| Sierra Nevada | | Granada y Almeria |
| Geographical features |
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Provinces: Granada (southeast) and Almeria (western extreme).
Area: 169.239 Has.
Maximun altitude: 3.481 m. (Mulhacén)
Minimun altitude: 800 m.
Extreme temperatures: -25ºC (winter); 35º (summer).
Average rainfall: 1200 mm (high areas)
Protection scheme: Natural Park; Biosphere Preservation; Hunting Reserve.
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The Sierra Nevada Natural Park, in the middle of the cordillera
Penibetica, contains some of the most surprising wildlife in Europe. This
mountainous landmass covers a longitude of 90km and is formed by 60
municipalities or parts of municipalities (37 of Granada's and 23 of Almeria's)
which include the highest peaks of the Iberian peninsula, those of
Mulhacén (3481 metres) and Veleta (3470m).
A dozen of the summits reach an altitude of 3000m and above.
It is one of the most diverse landscapes in Andalusia, from the cold wilderness
of the uppermost heights to the thick carpets of mediterranean flora.
It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986 and
National Hunt Reserve in 1966.
Climate
Rain is rare in the area and the sun shines all year through. However, as
one rises, the Mediterranean climate is left behind and there is a significant
contrast in temperatures from 25 degrees below zero in Winter to 35 degrees in Summertime.
The highest parts of the park are glaciations dotted with several lakes such as that
in Altera and the Aguas Verdes ("Green Waters") lake.
Access
From Granada: El Veleta road until the ski resort; N-323 towards
Motril and then the turning towards Lanjarón; N-342 to Guadix and
N-324 to Calahorra or Jerez del Marquesado.
From Almeria: N-340 towards Adra and from El Ejido on the C-331
until El Puerto de la Ragua; N-340 towards Tabernas until the turning for
Gádor and Laujar de Andarax on the C-332.
A Tour of Las Alpujarras
A trip around the little towns scattered along the Alpujarras on the
southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada is recommended. Trevélez,
the highest town in Spain, is the cradle of serrano cured ham for which it
is famous. Lanjarón, labelled the balcony of the Alpujarras,
has exceptional views and its spa with five springs is the perfect place
to stop for a rest. The beautiful Orgiva is surrounded by groves of
olives, almonds and oranges.
To the north of the park, in Guadix, it is possible to buy the pink
terra-cotta and visit the fascinating San Lorenzo troglodyte quarter.
Here, where it seems time has stood still, cave dwellings are set into a
hill from which only the whitewashed chimneys protrude.
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