Here’s something not many people realise: in summer, Sierra Nevada is a brilliant plan. While Granada bakes in August, up here it’s lovely and cool. It’s the perfect base for climbing the highest peaks on the Spanish peninsula, going hiking, and seeing high-mountain flora you won’t find anywhere else. Let me tell you what to do.
Let’s get into it.
Hiking and peaks
Sierra Nevada is home to Mulhacén (3,479 m) and Veleta, the highest peaks on the Iberian peninsula. There are routes for every level, from gentle high-mountain strolls to the climb up Mulhacén, which is demanding but doable for anyone reasonably fit. In summer the trails fill with flowers and the temperature is a joy.
Other summer plans
- Take the lifts that run in summer to gain height without slogging up the slope.
- Mountain bike routes.
- Watch the sunset from up high, with half of Andalucía at your feet.
- Escape the city heat for a whole day.
Tips for the mountain in summer
- Even in summer, bring a warm layer: at 3,000 metres the weather changes and it gets chilly.
- Water, a cap and sun cream: the sun at altitude is fierce.
- Mountain footwear for the longer routes.
- To climb Mulhacén, check the access points and the high-mountain bus service, which regulates car access.
To sleep up there and get an early start, have a look at where to stay in Sierra Nevada. And for everything else, see the Sierra Nevada guide. If you fancy combining mountain and sea, the beaches of the Costa Tropical are close by.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Sierra Nevada in summer?
Hiking, climbing Mulhacén and Veleta, mountain bike routes, using the summer lifts and, above all, escaping the city heat. It’s cool up there and there are routes for every level.
Can you climb Mulhacén?
Yes, it’s demanding but doable for anyone reasonably fit. Check the access points and the high-mountain bus, which regulates car entry to certain areas.
Is it cold in Sierra Nevada in summer?
At altitude it gets chilly, especially first thing and at sunset. Even when it’s hot in Granada, always bring a warm layer for the mountain.