Hotels near Sierra Nevada

Just 32 km southeast of Granada, the Sierra Nevada national park contains mainland Spain's highest peak, Mulhacén (3,479 m), and Europe's southernmost ski resort, Pradollano. From November through April, snow lies thick on the upper slopes; the rest of the year the park is a high-altitude hiking and birdwatching destination, with marked trails to the alpine lake of Laguna de la Caldera and circular routes around Veleta (3,396 m).

Reaching Pradollano takes about 45 minutes on the daily Autocares Tocina coach (Bus 24 or Bus 36 from Granada main bus station; around €5 one-way). In ski season, lifts run from 09:00, day passes start around €52, and you can rent gear at the resort. For a non-ski summer trip, take the Hoya de la Mora trail - the whole Granada plain spreads out below at 2,500 m.

Pro Tip: In winter, layer for a 25°C swing - leave Granada at 12°C and find -8°C on the lifts. The morning bus from Granada returns from Pradollano around 17:00, so a half-day works well as a first-time taste of the range.