information, book and map shop
Other activities: Outdoors sports activities

“Nature Classrooms”

Aula de Naturaleza Ermita Vieja
Central Hidroeléctrica de Dílar, 18152, Dílar (Granada)
Tel: 958 34 04 72
Services: Activites and courses in environmental education

Aula de Naturaleza de Paredes
Abrucena 04520 (Almería)
Tel: 950 52 10 69
Services: Promoting environmental issues
Other activities: Outdoors sports activities, guided walks, rural tourism

Botanical Gardens

Jardín Botánico La Cortijuela
La Cortijuela, 18193, Monachil (Granada)
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am – 2pm; Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 12 – 6pm
Services: Botanical walks

Walking

Walking or hiking is one of the best ways to see this national park and all it has to offer. You should pick up more detailed information at the tourist information areas. Sensible precautions should always be taken regarding fitness, equipment and letting people know where you’re going – this is especially true of this area, which, due to its scale, can be daunting. While there are numerous walks the following three are well signposted and easy to follow. Further details and other walks are provided (in Spanish) at Spain’s Ministry of the Environment’s website:
http://www.mma.es/parques/lared/s_nevada/visita/itinerar.htm
Vereda de la Estrella
This walk starts at the Barranco de San Juan. It is a fairly easy walk, taking about 5 hours.

Río Trevelez
This route starts in the small town of Trevelez, and is slightly more difficult terrain; involving crossing the rivers and streams in several places and has several long climbs reaching a maximum height of 1950m.

Climbing the Mulhacén
This is the most difficult walk but one of the most popular with hikers. It goes without saying that you need to be fit and well prepared - it should not be attempted in winter without the necessary ice climbing equipment. The route starts in Capileira and includes several very steep climbs that take you through the range of fauna and flora that abound in the Sierra Nevada. It culminates in the peak of Mulhacén after a 16 km climb.

Mountain Huts and Shelters
There are two high mountain refuges for long distance trekkers but it is always wise to phone and make a booking as at some times of the year they may be very busy.

Refugio de Postero Alto
18518 Jérez del Marquesado (Granada)
Tel: 958 34 51 54

Refugio del Poqueira
18413 Capileira (Granada)
Tel: 958 34 33 49

Skiing in the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is Europe’s southernmost ski resort located at Pradollano at an altitude of 2,100 m. The resort has been greatly improved since 1994. It now has a total of 61 kilometres of skiing, spread over 39 runs, plus 6 sensational off-course trails. There is a vertical drop of 1,300 meters, and snow areas for all types of skiers, from beginners to experts. The skier carrying capacity is now 31,965 passengers per hour, made possible by a total of 19 lifts - 2 gondolas, 12 chairlifts and 5 ski lifts. The ski lifts are open daily during the season from 9am to 4.30pm and floodlit skiing has recently been introduced on Friday and Saturday nights. The ski station accepts day and weekly visitors. Snow is practically guaranteed throughout the winter with a large number of snow producing machines which keep all the major courses open. The resort offers ski hire and lessons at all levels and all facilities including shops, restaurants, doctors, chemists etc. There is also underground parking for 2,800 cars.

Perhaps one of the most exciting things about a ski station so far south in Europe is that within an hour’s drive you can be soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada is well documented in English and much more information can be found at any of the following sites.
http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/Places/SierraNevada.htm
http://www.sierranevadaski.com/default.asp?id=750
http://www.tuspain.com/travel/sierra.htm

With thanks to Javier Ruiz for permission to use his photo of the Sierra Nevada