Part of Spain’s alluring Andalusia region, Sierra Nevada National Park covers almost 86,000 hectares, making it the largest national park in Spain. It’s considered a haven for hikers thanks to its three towering mountains, Mulhacén, Veleta and Alcazaba, which all have summits 3,000-plus metres above sea level.
The Sulayr trail is particularly popular for hiking, mountaineering and mountain biking, featuring 19 trails covering about 300 kilometres. Adventurous travellers can also enjoy caving, orienteering, hot-air ballooning and, in winter, skiing and snowboarding. The scenery is particularly resplendent during summer when you can admire river valleys and lush pine forests.
Sierra Nevada National Park is also home to a variety of native animals and plants, including 60 species of endemic plants. The Spanish ibex can often be seen roaming the national park, along with wild boar, martens, wildcats and badgers. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for golden eagles, European goldfinches and red-legged partridges.
Getting there
Sierra Nevada National Park is easily accessed from cities along Spain’s Andalusia coastline. It’s 1.5 hours’ drive from Malaga, one hour from Almeria and three hours from Gibraltar. It’s also 25 minutes’ drive from Granada, which has a national railway and Federico García Lorca Granada Airport.