Walking
in Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra
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| Mulhacen |
The Sierra Nevada boasts mainland
Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen at 3482m. The southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are known as the
Alpujarra an area great for hill walking, especially in the winter months when
the high mountains are covered in snow.
Walking is possible in
the Alpujarra all year round though from mid June until the end of August it is
too hot for most people. However when the sun is out even in mid winter we have
been stripped down to T shirts.
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| Alpujarra Street |
This part of Spain was
ruled for centuries by Muslim kings and was colonised by Berbers from the Atlas
mountains of Morocco. The
architecture of the villages is identical to those of the Atlas mountains. However the tradition here is to paint
the houses white and the villages look stunning adorning the hillsides,
prettiest of all being Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira.
The Sierra Nevada has
been described as like Cairngorm with altitude! Unless you enjoy winter
mountaineering or snowshoeing, the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada are best
avoided in the winter months and spring. The high mountains start to become
accessible again from mid June and remain so most years into November.
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| Gentians and "The Star of The Snows" |
The area is a national
park and is famous for it’s wildlife. There are many endemic species in
addition to those shared with other areas. This is because of the huge
variation in altitude with climatic zones from Mediterranean to Alpine. Here it
is almost certain that if you know where to go you will see eagles and vultures
circling above you.
The walking can be
varied too, encountering terraces of almond blossom, chestnut woodland and oak
forests. There is even an extensive forest of Scots Pine! In the high mountains as the snow
retreats in summer the ground becomes carpeted with Gentians and a local version
of the Edelweiss known as the Star of the Snows.
The pretty white
villages all have water fountains to replenish drinking bottles and there are
many wayside “fuente” too, some famous for their mineral waters and even fizzy.
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| Enjoying the December Sunshine |
February, March, April
and May are nice times to visit the Alpujarra as the land is green with new
plant growth. Easter in this area
brings traditional processions of statues from the local churches through the
narrow streets thronged with crowds.
Summer though hot in
the valley, is a great time to walk the higher peaks of The Sierra Nevada. Sun
is almost guaranteed in the summer and we have never had to wear a waterproof
jacket though occasionally a windproof.
Up high the temperature will be between 15 and 20 degrees during the
summer though can drop considerably in high winds.
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| "Cabra de Monte" Iberian Ibex |
Autumn is a good time
for both the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada.
The tourists disappear, everywhere becomes quieter though the warm
weather stays. The weather does become changeable but not to the extent that it
rules out walking.
Footpaths are not well
marked though the maps available are adequate and there are several guidebooks
detailing the walking that can be bought in the U.K.
Our walking holidays take advantage of our local knowledge of the best walks ensuring that no day is wasted. For those organising their own holidays, there are a selection of our favourite walks available to download from our Sierra Nevada Guides website.
