Sierra Nevada National Park

Let the majestic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada National Park leave you mesmerised.

The Sierra Nevada National Park is Spain’s largest national park, being 862 square-km, and it owns the most southern glaciers of Europe. No wonder, then, that this park is the ski lovers’ favourite destination, as well as hikers, who here can discover fantastic paths and wander up to the highest peaks of Spain, the Veleta (3395 m) and the Mulhacén (3479 m).

It lies within the southeastern area of the province of Granada, and it also comprises a part of the province of Almeria. Almost 175,000 hectares, made of the combination of the national and natural park of Sierra Nevada, were declared Biosphere Reserve in 1986, thanks to the incredible variety of animal and plant species that live there. 66 out of 2,000 plant species are endemic, while the most important animal inhabitant is the ibex, a mountain goat whose population is the largest of Andalucia.

And if you are wondering what you can do in the Sierra Nevada National Park (and Doñana), don’t miss out on the two national parks of Andalucia.

Visitor Centres and information point at the Sierra Nevada National Park

The main visitor centre of the Park is El Dornajo, located on the A-395 going to Pradollano, at km. 23. It remains closed on Monday, and it has the following opening hours:

Another useful visitor centre to keep in mind is that of Pampaneira, where you will find an exhibition of the natural values of the park and an ethnological exhibition. It is located at the Plaza de la Libertad in Pampaneira. Its opening hours are:

There is another visitor centre, the Laujar de Andarax, located on the highway that leads from Laujar de Andarax to Orgiva, at km. 1. It is open:

How to get to the Sierra Nevada National Park

You can reach the Sierra Nevada National Park either by bus or by car.

The national company ALSA provides two daily buses from Granada to Cádiar (€15 the round trip), Válor (€19 the round trip), and Bérchules (€17 the round trip) and three buses from Granada to Trevélez (€15 the round trip). From Malaga to Órgiva, ALSA provides one bus per day at €20 the round trip, while from Almeria to Cádiar, the daily roundtrip costs €18.

On the contrary, if you want to reach the park by car, these are the routes you have to keep in mind:

• From Granada: highway N-323 towards Motril, exit at Ronda Sur and take the A-395 towards Pradollano – Veleta. You will get to the most famous ski station of Sierra Nevada.
• From Granada: highway N-323 towards Motril. When you reach the town of Lanjarón, take the C-332, which will lead you through the southern area of Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarras.
• From Granada: highway N-323 toward Jaen, take the A-92 towards Almeria and then the A-337 towards La Calahorra – Puerto de Ragua.
• From Almeria: take the A-92 towards Granada.
• From Almeria: A-92 towards Granada, exit at Benahadux and take the A-348, thanks to which you will enjoy the landscapes of the Alpujarra of Almeria.

For more routes starting from Granada, check the website of Trek Sierra Nevada, where you will find useful information about getting around the National Park.

Places to stay around the Sierra Nevada National Park

Since the best way to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of this national park is to stay at a holiday home located next to it, we suggest you check the best holiday homes and villas in the surrounding area of the Sierra Nevada national park. Find the one you like the most, book it and start enjoying the atmosphere of the most southern glacier in Europe.

The Sierra Nevada national park is a jewel of the Andalusian territory. Ready to get to know it?

Did you find this information about the Sierra Nevada national park useful? Have you ever been to this area of the province of Granada? Tell us in the comments; we look forward to knowing your experience.