The Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park covers the largest natural area in the provinces of Granada and Almería. It is made up of hundreds of hectares of resplendent nature, from alpine peaks to hillsides and valleys. The area is dotted with picturesque white mountain villages, some with casa-cuevas, or homes built in caves, along with charming, family-run hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic, traditional flavors.
MOUNTAINS OF POSSIBILITIES
Spring arrives late in the Sierra Nevada: the thaw begins in May and by June, nature has completed its seasonal transformation. In the summer months, visitors can explore a mountain of possibilities, including traversing the region’s paths on foot, bicycle or horseback, interpreting the limitless starry sky, and discovering the vast number of plant, bird and butterfly species that are unique to this area.
The mountains are an ideal place to visit in summer, with its lower temperatures and cool water flowing down streams and through the acequias, the old but sophisticated irrigation network that revitalizes the region’s terraced fields and hillsides. For those who are unfamiliar with the region, seeking guidance and/or a tailored, easy-to-arrange experience, the Sierra’s ecotourism website (ecoturismosierranevada.com/en/business) offers many resources including a list of local eco-tour guides and operators happy to help visitors discover this profound natural space.
ECOTOURISM FESTIVAL
Another way to learn about this natural paradise just a stone’s throw away from the center of Granada is to participate in the Spring Edition of the second annual Sierra Nevada Ecotourism Festival, taking place from June 8th to 16th. For this second edition, over 50 accredited eco-tour operators have come together to present a wide range of sustainable activities throughout the six regions that comprise the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This nine-day festival is also an excellent opportunity to explore some of the Sierra’s off-the-beaten-track wonders and take advantage of special promotions offered by local hotels and restaurants – another enticement to extend your stay to soak in as much fresh air and exhilaration as possible. You may even be inspired to experience the more distant, lesser-known regions of the Sierra Nevada with a trip to the Alpujarra Almeriense, the Nacimiento region, or the Marquesado del Zenete.
More information about the festival can be found at sierranevadaecoturismofestival.com. The comprehensive website allows users to search activities by type or by date, providing an easy-to-use tool for planning and/or booking an outing or excursion into the mountains. The site also permits searching by degrees of difficulty, specifically for hikes and activities that require a certain level of physical condition.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
If you are looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the region, there are plenty of family-friendly workshops and activities that do not require a great amount of physical effort at all. These can also be found online, along with the schedule of free cultural events organized by local municipalities to complement the festival. Most areas of the Sierra Nevada offer charming accommodations, artisan workshops, wineries and even museums that con tribute to a sustainable local economy and are well worth exploring.
MORE ACCESSIBLE
For many residents and visitors to Granada, it can be challenging to find activities to enjoy as a family with young children or for members of the group with a physical disability. Today’s sustainable tour operators, namely those participating in the festival, have been working hard to make the wonders of the Sierra Nevada accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical limitations.
This year’s festival proposes nine activities that are specifically designed for families and six that are universally accessible, including to participants with a disability. Several activities are tailored to those who use a wheelchair or have mobility, vision or hearing impairments.
Groups of all ages can participate in activities designed around fun educational content, including a refreshing walk with a swim under a waterfall, spending a morning with a cowboy to visit a herd of cows living freely in the mountain meadows, or a sunset stroll to learn about the universe. Families looking to experience a real adrenaline rush can spend a half-day at the adventure park with the largest zipline in Granada and Almería.
The festival will appeal to both locals and travelers who actively desire to responsibly enjoy an exceptional natural and rural environment and experience unforgettable moments in the Sierra Nevada – be it on a trail, at a workshop or around a table. This not-to-be-missed event is an opportunity to meet the people who inhabit the mountains, understand more about their life and customs, and leave a positive mark on their surroundings.
Stay Longer Guide TIP
Don’t worry if you missed the Spring Edition of the Sierra Nevada Ecotourism Festival—most of the activities and experiences offered are available year-round or seasonally during the warmer months. Whether you want to explore on your own or with the help or guidance of a certified guide, visit
sierranevadaecoturismofestival.com for more information and a list of sustainable eco-tour operators and companies in the region.