This surprises almost everyone who comes: in under an hour by car you go from the city to the highest mountain on the peninsula. Sierra Nevada is the southernmost ski resort in Europe and, in summer, a hiking paradise for escaping the heat. Let me tell you what it’s like, what to do in each season and all the practical details for your getaway from Granada.
Let’s get to it.
Sierra Nevada at a glance
- Less than an hour from Granada by car or bus.
- In winter: skiing and playing in the snow.
- In summer: hiking and escaping the heat.
- The village of Pradollano: hotels, restaurants and right at the foot of the slopes.
- Perfect as a day trip or a weekend getaway.
1. Sierra Nevada in winter: skiing
The ski resort is the big winter draw: plenty of sun (it’s the southernmost in Europe), slopes for every level and a lovely atmosphere. It runs more or less from late November or December until April, depending on how the snow comes in.
Whether you ski or you’re off to see snow for the first time, I explain everything (slopes, rentals, lessons, how to get up there) in the guide to the Sierra Nevada ski resort.
2. The ski pass and prices
The ski pass (the lift pass) is the main expense of a day’s skiing, and it pays to look into it ahead of time, because bought online and in advance it usually works out cheaper. I break down prices, types of pass and how to save in the guide to the Sierra Nevada ski pass.
3. Sierra Nevada in summer
What few people know: in summer Sierra Nevada is a brilliant plan. While Granada bakes in August, up here it’s nice and cool. It’s the base for climbing Mulhacén and Veleta (the highest peaks on the peninsula), going on hiking routes and seeing the high-mountain flora. All the routes and tips are in the guide to Sierra Nevada in summer.
4. Where to stay in Sierra Nevada
You can do the getaway as a day trip from Granada or stay overnight up top, in Pradollano, so you’re up early at the foot of the slopes. In ski season it’s worth booking soon, because the hotels right by the slopes go fast. I run through the options in the guide to where to stay in Sierra Nevada.
5. How to get up there from Granada
By car it’s about 45 minutes along a good, scenic road. If you don’t have a car, there’s a direct bus from Granada, especially in ski season. In winter, bring chains or proper tyres just in case, because the mountain has the final say.
How to fit the sierra into your trip
Sierra Nevada is the perfect getaway for an extra day, especially if you’re coming in winter and fancy seeing snow, or in summer to cool off. If you’re short on days, prioritise the city (have a look at what to see in Granada) and save the sierra for when you have a free day. And if you like combining mountain and sea, remember you’ve also got the beaches of the Costa Tropical nearby.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Granada to Sierra Nevada?
About 45 minutes by car along a good road. In ski season there’s also a direct bus from Granada.
When does the ski resort open?
It usually opens between late November and December and closes around April, depending on each year’s snow. It’s the southernmost resort in Europe, with plenty of sunny days.
Is Sierra Nevada worth visiting in summer?
Very much so, and few people do it. It’s cool up there, it’s the base for climbing Mulhacén and Veleta and for hiking, while the city is sweltering.
Can you visit Sierra Nevada without skiing?
Of course. Plenty of people go up just to see and enjoy the snow, take a stroll, eat up top and have a drink with a view. You don’t need to ski to have a great day.