Details

This National Park covers an area of just under 90,000 hectacres. It comprises rivers, gorges, glacial lakes and dramatic snow capped summits with over 20 reaching heights of more than 3,000m making this the second highest mountain range in Europe after the Alps. The highest of these peaks is Mulhacen which stands at 3,482m above sea level.

Running along the southern edge of the park are the foothills to the mountain range known as the Alpujarra. An area of outstanding natural beauty dotted with picturesque white-washed villages that cling to the steep mountain slopes with Bubion, Capileira and Pampaneira being three of the more popular with tourists.

Activities within the park are numerous and include hiking, biking, horse-trekking, rock-climbing and, ofcourse, skiing at the Sierra Nevada ski resort. All of which add up to making this an ideal place for those seeking outdoor adventure.

For those who enjoy nature it is interesting to note that there are more than 2,100 species of plant life and aswell as an abundance of wildlife. For bird-watchers there are over 60 species of birds found in the area including eagles, falcons, vultures and kestrels.

Tourist accommodation is wide and varied and includes hotels, hostals, B&Bs and numerous campsites.


Although rural tourism figures greatly in the local economy other sources of income include agriculture (cereal, olives, almonds and cherries) aswell as locally produced textiles and handcrafts while the town of Trevelez is renowned for its cured hams.