Hotels in Sierra Nevada

Granada's spectacular mountain range is wild and rugged. It contains the highest mountain in mainland Spain and a litter of picture-postcard whitewashed villages, Las Alpujarras. Home to Spain's southernmost ski resort, the region is always alluring whatever the season.

Visitors will be pleased to discover a number of excellent holiday properties throughout the Sierra Nevada, including affordable hotels and rentals.

Neighbourhoods of Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada consists of a number of neighbourhoods:

• Pradollano: A small village and base of the Sierra Nevada ski resort, Pradollano is where you'll find the bulk of the area's hotels, restaurants and bars.
• Borreguiles: Approachable by a chairlift, this upper platform is home to ski schools and some excellent restaurants and bars with stunning mountainside views.
• Zona alta: The upper region of the Sierra Nevada resort town, this is where you'll find upscale restaurants and hotels, close to the awe-inspiring Virgen de las Nieves monument.

What to see and do in Sierra Nevada

As Sierra Nevada is a ski resort, the principal activities here are snow-based. Nevertheless, you can also enjoy a variety of hikes and picturesque views as well, whatever the season. You can hike the highest mountain in Spain, Mulhacén, an impressive natural peak with views all the way to Africa on clear days in summer, or stick to the smaller peak of Veleta. Many beautiful hiking trails like Collado de Matas Verdes are also in the vicinity. You can also visit the local Hoya de Pedraza Botanical Garden, a stunning park buttressed by the mountain scenery. Day trips to and from historic Granada are also an option, home to famed Moorish fortification of Alhambra and pretty ancient streets. If you have time to explore the Sierra Nevada park at large, you can visit many beautiful hilltop villages like Capileira, Capileira, Lanjaron and Trevélez.

What to eat in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada is famed for a number of regional delicacies that you must try while in the region. Plato Alpujarreño is a particularly nourishing dish of blood sausage, jamón and potatoes, that is the perfect post-hike meal. Jamón (cured ham) is very famous in this region, often served as a tapa alongside your drink. Simple local produce like honey, olives and almonds are also noted in this region, as is carnes a la plancha, simply grilled, locally-sourced meats.

Typical events and festivals in Sierra Nevada

Plenty of fiestas and festivals are celebrated in the charming hilltop villages of Sierra Nevada, including the Fiesta of San Antonio in June (Trevélez), Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza in April (Capileira) and Fiesta de San Juan in June, featuring the world's largest water fight (Lanjarón). You can also experience music festivals like the Sun & Snow Festival in December, in and around Sierra Nevada resort town.

How to move around in Sierra Nevada

Buses are available in Sierra Nevada which takes you directly to Granada Bus Station. There is a minibus service that shuttles visitors from the bottom of Pradollano to the top, where they can then take a chair-lift up the slopes. If you're planning to explore more of the national parkland than the resort town itself, a rental car (with four-wheel-drive) is recommended.

The climate in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada has a mild mountain climate with cold winters, particularly in low-lying valleys. In summer, you can expect highs of 25°, while winter can see temperatures drop to -7°.

More interesting facts about and sights in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada is Spain's largest natural park. It's home to abundant flora and fauna, including narcissus, thistles, clover and gentian, as well as a significant ibex population. Keep your eyes on the sky to spot soaring vultures, eagles and falcons.