Winter in the Sierra Nevada

Every season has its charm, as natural surroundings change and take on a beauty of their own. In Granada, winter provides countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, as well as a striking contrast in imagery both within the city as well in the outskirts, and beyond.

Life in the magnificent Sierra Nevada, outside the ski resort, takes on a slower pace, and the trails are quieter and less crowded. On sunny winter days, which are plentiful here, one can even shed multiple layers of clothing while admiring spectacular views of the sun reflecting off snow-covered mountains and the villages below.

Ecotourism in the snow

Winter brings a blanket of snow to Sierra Nevada, which launches the much-anticipated ski season in Granada province. The ski resort is well-known to locals and tourists alike and is easily accessible from the city. Yet there is so much more to discover beyond skiing and the bustling winter sports resort.

The white winter land scape lends itself to a variety of activities suitable for all levels and ages. Snowshoeing, for instance, allows families to explore and discover the surrounding geography step by step. Trails outside the ski resort, such as Fuente Alta, are particularly appealing. This trail weaves through the forest, offering insights into tree and shrub species while revealing the presence of mammals and birds through footprints left in the snow. Snowshoeing becomes both a sporting and educational adventure, where one can learn about high-altitude ecosystems in winter.

There are many oth er ways to experience the snow-covered mountain range. Beyond the busy ski slopes, one can be guided by off-piste skiing experts or learn mountaineering techniques. Venturing into the mountains on foot or cross countryskiing through the snow unveil endless horizons. Traverses often begin or end at mountain refuges, providing an authentic setting and experience. Among the more popular refugios are Albergue Universitario and Postero Alto, both of which are situated at about 2,500 meters above sea level.

A perfect hike

Unlike other regions of the Sierra, the mid and lower southern-facing mountains benefit from excellent Winter temperatures for hiking. Many of the charming villages at altitudes between 500 and 1,500 meters lie below the snowline and are connected by ancient trails tradition ally used by farmers and shepherds. These trails are suitable for hikes of varying difficulty levels, and can be combined with local dining experiences and plenty of winter sunshine in the typical mountain towns.

A perfect winter hike, often done in short sleeves, follows the GR-142 route between Lanjarón, Cáñar, Soportújar and the Poqueira Valley. This route continues through to Trevélez, in the eastern Alpujarra, and into the mountain villages of Almería province. Even though the route is linear, one can return to the starting point by public bus or use other ancient paths to create a circular route. Another excellent option is the medieval route linking the small villages of La Taha de Pitres, which can also be done in shorter segments. In these areas, visitors will find great restaurants, local bars, and rural accommodations for overnight visits.

Between Granada and the Alpujarra lies the fertile Lecrín Valley, known for its mild climate made obvious by groves of orange, lemon and subtropical fruit trees. At the valley’s center is a wetland, a remnant of a large ancient lagoon. The Padul Lagoon is one of the best bird-watching spots in Andalusia and is home to 158 different species. Fossils of mammoths found in the area give their name to family-friendly trails leading to observation points. Parking and trailheads are located near the Aguadero Nature Classroom, where monitors provide information, guided visits, and engaging activities for children.

Another particularly enjoy able winter walk is the coastal route between Maro and Cerro Gordo. While the trail can be hiked independently, it lacks signage so it is advisable to hire a guide. This stretch of unspoiled coastline runs along the top of cliffs, linking the beaches of Cañuelo and Cantarriján. The high path, lined with unique vegetation and ecologically significant plants, offers stunning views and leads to several viewpoints and medieval towers. You can also do a circular route by returning along the dry riverbed of a nearby stream.

Winter’s tears

The winter solstice not only marks the start of the season but also the beginning of longer days. Many plants respond to the increasing light, their biological clocks signaling that it’s time to bloom.

One of the most beautiful sights of the local winter landscape is the blossoming almond trees, which usually start in late January. Notable locations to admire this explosion of beauty include the nearby village of Dílar, the eastern Granada coast in the wine-producing regions of Albuñol and Albondón, the Contraviesa region, south of Sierra Nevada and the Guadalfeo Valley. In the farthest corner of the Alpujarra, the village of Cádiar boasts some of the largest stretches of ancient almond groves.

On windy days, the almond blossoms create a whitish-pink blanket on the ground, with aging petals drifting off trees like butterfly wings, or like tears being shed in a farewell to winter.

Recommendations

For snowshoeing, ski touring and mountaineering courses, consider providers like Mamut Sierra Nevada, Integral Sierra Nevada, or Mountain Spirit. For guided nature walks and landscape storytelling, Sier raySol (Granada-based) and Al Mihras (in the Alpujarra of Almería) are excellent choices. Birdwatching enthusiasts can reach out to Natureda.

Enjoy traditional local cuisine at Ruta del Mul hacén in Pampaneira, and rest after your hike at ac commodations like Hotel Alcadima in Lanjarón, Finca Los Llanos in Capileira, Hotel Rural de Mecina-Fondales in La Taha de Pitres, or Alquería de Morayma in Cádiar, which is also an ideal spot to admire almond blossoms.

Depending on altitude, winter days in this part of Spain range from sunny and warm to snowy and blistering cold. The diversity in weather is mirrored in the scenery and flora and fauna of the region. The contrasts of winter make this a unique time to explore the great outdoors with plenty of ecotourism guides, tour operators and accommodation ready to help those who don’t want to do it all on their own.