The Sierra Nevada, the “snowy range”, rises just south-east of Granada and holds the highest mountains in mainland Spain: Mulhacén, at 3,479 m, and Veleta, at nearly 3,400 m. In winter it has Europe’s southernmost big ski resort, less than an hour from the Alhambra, with views on clear days to the Mediterranean and the mountains of Morocco. From spring to autumn the high peaks, glacial lakes and wild valleys become one of the best hiking areas in Spain, protected as a national park and natural park. On the sunny southern slopes, Las Alpujarras is a land of white villages with flat roofs, terraced fields and old irrigation channels. You can ski in the morning and be back in Granada for tapas at night, or spend a week walking between villages.
Right now in Sierra Nevada (Pradollano)
- Wed 5–11°C 41–52°F Partly cloudy
- Thu 4–13°C 39–55°F Mostly clear
- Fri 6–12°C 42–54°F 4 mm Showers
- Mon 12 Oct National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date
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Sierra Nevada at a glance
- Best for: skiing and snowboarding, high-mountain hiking, Mulhacén and Veleta, the white villages of the Alpujarras, gorges and mountain food.
- How long: a day trip from Granada to ski or walk; 3–4 days for the Alpujarras and Mulhacén; a week for a ski holiday or a village-to-village walk.
- Best time: December to April for skiing; June to early October for the high peaks; spring and autumn for the Alpujarras.
- Getting there: Granada (airport, trains and buses) is about 40 km from the ski resort; daily buses run up from Granada’s bus station.
- Getting around: a car for the Alpujarras; buses to the resort and to the Alpujarra villages; a guided park minibus to the high peaks in summer and autumn.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, trains and general safety are on our Spain travel guide.
Sierra Nevada’s areas and who each one suits
The range runs east to west for about 80 km. The north side faces Granada and holds the ski resort; the south side drops through the Alpujarras towards the coast; and the villages at the foot of the mountains near Granada are gateways to the gorges and lower trails.
Pradollano, the ski resort
Pradollano is the resort village at about 2,100 m, a cluster of hotels, apartments, ski shops and bars at the foot of the slopes, with lifts climbing to about 3,300 m near the top of Veleta. In winter it suits skiers and families who want to be on the snow; in summer it is quieter, with lifts, guided walks and e-bike routes for a few weeks.
The Poqueira gorge: Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira
The three best-known Alpujarra villages climb one above the other up the Poqueira gorge on the south side of Mulhacén. Pampaneira, the lowest, is full of craft shops selling rugs; Bubión is the quietest; Capileira, the highest at over 1,400 m, is the base for the park minibus towards Mulhacén. Their whitewashed houses, flat grey roofs and tall chimneys are typical of the area. Best for walkers, couples and anyone who wants mountain views without the cold of the high peaks.
Trevélez and the high Alpujarra
Trevélez, one of the highest villages in Spain at around 1,500 m, is famous for its cured hams, which dry in the cold mountain air. Further east, villages such as Pórtugos, Busquístar and Bérchules are smaller and less visited. Good for slow travel, long walks and hearty food.
Monachil and Güéjar Sierra
These two villages close to Granada are gateways to the lower slopes: Monachil for the Los Cahorros gorge, and Güéjar Sierra for the Genil valley and the Vereda de la Estrella. They suit day-trippers based in the city and walkers who want rural guesthouses near Granada.
Top things to see in the Sierra Nevada
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go. The mountains are protected as the Sierra Nevada National Park and Natural Park; please stay on the paths and take your rubbish home.
Skiing at the Sierra Nevada resort
The resort, run by Cetursa, the company majority-owned by the Junta de Andalucía, has more than 112 km of marked slopes from Pradollano up to the Veleta area, with long, sunny runs for all levels, a snowpark, beginner and children’s areas and night skiing on some evenings. The season usually runs from late November or early December to late April, depending on snow. As of October 2026 the resort had not yet published its 2026–27 opening date or day-pass prices on its website; it was selling season and 10-, 15- and 20-day passes with a 20% discount from 15 September to 15 October 2026. Car parks at Pradollano and Los Peñones are free, and the resort’s live page shows how full they are. Weekends and Spanish holidays are very busy; come midweek if you can.
Mulhacén, the roof of mainland Spain
At 3,479 m, Mulhacén is the highest peak in mainland Spain, a rounded summit on the south side with a sheer north face above the glacial lakes. In summer it is a long but non-technical walk. The easiest approach is from the south: the national park’s guided minibus, the Servicio de Interpretación de Altas Cumbres, runs from Capileira, next to the park information point, via the Puerto Molina viewpoint to the Alto del Chorrillo, high above Trevélez, from where walkers continue on foot. Private cars cannot go beyond the park control area at the Hoya del Portillo. According to the national parks service, the southern minibus runs from Easter to early December, weather permitting, between 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00; book by phone, as places are limited. Allow a full day there and back, start early and turn round if storms build.
Veleta and the high lakes
Veleta, the peak that looms over the ski resort, can be reached on foot in summer from the Hoya de la Mora, above Pradollano. On the north side, the park’s other guided minibus runs in summer from the Hoya de la Mora (old Veleta road, km 39) to the Posiciones del Veleta, a viewpoint over the Guarnón valley. In 2026 the resort’s summer lifts, the Borreguiles gondola and the Veleta chairlift, ran from 11 July to 23 August, carrying walkers from Pradollano to about 3,000 m, close to high glacial lakes such as the Laguna de las Yeguas.
The Alpujarra villages
Drive or take the bus from Granada into the Alpujarras for a day or, better, several. Wander the lanes of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, follow the paths that link them through chestnut woods and terraces, and taste Trevélez ham, local wine and plato alpujarreño, a mountain plate of potatoes, eggs, sausage and ham. The irrigation channels, called acequias, date back to Moorish times and still water the fields.
More to see
- Refugio Poqueira: a staffed mountain refuge at about 2,500 m below Mulhacén, open every day of the year, with bunks and meals; book ahead.
- Lanjarón: a spa town at the western gateway to the Alpujarras, known for its mineral water.
- El Dornajo visitor centre: on the road from Granada to the ski resort, with information on the national park.
- Mirador de Trevélez: the high viewpoint at the end of the southern park minibus route, with views across the Alpujarras.
Other things to do in the Sierra Nevada
Walk the Vereda de la Estrella and Los Cahorros
Two classic lower walks are close to Granada. The Vereda de la Estrella starts near Güéjar Sierra and follows the Genil valley, with views of the great north faces of Mulhacén and Alcazaba. Los Cahorros de Monachil is a narrow limestone gorge with hanging footbridges and passages where you duck under rock; it is popular at weekends, when parking in Monachil fills early. Storms in early 2026 damaged parts of the gorge path, so check its state locally before you go. For longer trips, the Sulayr trail circles the whole range in stages. See our hiking guide.
Summer at the resort
When the summer season opens in July, Pradollano offers guided walks to the high lakes, e-bike routes, stargazing sessions, the Mirlo Blanco activity park for children and a swimming pool. The summer season is short, so check the resort’s dates before you plan around it. See our cycling guide for road and mountain biking ideas.
Food in the mountains
Try Trevélez ham, plato alpujarreño, migas and local goat’s cheese, and the rustic Alpujarra wines. In Granada itself, every drink still comes with a free tapa.
Day trips and onward travel
Granada and the Alhambra
Most visitors combine the mountains with Granada, under an hour’s drive from Pradollano. Book the Alhambra well in advance, then watch the sun set behind it, with the snowy Sierra Nevada behind, from the Mirador de San Nicolás.
Guadix and the coast
Guadix, on the northern side of the range, has a large quarter of cave houses and a fine cathedral. To the south, the Alpujarras drop towards the Costa Tropical, about an hour from the lower villages, so you can combine mountains and sea in one trip.
Nearby destinations
- Granada29 km
- Málaga105 km
- Cabo de Gata115 km
- Costa del Sol152 km
- Marbella152 km
- Córdoba160 km
- Ronda169 km
- Tarifa235 km
Getting there and getting around
From Granada to the ski resort
Granada airport is about 47 km and Granada’s railway station about 40 km from the resort. The resort lists the bus run by Autocares Tocina from Granada’s bus station, with a stop at the Paseo del Violón by the Palacio de Congresos about 15 minutes later. As of October 2026 the published winter timetable has departures from Granada at 8:00, 10:15 and 17:15 on weekdays (plus 15:00 at weekends and on holidays), returning from Pradollano at 9:00, 16:00 and 18:30 (plus 13:00 at weekends). Fares are €5.50 one way and €10 return. In summer there is one bus a day, at 9:00 from Granada. Once in Pradollano, a village bus links the hotels, car parks and the Albergue Universitario for €2 a ride.
Driving: the A-395, chains and parking
The A-395 climbs from Granada to Pradollano. Part of its main access branch into the resort, the A-395R1, collapsed in the February 2026 storms; it reopened in both directions on 10 July 2026 while the Junta’s repair work continues, so expect roadworks. In winter, carry snow chains or use winter tyres: the Guardia Civil can require them, and conditions change fast. The resort publishes road status and webcams for the A-395, and the DGT traffic line is 011. Parking at Pradollano and Los Peñones is free as of October 2026.
To the Alpujarras
Alsa buses run from Granada’s bus station to the Alpujarra villages a few times a day, taking about two hours to Pampaneira, but a car gives you far more freedom on the winding mountain roads. Allow about 1 h 15 by car from Granada to Pampaneira.
When to go and how long to stay
No official weather station with published normals represents the high mountains, so the table uses AEMET’s 1991–2020 climate normals for Granada airport, at 567 m, about 40 km west of Pradollano: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 1 mm of rain. Temperatures fall by roughly 6 °C for every 1,000 m you climb, so at Pradollano (about 2,100 m) expect it to be around 9–10 °C colder than the figures below, and on the summits (about 3,400 m) 15–17 °C colder, often with strong wind. The Alpujarra villages, at 1,000–1,500 m, are a few degrees cooler than Granada.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 14–16 °C / 1–2 °C in Granada | 6–7 | Snow on the mountains and often sunny days; well below freezing at the resort at night | Skiing, snowshoeing, Granada |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 20–27 °C / 4–10 °C in Granada | 4–6 | Spring skiing until April; snow lingers high up into June | Spring skiing, Alpujarra walks, gorges |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 33–36 °C / 14–17 °C in Granada | 0–2 | Hot in the city, pleasant in the mountains; afternoon storms possible on the peaks | Mulhacén, Veleta, high lakes |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 30 °C falling to 18 °C / 13 °C falling to 4 °C in Granada | 3–6 | Clear, stable days in September and October; first snow on the peaks in October or November | Hiking, chestnut woods in the Alpujarras |
Snow can fall on the high peaks in any month except high summer. Check the mountain forecast, and the park’s weekly safety updates in summer and autumn, before any high walk.
Events worth planning around
- Late November or December: the start of the ski season, depending on snow.
- July: the opening of the resort’s summer season, with free concerts in Pradollano.
- Summer: the Subida Internacional Pico Veleta, a race of about 50 km from Granada to near the top of Veleta, held for the 42nd time in 2026, and the resort’s vertical-kilometre and mountain races in August.
- 5 August: the traditional pilgrimage from Trevélez to the summit of Mulhacén.
How long to stay: 1, 3 and 5 days
1 day: from Granada, take the morning bus to ski, or in summer walk to the high lakes from the top of the lifts, and be back for dinner. 3 days: base yourself in Capileira or Pampaneira; walk between the Poqueira villages on day 1, take the park minibus towards Mulhacén on day 2, and visit Trevélez on day 3.
5 days: add Granada and the Alhambra, a morning in Los Cahorros gorge, and a night at the Refugio Poqueira to climb Mulhacén at sunrise. In winter, five days is a good length for a ski holiday in Pradollano with a day off in Granada.
Where to stay in the Sierra Nevada and the tourist tax
- Pradollano: ski-in hotels and apartments for winter; book early for weekends and Christmas.
- Granada: the best choice of hotels, with the bus or a 50-minute drive to the slopes.
- Capileira, Bubión or Pampaneira: small hotels and village houses for walking and mountain views.
- Trevélez and the eastern Alpujarra: simple, good-value inns for walkers and quiet stays.
- Monachil or Güéjar Sierra: rural guesthouses between Granada and the mountains.
There is no tourist tax in Andalusia as of October 2026, so nothing is added to your bill in Pradollano, Granada or the Alpujarras. Prices at the ski resort rise sharply at weekends, Christmas, Andalusia Day (28 February) and Easter.
Practical tips for the Sierra Nevada
- Respect the altitude: above 3,000 m the air is thin; walk slowly, drink plenty and come down if you get a headache or feel dizzy.
- Sun and weather: the sun is fierce at altitude even in winter, and summer storms build fast in the afternoon; start high walks early.
- Winter is serious mountaineering: outside the ski area the high peaks need an ice axe, crampons and experience from autumn to spring.
- Book the minibus: places on the park’s guided minibus are limited; phone ahead and confirm it is running.
- Drive carefully: carry chains in winter and expect roadworks on the resort’s access road.
- Emergencies: call 112.
What to pack for the Sierra Nevada
Pack for big temperature swings. For skiing, bring warm layers, waterproof gloves, goggles and sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen and lip balm: the southern sun on snow burns quickly. For summer hiking, wear broken-in walking boots, and carry a windproof and waterproof jacket, a warm fleece, a hat and gloves even in August, plus at least two litres of water, snacks, a map and a head torch. Walking poles help on the long descents. In the Alpujarras, comfortable shoes for steep village lanes and a light jumper for cool evenings are enough most of the year.
Sierra Nevada travel FAQ
How far is the Sierra Nevada from Granada?
The ski resort at Pradollano is about 40 km from Granada, roughly 50 minutes by car or a little over an hour by the direct bus from Granada’s bus station.
When is the ski season in the Sierra Nevada?
Usually from late November or early December to late April, depending on snow. As of October 2026 the resort had not yet published its 2026–27 opening date.
How much is a lift pass in the Sierra Nevada?
As of October 2026 the resort had not published 2026–27 day-pass prices. Season and 10-, 15- and 20-day passes were 20% off until 15 October 2026 on its website.
How do I climb Mulhacén?
In summer and early autumn, take the park’s guided minibus from Capileira to the Alto del Chorrillo and walk on from there, or stay at the Refugio Poqueira. It is non-technical in summer but long and high; in winter it needs mountaineering skills.
Can I drive to the top of Veleta or Mulhacén?
No. Private cars must stop at the park control areas at the Hoya de la Mora on the north side and the Hoya del Portillo on the south; beyond them you walk or take the park’s guided minibus.
Is there a bus from Granada to the Sierra Nevada ski resort?
Yes. Autocares Tocina runs buses from Granada’s bus station: as of October 2026, three a day on weekdays and four at weekends in winter, for €5.50 one way or €10 return, and one a day in summer.
Which are the prettiest Alpujarra villages?
Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira in the Poqueira gorge are the classic trio, with Trevélez for its ham and mountain setting.
Is there a tourist tax in the Sierra Nevada?
No. Andalusia does not charge a tourist tax as of October 2026.
Do I need chains to drive to the Sierra Nevada?
In winter, carry chains or use winter tyres; they can be made compulsory on the A-395 when it snows. Check the resort’s road information and webcams before you set off.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Ski resort, summer lifts, parking, the Granada bus and the A-395 reopening: the official Sierra Nevada resort site (Cetursa); the park minibus: Spain’s national parks service (MITECO/OAPN); Refugio Poqueira: the refuge’s own site; climate: AEMET 1991–2020 normals for Granada airport, as published by the WMO. Bus times to the Alpujarras match our Granada guide; driving times, the Los Cahorros storm damage, the Trevélez pilgrimage and the chain rules come from secondary sources and are flagged for checking. Prices, hours and timetables change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our Spain travel guide.
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