# Sierra Nevada near Granada > The Sierra Nevada is the mountain range above Granada, home to the highest peak in mainland Spain, Mulhacén (3,479 m). In winter it runs one of Europe's southernmost ski resorts, Pradollano, an hour from the city. In summer the mountains become a national park of trails, glacial lakes and cool air, some 12 degrees colder than Granada. Allow a full day. Web page: https://yesgo.io/spain/granada/sierra-nevada-spain - City: [Granada](https://yesgo.io/spain/granada), Spain - YesGo score: 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) - Time on site: 6 h - Opening hours: Resort in winter; trails in summer - With kids: Fine with kids - Entry: Mountains free; lifts paid - Ski season: Roughly December to April - Getting there: Bus from Granada ≈ 50 minutes - Highest peak: Mulhacén, 3,479 m - Time needed: A full day - Bring: Warm layers and sunscreen - Coordinates: 37.05333, -3.31139 - Facts checked: 11.11.2026 ## Key facts - **3,479 m** — Mulhacén, mainland Spain's highest point (source: English Wikipedia) - **−12 °C** — colder than Granada by day (source: English Wikipedia) - **2,800 m** — altitude of the northern observatories (source: English Wikipedia) - **National park** — and a biosphere reserve (source: English Wikipedia) ## About the Sierra Nevada The Sierra Nevada, Spanish for snowy range, is a mountain chain in the provinces of Granada and Almería. It holds **Mulhacén**, at **3,479 metres** the highest peak in mainland Spain, and its ridge stays above 3,000 metres for long stretches. The snowy summits are visible from Granada, most beautifully from the towers of the [Alhambra](https://yesgo.io/spain/granada/alhambra). Part of the range is a **national park** and biosphere reserve, and astronomical observatories stand on the northern slopes at **2,800 metres**. The climate is a world apart from the city: by day the mountains are about **12 degrees** colder than Granada, so people come for cool air in summer and snow in winter. ## The ski resort In winter the Sierra Nevada runs a ski resort centred on the village of **Pradollano**, one of the southernmost in Europe. The sun shines almost every day, and on clear days the top runs look out to the Mediterranean and even the mountains of Africa. There are runs for beginners and experts, ski schools, rentals and a snow park. The season usually runs from about December to April, depending on snow. It gets busy at weekends and holidays, so come on a weekday if you can. Ski passes and rentals are cheaper online. ## Things to do in the Sierra Nevada - **Skiing and snowboarding** — in winter at Pradollano. - **Hiking** — national park trails in summer. - **Climbing Mulhacén** — for fit hikers, in summer. - **Glacial lakes** — high on the southern slopes. - **The Alpujarra villages** — white hamlets on the hillsides. - **Views of Granada** — from the high viewpoints. > **Mountain weather** Weather in the Sierra Nevada changes fast, and the sun at altitude is fierce. Bring warm layers even in summer, sunglasses and sunscreen. Check road and run conditions before you go: in winter the road may require chains, and upper lifts close in high winds. ## In summer: trails and the Alpujarra In summer snow lingers only on the highest peaks, and the slopes fill with alpine flowers. National park trails lead to glacial lakes and viewpoints. Fit hikers climb Mulhacén, a long full-day trek best done with a guide. On the southern slopes lies the **Alpujarra**, valleys of white villages where flat-roofed houses cling to the hillside and meltwater runs in channels. Ham, rugs and local honey are made here. A drive through the Alpujarra villages from Granada makes a lovely day for anyone who enjoys slow wandering. ## Nature in the national park The Sierra Nevada National Park is one of the richest natural areas in Spain, ranging from Mediterranean woods at the foot to alpine meadows and bare rock near the summits. Dozens of plant species grow here and nowhere else, and Iberian ibex graze calmly beside the trails. ## How to get there from Granada 1. Bus from Granada to Pradollano, about 50 minutes. 2. By car, about an hour on the A-395 mountain road. 3. In winter, by resort transfer or taxi. 4. To the Alpujarra by bus or car, 1–1.5 hours. ## Tips for your trip Leave in the morning, as the drive takes about an hour and winter days are short. Plan a full day. If you're in Granada in summer, the mountains are the best escape from the heat: while the city bakes at 35 °C, it's pleasantly cool at 2,000 metres. Beginners should book a lesson at a local ski school, where instructors speak English and the gentle runs at the base suit first steps. Children love the snow areas and sledging. Mind the altitude: at 3,000 metres it's easy to tire and burn. Drink plenty of water, take it slowly and watch the forecast. ## Before you go Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Check the weather and roads - [ ] Pack warm layers and sunscreen - [ ] Buy a ski pass online - [ ] Check bus times - [ ] Find a view of Granada from above ## Places in Granada: compare and choose Places in Granada rated by YesGo. - [Sierra Nevada](https://yesgo.io/spain/granada/sierra-nevada-spain) — YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 6 h · Free; lifts paid ## Don't mix it up Spain's Sierra Nevada is the range near Granada; a range of the same name lies in California, in the USA. ## Tips - Allow a full day. - Warm layers even in summer. - Ski passes online. - Summer means trails and cool air. ## Questions ### How do I get from Granada to the Sierra Nevada? By bus to Pradollano in 50 minutes, or about an hour by car. ### When is the ski season in the Sierra Nevada? Usually December to April, depending on snow. ### What is the highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada? Mulhacén, at 3,479 metres. ### What can you do in the Sierra Nevada in summer? Hike, visit the lakes and explore the Alpujarra villages. ### Is the resort good for beginners? Yes, with ski schools and gentle runs. ## How we checked Facts from English Wikipedia. Season, prices and bus times weren't confirmed with an official source — hence the 'checking' badge. ## Sources - English Wikipedia: Sierra Nevada (Spain) - Resort official website, sierranevada.es --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.