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| The Sierra Nevada was designated a national park in 1998 |
Airport Transfers
Sierra Nevada National Park
By Jo Williams
The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic, rugged and extensive mountain
range, the highest in Europe after the Alps and the most significant
section of the Cordillera Penibética. The protected area encompasses
86,208ha of torrential rivers, sheer-sided gorges, stony scree slopes,
glacial lakes between snowy summits and, in the foothills of the
Alpujarras, cultivated terraces of almond trees and vegetables.
Designated a national park in 1998, it is one of only two in Andalucia,
the other being the Dońana National Park. It retains its status
of natural park, which it has been since 1989, and this covers a
marginally smaller area, of 85,777ha. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere
Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant,
bird and animal species.
There are over 20 peaks more than 3,000m, which makes it the second
highest mountain range in Europe after the Alps. The two highest
peaks in the Iberian Peninsula are in the park, the Mulhacén at
3,482m, closely followed by the Pico del Veleta, at 3,396m. On a
clear day these mountains can be seen from as far away as Africa.
The park has a rich history, with the Tartessians, Visigoths,
Romans and Moors all leaving their legacy in the area, which can
be still be seen today; for example, the sophisticated irrigation
systems inherited from the Moors and the distinctive architecture
of the Alpujarras, with their flat-roofed houses, a design brought
from north Africa with the Berbers. The Alpujarras have a long tradition
of independence; the last Moorish king, Boabdil, famously sheltered
here after the fall of Granada. It became the Moors' last refuge
in Spain before their 1568 revolt failed and they were forced to
leave Spain.
In the west of the park is Solynieve, Europe's southernmost ski
resort, where the ski season generally runs from November to April.
Apart from skiers and snowboarders at the resort, the park is popular
with hikers, climbers and birdwatchers.
Apart from tourism, the economic mainstay of the Sierra Nevada
is agricultural produce, with cereal crops, olives, grapes, almonds,
walnuts, apples and cherries cultivated here, mainly in the southern
foothills of the Alpujarras. Europe's most important iron mine is
at Alquife, continuing a mining tradition in the Sierra that once
included the extraction of copper and silver as well. Trevélez is
renowned for its cured jamón serrano (mountain ham).
It's essential to bring high-factor sun protection and a hat,
to prevent burning at this high altitude.
Visit the unspoiled natural beauty of Las Alpujarras. An area of stunning natural beauty with a delightful climate, Las Alpujarras is dominated by the magnificent rugged peaks of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. Enjoy lunch at Bubion to Capileira perched above the marvelous Ravine of Poqueira.
Pass through Lanjaron, a famous medicinal spa town where you will visit the Water Museum; Orgiva, center of the Alpujarra region and a series of picturesque villages and hamlets such as Caratunas, Pampaneira, Pitres, Portugos with its natural spring and Trevelez, the highest village in Spain. You will then continue through Bubion to Capileira perched above the marvelous Ravine of Poqueira where a typical Alpujarreno lunch will be served.
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Las Alpujarras Day Trip from Granada