subject: Adventures In The Sierra Nevada In Spain [print this page] The Sierra Nevada is a buzzing mountain range sat in the Andalusia region of Granada and is Spain's most Southern, sunny mountain. The amount of activities and adventures are in abundance. On clear days, you can see the coastline of Africa and you can be skiing in the morning and sun bathing on the Costa Tropical in the afternoon. That's ski to surf in under an hour!
Horse Riding Around the Sierra Nevada National Park
The Sierra Nevada National Park is home to some of Spains wonderful views of the Coast and mountains of Africa. On clear days from certain view points you will see the coast line and the outline of the Atlas mountains over in Africa.
The Sierra Nevada also makes for some brilliant horse riding, using the trails and mule tracks which have been here for many centuries. Explore the lower hills for a more relaxed ride of take to the high mountains and enjoy overnight stays in the hills.
Terrain is mixed and you can go from dirt tracks one minute to alpine like forests the next. With so much varied terrain and vistas, it is not surprising that many choose to go by horse here.
The horses in almost all of Andalusia are the typical Andalusian breed. Known for the bold and outgoing attitudes they are noble and brave. They make perfect steeds for this terrain and are extremely sure footed.
Both children and adults can take advantage of the summer camps where you can get stuck in and get your hands into the running and looking after the horses for a few weeks. Alternatively choose from a day ride or a long weekend.
Birding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Spain
The Sierra Nevada in Southern Spain is a hot spot for some good birdwatching and twitching enthusiasts. The region is rich in wildlife and during the spring and summer months sees some exotic bird species that come over from Africa.
Species you can guarantee to see from May through to September are the beautiful Bee Eaters, Hoopoe and the Roller.
Some of the year round residents include Woodchat Shrike, Crested Lark, Golden Oriole and Griffon Vultures.
The wetlands of Padul are the place to see some of the wetland species here. Among the wetlands, get a chance to see and spot Marsh Harrier, Comorant, Water Pipit, Coots and the Little Grebe.
There is also an abundance of crayfish along the waters edge that you may want to look out for. They are feisty little creatures that wont think twice of grabbing hold of your shoes.
Last Minute Skiing Holiday to the Sierra Nevada in Spain
Although this year has not been the best year for snow in the Sierra Nevada, the ski station in Spains Southern Andalusia resort has coped pretty well to say the least. They have state of the art snow machines, the best in Europe which produce snow all day long should required. The runs suit all skiers from beginners to experienced ski/boarders.
With this in mind, you can be skiing here until mid May, sometimes longer if you are into ski touring and dont mind wondering off into the mountain valleys near by.
This is a good resort for the beginner and many a blue runs can be picked up from the middle station after getting the first Gondola up from the town. From there you have choices of heading off up towards Veleta or heading right over to the large satellite dish where many more quieter runs can be found.
A day pass here is much cheaper to that of the Alps and it is the perfect ski resort should you want a bit of sun in the snow. The village itself is full of life, with bars, restaurants and numerous hotels, holiday homes and chalets.
Ski and Snowboarding is not the only sports which can be enjoyed in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and many take to snow shoeing, ski touring and mountaineering where you can use one of the many refuges and mountain huts along the way.
