Sierra Nevada Spain

What to do in Sierra Nevada, Spain?

Outside the winter season, the Sierra Nevada mountains offer countless alternatives for all types of tourism. Above 2100 meters, between June and October (weather permitting) a series of minibuses from the Interpretation Service of the High Peaks, allow visitors to climb the Pico Veleta at high altitude touring through the Natural and National Parks.

Because of their height and latitude, these mountains are home to unique species of flora and fauna. There is also a wide range of trekking routes starting from the Pradollano, Sierra Nevada ski resort, adapted to all levels, both in terms of difficulty and length. Read on to find out about the best hiking tracks you can do in this incredible Natural Park.

The so-called Veleta Route is moderate in terms of difficulty. This trail is one of the most emblematic routes in Sierra Nevada Spain, known as the great ‘balcony’. It ends in one of the best natural observatories. From here you can see the most impressive 3.000s of the mountain range. As well as the Alpujarra of Granada, the Mediterranean Sea and the North Africa mountain range, the Atlas.

This ascent to the 3,396 m. summit, allows to find vestiges of the Spanish Civil War like the Posiciones del Veleta and exclusive volcanic residues. By the end of this route, the well-known Corral del Veleta arises, a vertiginous cut with more than 200 meters of fall. Additionally, a mass of fossil ice can be appreciated, like inheritance of the Ice Age. Average time to do it is between 4 and 5 hours.

This is another of the most interesting routes. It allows you to enjoy the small glacial lakes that are the origin of the Dílar River. This route, of moderate difficulty and extraordinary beauty can be done in about 30 or 45 minutes and is one of the easiest trails with approximately 13 km. and 1.000 m. of height difference.

The departure is from the upper station of Veleta chairlift. The panoramic view on the way back is not short either. As a result, you can contemplate several 3,000s, such as Collado de Capileira (3,200 m.), Tajos de la Virgen (3,242 m.) and Tozal del Cartujo (3,143 m.).

This track can be followed to the Observatory. In this case, starting from a path that leaves La Laguna de las Yeguas towards Borreguiles. During this walk you can observe a meadow, actually one of the largest wet grasslands in Granada, the Sierra Nevada Astronomical Observatory and the Sierra Nevada Radio Telescope.

Distance: approximately 11 km.; elevation difference: 450 m.
Difficulty: difficult, especially the last stretch from Borreguiles to the astronomical station.
Average time to do it: a little less than 8 hours.

This track runs along the banks of the streams and springs where the Genil river is born. In spite of the difficulty and hardness of the route, it offers one of the most interesting views of the mountain range north face.

Distance: about 35 km
Elevation difference: approximately 1,150 meters
Difficulty: High, both because of the distance and the slopes. Average time to do it: about 10 hours.

The Ruta de las Chorreras is an itinerary that you can start from Borreguiles. It is a path with some difficulty, but marked by streams and pastures home to a great diversity of plants. Some endemic species of Sierra Nevada, such as the Estrella de las Nieves flower, can be found there.

Distance: 12 km. from Borreguiles, almost 15 from Sierra Nevada.
Elevation difference: about 1,100 m. up and 300 m. down from Borreguiles.
Difficulty: moderate. Average time to do it: up to 9 hours.

This route can be a great option for a long walk with the whole family. Located in the small village of Monachil, it is only 8 km. from Art Chapiz Apartment rentals, in Granada. Despite its proximity, it remains a relatively unknown place for many tourists.
These limestone gorges are a very appreciated place by climbing experts as they offer numerous possibilities. The more adventurous will have to crawl, climb and cross beautiful suspension bridges to discover what this special route hides. You will enjoy incredible views, waterfalls, natural pools made of rock, caves and narrow tunnels.

This path will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Andalusia. It can be done throughout the year, but the best time is undoubtedly during spring and autumn. The river Monachil originates in the Veleta summits. The water is clean and cold, very cold (the typical cold you can only endure in summer).
Distance: 9.5 kilometres.
Elevation difference: less than 400 m., up and down.
Difficulty: easy. Average time to do it is 4 hours.