Getting to the Sierra Nevada

Getting to the Sierra Nevada can be a bit tricky if you start from Granada, even though the city is close by. The Sierra Nevada is 31 km southeast of Granada. You can also take a bus, which takes about 45 minutes from the Granada bus station. The Hoya de la Mora-Veleta-Mulhacén trail starts near the stop called Albergue Universitario. Just take the SNV bus from the main bus station.

In my opinion, the easiest way to make this trip is with a tour. Instead of going all the way to the Granada bus station, which is 3 km from the main historic center and can be a hassle if you are only in Granada for a few days, you can join a tour. This tour from Nevada Guides leaves from Plaza Mariana Pineda (right in the center of the main tourist area) and takes you near the top of the mountain to start the hike.

Safari Tour in the Sierra Nevada

I’m definitely more of a hiking type of girl, but let’s be honest: most people prefer to discover the Sierra Nevada from the backseat of a 4×4. The rough tundra landscape feels almost like a Spanish take on the Scottish Highlands. The drive takes you through deep valleys and up into high mountains, with stops along the way to enjoy the fresh air and look at plants and animals. End it all by grabbing a coffee with views that make you forget about the world below.

This way, you get a good sense of the different landscapes in the Sierra Nevada. You stop for short, easy walks that everyone can do. And if you stay until evening, the sunsets are incredible!

That said, if you’re up for a challenge, there’s also a full-day hike (about 7 hours). It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views make it worth it.

Hiking the Sierra Nevada

There are a lot of incredible trails for nature lovers in the region. But if you have some hiking experience (without being the most experienced hiker), the Hoya de la Mora-Veleta-Mulhacén trail is a nice middle ground.

This hike is moderately difficult. It’s a real moderate, you definitely don’t want to try it in flip-flops. You can expect snow until quite late in the season. Even as late as May, there may still be snow at the top of the mountains. Conditions can be very windy, but without wind or clouds, the sun can be quite hot.

Bring good hiking shoes and enjoy the beautiful snowy peaks at the end of the hike. It’s quite a payoff!

This hike takes about 5 hours, including a stop at the restaurant at the beginning

Las Alpujarras

A day trip from Granada to Las Alpujarras is a delightful getaway for those who appreciate quaint villages. Tucked in the Sierra Nevada, these white villages are renowned throughout Andalusia for their enduring Moorish heritage. The whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and terraced gardens of Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira are distinctly characteristic of the region.

You can visit one village or make a road trip out of it. Explore local shops with handmade crafts and try regional foods like ham and local wines. Enjoy the rugged landscape with chestnut and almond trees.

If you don’t have a car, there are tour companies offering trips from Granada to Las Alpujarras, making it accessible for everyone.