Sierra Nevada: Mountaineering

The Sierra Nevada mountain chain, mountain trails, nature and wildlife, ....

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in Andalusia, southern Spain, which is one of the Betic Cordillera. With sixteen peaks above 3000 meters and after the Alps, the highest mountain range in western Europe. The highest mountain in mainland Spain, Mulhacen (3482 m), is located in this mountain range. The name means snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spanish.

The Sierra Nevada National Park occupies part of this mountain. The park, with its diverse landscapes has all the characteristics of the climate of the mountains. Due to climate changes and height you will find a huge variety of vegetation. Of densely green in the fall to small alpine flora and low shrubs on the tops. You will find more than 2100 plant species of the 8,000 cataloged species in Spain.

The area is also rich in fauna, there are more than sixty species of birds who watch over the airspace as the vulture, golden eagle or Alpine. To govern the country include the Spanish mountain goat (cabra montes), foxes, wild boars, weasels and badgers.

In the Sierra Nevada is also a large ski area: Solynieve (= sun and snow), the main villages Pradollano (2100 m) and Borreguiles (2600 m). There are 85 km of ski slopes and can be skied to the Pico Veleta which is 3396 m high. A ski trip can be combined here with a holiday in the sun, as the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol include not lie far away.

The mountain range attracts many tourists each year at the beginning of September because the Vuelta cycling race passes by.

The Sierra Nevada in Spain with his sixteen peaks above 3,000 meters is the second highest after the Alps mountain range in Europe. The southern location and many hours of sunshine is an ideal area to spend your vacation. The varied mountain landscape with its unique range of flora and fauna is a must for those who love the nature. But the lover of hiking, biking, horseback riding or skiing will come into his own in the Sierra Nevada.

Winter sports in the ski village Pradollano where you can find snow from December to April is also a unique experience. And Granada is nearby, ideal for a day trip or do you prefer the Costa del Sol, which is only 60 km away. Combine the beach and ski, you will find nowhere else in Europe.

The National Park of Sierra Nevada with its beautiful and varied landscapes has all the characteristics of the high mountains. Due to climate changes and height you will find a huge variety of vegetation. Of Mediterranean forests in the valleys until shortly mosses on the mountain tops. It is also home to more than 2,100 plant species.

The area is also rich in fauna, there are more than sixty species of birds who watch over the airspace as the vulture, golden eagle or Alpine. To govern the country include the Spanish mountain goat (cabra montes), foxes, wild boars, weasels and badgers. Good chance that you are one of these animals met on a walking tour of the area.

Hiking opportunities abound in the Sierra Nevada. For all levels and ages. A walk in a hilly and beautiful landscape to a trek to one of the peaks as the Veleta and Mulhacen with altitudes of 3396 m and 3482 m respectively You can even stay in one of the many mountain huts that the Sierra Nevada is rich. Whether you prefer a mountain bike ride on one of the many well-maintained trails in the vicinity of Capileira, Trevelez or Pradollano.

The sports most commonly practiced in the Sierra Nevada ski. The ski resort "Sol y Nieve" is the southernmost of Europe, has the most hours of sun, and is arguably the best ski resort of Spain.

From December to mid-April, you can go there at 66 km of well-groomed slopes. Snow guaranteed!

The most famous ski village Pradollano is at 2100 m altitude, but there is also Borreguiles which is at 2600 m. Both villages have a wide range of places such as hotels and apartments. You also have many après-ski options: you'll find plenty of restaurants and sun terraces. Or say the bars and nightclubs more? There the night until the morning hours.

Once spring has arrived, and thaw the white landscape turns into an oasis of greenery and colorful flowers, sheep and horses go back to the country. Therefore acts in the best period for hikers, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. From May to October the temperatures in the high mountains pleasantly mild, and you can escape the heat of the lowlands.