Overview
The Sierra Nevada is home to two of the Iberian Peninsula’s highest mountains - the Mulhacén (3,482m) and the Veleta (3,392m). Much of mountain range is covered in snow all year round – providing a dramatic and rugged backdrop to the lower sections of the park. The park covers 86,208ha and stretches between the provinces of Granada and Almería. It has glacial lakes, rivers, sheer-sided gorges and scree slopes, along with the foothills of the Alpujarras. Thus making it the perfect place for an immensely diverse number of animals and birds.
Walking
There are two centros de visitantes (visitors' centres), in the west of the park is El Dornajo and in the east is Láujar de Andarax. Both have exhibitions relating to the flora and fauna. El Dornajo in particular has a lot of information relating to activities in the park, ie hiking, horse riding, cycle hire and paragliding. You can also purchase maps and guide books here.
There are many signposted walks, however it is imperative that you have a good map and compass before embarking. Many of the walks are very challenging but are extremely rewarding such as the climb up the Mulacén which is around a 16km. The Sendero Siete Lagunas is another challenging route but rewards the walker with spectacular views of valleys and peaks. It is possible to stay overnight in two mountain refuges, however it is advisable to book as certain times of the year can get very busy with long distance walkers.
Sightseeing
Within the park there is a natural spa called Balneario de Lanjarón.
The foothills of the Alpujarras are home to many beautiful towns and villages. Bubión, Pampaneira and Capileira are three such places which are popular with tourists due to their stunning locations in the steep and narrow Poqueira gorge.
Animals/Birds
The park is particularly well known for its diverse birdlife. Birds of prey found in the Sierra include golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, peregrine falcons, griffon vultures and kestrels. Also found here are northern wheateaters, rock thrushes, rock buntings and red-billed choughs. The woodland areas are home to hoopoes, short-toed treecreepers and green woodpeckers to name but a few.
Spanish ibex are a common site. Other mammals include weasels, wild cats, wild boars, foxes, badgers, beech martens and genets. There is a huge variety of butterflies – over 120 species have been recorded. The rare endemic rhinoceros beetle and the grasshopper chorthippus nevadensis are both found here along with many other invertebrates.
Plants
The park is home to the largest number of endemic plant species in Europe. Out of the thousands of species of plant recorded here, 120 are very rare and approximately 70 species are only found in the Sierra Navada.
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