Good to know
Good to Know
- This area has borne witness to the passing of many cultures, including Judaism, Islam and Christianity, and there are many historical relics to discover.
- If you travel here in winter, it's a great chance to ski or enjoy the snow in the park. More than 100km of pistes are waiting for you, where you can even see as far as Morocco on a clear day.
- The Sierra Nevada is home to the largest population of endemic plant species in Europe: of the more than 2,000 species that grow here, 70 are found nowhere else on Earth. Particularly beautiful is the Nevada violet, which is easily spotted on the park's barren, rocky landscapes.
- The Sierra Nevada's altitude makes it an incomparable place to explore the universe. There's ample opportunity for stargazing if you go night skiing, from the terraces of bars and restaurants in the resort towns and from the Alpujarras villages. On clear nights, other galaxies are visible.
- Parking at popular villages like Capileira can be challenging during peak tourist season. Arrive early or use public transportation from Granada.
- Locally made colourful rugs, baskets made with esparto grass, and Andalucian ceramics are available in the villages. In Capileira, leather clothes, bags and belts are made, and in Pampaneira there are hand-made leather shoes.
Must See Sites
Poqueira Gorge (Barranco De Poqueira) Villages
- Description
- Nestled in the mountains, the Poqueira valley features villages with whitewashed houses so close together they almost look like snow from afar, with freshwater springs running through and nearly every street offering spectacular views of the rugged landscape. The three picturesque white villages clinging to the mountainside are the most popular tourist destination in the Alpujarras, and a great base for hiking in the high mountains.
Sub Sites
Capileira
- Highlights
- The village's Catholic church, Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, was erected by the Catholic Monarchs to replace the former mosque, and there is a Museo Etnológico to learn about the village's cultural heritage. Capileira has been declared 'one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.'
- Distance From Center
- ~90 minutes by car from Granada
Pampaneira
- Highlights
- In the middle of the village is the Iglesia de la Santa Cruz, a 16th-century church decorated with wooden ceilings and gilded altarpieces. Further from the centre is the Buddhist Monastery O Sel Ling, which fits perfectly in this remote setting.
- Distance From Center
- ~90 minutes by car from Granada
Bubión
- Highlights
- Bubión is home to a couple of craft shops and a small folk museum, Casa Alpujarreña.
- Distance From Center
- ~90 minutes by car from Granada
Mulhacén Peak
- Elevation
- 3478 metres
- Description
- The 11,420-foot-tall Mulhacén is the highest peak among more than 15 mountains to explore. It can be summited from Hoya de la Mora, Capileira or Trevélez.
Mount Veleta
- Elevation
- 3396 metres
- Description
- Mount Veleta stands at 3,396m (11,141ft) and is the Sierra Nevada's second-highest peak and mainland Spain's third. Its iconic summit can be reached via an undemanding and beautiful two-hour trek from Hoya de la Mora, which takes you past the ski resort's pristine slopes.
Los Cahorros Gorge (Monachil)
- Distance From Center
- ~8 km from Granada
- Description
- The most popular attractions is Los Cahorros Gorge, Monachil, a gorge known for its narrow river route, hanging bridges, and waterfalls, offering a 2-kilometer hike with views, rock pools, and tunnels. Located in the small village of Monachil, it is only 8 km from Granada and remains a relatively unknown place for many tourists.
Lanjarón
- Distance From Center
- ~45 minutes by bus from Granada
- Description
- Lanjarón is famous for its natural spring, which supplies mineral water to the country, and its thermal baths. For centuries, visitors have come here to enjoy the water's healing properties. The town's spa, Balneario de Lanjarón, offers a variety of treatments including massages, thermal baths and steam rooms. Standing above the village are the ruins of a Moorish castle, which offers splendid views over the surrounding mountains.
Trevélez
- Distance From Center
- ~2 hours by bus from Granada
- Description
- At 1,476 metres, it's one of the highest villages in mainland Spain. The dry air here is ideal for curing hams, and some of the best jamón in Spain comes from Trevélez. The village is also a good starting point for those looking to tackle Mulhacén, the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada.
ÓRgiva
- Description
- Órgiva, the largest town in Las Alpujarras, is known for its bohemian vibe, historic church, and the Palacio de los Condes de Sástago, surrounded by a valley of citrus groves.
Historical Sites
Moorish Castle of Lanjarón
- Description
- Soak up the history in iconic places such as Puente de Tablate, the gateway to the Alpujarra region, or Lanjarón castle at the top of an imposing hill that dominates the whole valley and takes you on an authentic journey back in time.
O Sel Ling Buddhist Monastery (Pampaneira)
- Description
- The Buddhist Monastery O Sel Ling, which fits perfectly in this remote setting.
Museums And Galleries
Museo Etnológico (Capileira)
- Note
- An interesting Ethnological Museum dedicated to the writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón from Granada, where tools and equipment that were used in daily tasks in earlier times are displayed.
- Description
- Ethnological museum showcasing traditional Alpujarra culture and crafts, housed in a typical village dwelling.
Casa Alpujarreña (Bubión)
- Description
- A small folk museum showcasing local crafts and traditions.
Sierra Nevada Astronomical Observatory
- Description
- Located high up in the Sierra Nevada mountain range at Loma de Dílar, the observatory is maintained and operated by the Astrophysical Institute of Andalusia and has a main building with two optical telescopes and other buildings for astronomical and non-astronomical purposes.
Hoya De Pedraza Botanical Garden
- Description
- A relatively new botanical garden high on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
Passes And Practical Info
- Transportation
- By bus: There are three daily buses from Granada to the Sierra Nevada during the week and four on weekends, all run by the Tocina company. Tickets cost around €5 one way or €9 return, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. To explore the Alpujarra region, you need to get the buses run by Alsa. Most buses pass through Lanjarón, Orgiva, Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, but other villages are harder to get to. It is recommended that you arrive by car, so that you can easily travel between the different villages around and within the park.
- Suggested Itinerary
- The best way of touring the Sierra Nevada is on foot because there are numerous paths and routes. There are 25 official footpaths signposted according to their varying length and difficulty. Cycling aficionados also have 13 routes especially designed for them. Before you go it is best to double check which paths are most suited to your abilities, as they cover different altitudes and distances.
Ski Pass
- Name
- Sierra Nevada Ski Pass
- Price
- €57
- Purchase Recommendation
- Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates. Check snow forecast and consider weekday visits for 15-25% savings over weekend rates.
- Note
- Adult day passes range from €47 - €66 depending on the date and advance booking. Price shown is mid-range estimate.
National Park Access
- Name
- Sierra Nevada National Park
- Guided Tours Available
- Yes
- Description
- The Sierra Nevada Mountains are part of Sierra Nevada National Park, the largest national park in Spain. The park stretches more than 320 square miles from Granada to the edge of Almeria.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
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These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.