At the end of June I took a trip around the entire park of Sierra Nevada. Stretching across Granada and Almeria regions, this immense natural space has all kinds of landscapes.
From Dilar to Lanjaron, Mulhacen to Los Berchules, Alboloduy to Lugros all terrains were covered.

Some of these views reminded me of other parks I’ve seen in USA and throughout my travels. It’s a varied place to discover and I’ll recommend it any time of the year. Due to the height of the park (highest point is 3482 Mulhacen) it’s much cooler up there.

Here are 7 of the most contrasting landscapes I saw on my trip

Did you know that the Sierra Nevada has the oldest managed aquifer recharge system in Europe

Alpine Flowers

Reminds me of: Grand Teton National Park, USA
Where is it? Approach to the Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada, Spain
What is it? A National Park and Natural park spanning areas in Granada and Almeria province.
How to visit? Enjoy the beauty of the National Park by taking a nature trail with Sierra y Sol. Seek out butterflies and rare endemic plant varieties. You will also come across local fauna (Mountain goats, wild boar.. etc) or Mediterranean birds. In the Sierra Nevada National Park there are 40 endemic plant varieties and 1400 types across the Sierra Nevada Natural park.
The highest areas of the mountain range is one of the most important places of biodiversity in Europe. (Sierra Nevada National Park is the most protected area)
The water system in the Sierra Nevada is actually the oldest managed aquifer recharge system of Europe. Right back in the Middle Ages, Muslims managed the meltwater in purpose built channels, known locally as acequias. This is still visible in the mountains today.
Where to eat/stay? Stay in Capileira at Finca de los Llanos. Eat with views in Pampaneira at the Ruta del Mulhacen.

Snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains

Reminds me of: Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Where is it? Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada, Spain
What is it? A National Park in Southern Spain.
How to visit? All year round hiking around the park and outdoor activities such as climbing, biking, horse riding etc. Ski season is from November until end of April on the North face. (This photo was taken at the end of June and there is still some snow on the highest peaks) You can also do an e-bike tour from Granada to Veleta Peak which is the highest E-Bike Tour in Europe
Where to eat/stay? Stay in Hotel Zerbinetta in Dilar, Don´t miss the organic/local food here. (non residents always welcome) Horse enthusiasts will also love the stables in the building below the hotel gardens.

Sierra Nevada Daytrip + Guided Tour from Granada

Marchal Badlands

Reminds me of: Bryce Canyon, USA / Cappadoccia, Turkey.
Where is it? Purullena, close to Guadix in the northern part of Granada province.
What is it? The natural monument known as the Cárcavas de Marchal covers 13 acres of rock formations. (5,2 hectares) These clay deposits have been shaped by water erosion. These unfertile areas have been used for cave homes as they are easy to dig out in the soft clay.
How to visit? 4 x 4 tours or individual tourism from the main road of Purullena. Take a tour with Natureda to track down mountain goats, Iberian Lynx, eagles or other local animals.
Where to eat/stay? Great food and accommodation Meson de Tio Peroles, Abla.

Enchanted Forest above Lugros

Reminds me of: Areas around the Derbyshire Dales, UK
Where is it? Dehesa de Camarate, Lugros, Sierra Nevada National Park
What is it? A varied forest populated with oak trees, wild cherry trees, willow trees and other varieties. This area is especially interesting in Autumn when the leaves are all colours, green, red, oranges and yellows. The foliage here are ash trees, poplars, rowan and maple trees. I saw wild roses along the path too. This trail has plenty of cattle grazing along it and some sheep too. This land has an interesting past and has an abandoned chapel at the trail head, this ruin is part of the Cortijo de Camarate which used to be owned by Spanish nobles until this was acquired by the Andalusian regional authorities. Perfect for a Sierra Nevada Hiking day out.
How to visit? Guided tour with Sierra y Sol. Hike up to see the cattle grazing around the area.
Where to eat/stay? Great food and accommodation at Alcudia de Guadix at Cuevas de Tio Tobas.

Alboloduy Riverbed Canyon

Reminds me of: Death Valley National Park, USA
Where is it? Alboloduy, on the edge of Sierra Nevada Natural Park in Almeria province.
What is it? A dry riverbed close to the village of Alboloduy with interesting geological formations.
How to visit? Guided hike with Al M ihras
Where to eat/stay? Great food and accommodation Meson de Tio Peroles, Abla.

Natural Cave Houses

Reminds me of: Hobbiton, New Zealand
Where is it? North of Granada province in the village of Alcudia de Guadix
What is it? Natural caves converted into accommodation around Purellena, Alcudia and Guadix. These caves are warm in winter and cool in summertime. Buildings using the natural resources of the region and no need for air conditioning.
How to visit? Visit the Tropolois centre in Alcudia de Guadix. In this centre you can make your own cheese and even take it home with you.
Where to eat/stay? Alcudia de Guadix at the Cuevas de Tio Tobas

Hillside villages

Reminds me of: Moroccan Berber Villages, Atlas mountains
Where is it?: Alpujarras region (Granada/Almeria provinces)
What is it?: Hillside villages built in Berber style. Although most villages are painted white nowadays, the style matches those seen around the atlas mountains of Morocco. From Lanjaron right up to Trevelez and then along through Laroles and down to Almeria. These villages stretch right across the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
How to visit? Buy local crafts and food in the village shops, hike the trails between the villages and relax in this natural environment.
Where to eat/stay? Los Berchules. A great family accommodation with swimming pool, small children´s play area, good local food and even a vintage table football game.

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