Andalucia is well known for its sunshine, beaches and amazing rural and cultural attractions - but skiing? Not an obvious connection. In fact, a thriving downhill skiing industry exists thanks to the world-class station in Sierra Nevada. Even fewer will be aware that this region is also cultivating cross-country ski (also known as Nordic skiing, as opposed to Alpine - downhill), and that we have excellent athletes in training who compete not only in the south of Spain, but all over the world.

Gójar is a village south of Granada city on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. It offers visitors natural spaces, which, together with the its buildings make it a destination for lovers of nature to explore the culture.

Quéntar is a village in Granada province located in the Sierra de Huétor alongside the Aguas Blancas river.

Pinos Genil is a village in Granada province is divided in two by the river Genil, and is a popular destination for rural tourism enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Ogíjares is a village in Granada province located close to the Barranco de la Ricla. There are various interesting monuments to see, including archaeological remains, two convents and two churches.

Monachil is a village in Granada province within the Sierra Nevada National Park and location of the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, the southernmost ski resort in Europe. It is also popular with nature lovers as well as skiers and snowboarders.

La Zubia is a village in Granada province just outside the Sierra Nevada National Park, and known for its impressive natural setting as well as its historical and artistic heritage.

Huétor Vega is a village in Granada province found between the valley of the river Monachil and Granada.

Güéjar Sierra is a village in Granada province located in the Sierra Nevada National Park. The many popular walking or hiking routes across the mountains start from here. People often choose to spend their holidays in Güéjar Sierra because and the outdoors sports that are available in the vicinity.

Dílar is a village in Granada province found at almost 900m altitude in the Sierra Nevada national park.

Cenes de la Vega is a village in Granada province located very close to the city of Granada, and is an ideal destination for rural tourism thanks to its beautiful landscapes.

Cájar is a village in Granada province located close to both the Sierra Nevada and Granada city.

This lovely village is just 15 kilometres from Granada city, located in the valley between the Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Huétor mountain ranges. If you’re looking for a charming village that has not yet succumbed to modern architectural designs, then this is just the place for you. Wander the streets to enjoy the pretty, traditional Andalusian buildings, visit the well maintained 17th century church.

It is always helpful to learn some useful vocabulary that will make the trip excursion even better, even though most of the staff working in Sierra Nevada speak good English.

The park has several main entry points. For the western end of the Sierra, take the A395 - Europe's highest road - from Granada city that leads to the ski station. In the park's eastern section, the A337 crosses the Sierra north to south. Further east is the AL503 in Almeria province. The Alpujarras are easily accessible via the roads running east-west linking the main towns and villages.