Although the Sierra Nevada is Spain’s highest mountain range, it is often overlooked by the Pyrenees in the North as Spain’s location for some real adventure. However, this is all but true. Come here and visit the Sierra’s beautiful white villages, climb the highest mountain of the Iberian Peninsula, and go skiing with a view of the Mediterranean!
3 crazy adventures in the Sierra Nevada mountain range
1. Climb the Mulhacen
Although it sounds crazy, everyone with decent stamina and some good preparation can climb Spain’s highest mountain (excluding the Canary Islands) at 3478 meters (11400 feet). Start your hike in the beautiful village of Capileira, and ascent 1500 meters in one day until you get to the mountaineering hut ‘Vivac de La Caldera’. This first day is very long, but the rewards are totally worth it. The views are stunning, you will see some mountain wildlife, and hopefully meet the most amazing people on the way. After sleeping the night in La Caldera, start your final sprint to the top, and it will feel like you are on top of the world (technically you are!).
If you are not into mountaineering, but you do really want to try out some serious high-altitude hiking, this is the perfect start. All you need to know before hiking the Mulhacén you can find here.
2. Ski with a view of the Mediterranean
Southern Spain, or Andalucia in particular is not ht first place you think of when we mention skiing, but trust us, it is amazing. With over 100 km of slopes and reaching altitudes above 3,000 meters, the Sierra Nevada Ski Station can even compare to some resorts of the Alps, only they do not have a view of the Mediterranean Sea at the highest tops.
As the most Southern ski station in Europe, the snowfall is not comparable to resorts farther north. Skiing is however almost always possible, just stay on the slopes!
3. Visit the extraordinary white villages of the Alpujarras
The Sierra Nevada hosts the villages with the highest altitudes of mainland Spain, but it’s not only that that they are famous for. These eccentric white pearls are a must-visit on your trip to Andalucia! The villages are over 500 years old and full of Morish influences, which make them extra special. Go witch-hunting in the cursed village of Soportújar, taste the amazing hams of Trévelez, or lose yourself in Pampaneira: every village has its own unique specialty.
Our personal favorite was Capileira. Situated at the foot of the Mulhacén mountain, this village is the perfect start for your hiking adventure! Otherwise, the views are absolutely stunning. Get a typical regional dinner at La Trastienda de la Monja, and if you are staying overnight (which we recommend), the cheapest option is Hostal Moraima.
Click here for other beautiful hikes close to Granada and the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.