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The Sierra Nevada is the principal mountain area of the mighty Cordillera Bética range which stretches across southeastern Spain from Gibraltar to Alicante. Here, more than a dozen peaks over 3,000 m break the skyline, including the two highest on the Spanish mainland - Mulhacén (3,482 m) and Veleta (3,398 m).

Snow-capped throughout most of the year, this dramatic geography has been formed by the action of nappes (rock sheets) thrusting up from the south towards the north, pushed by the forces of the African continent as it tries to burrow under Europe. These strata are rich in minerals and have been mined since early man first settled the region. The centre of the range has weathered to form rounded schists of mica while the sandstone flanks have been deeply gouged by melting snows into precipitous barrancos, or ravines, as can clearly be seen throughout the Alpujarras.

The whole area has been declared the Sierra Nevada National Park in an effort to protect the delicate ecosystem and enormous variety of mountain flora. Of the 2,000 species catalogued, over 15 percent are nationally endemic and nearly 100 are exclusive to the area. This park is the southernmost habitat of certain arctic-alpine plants.

Most prominent animal to be seen is the Spanish mountain goat (cabra hispánica) which is so happy with the environment that it's in danger of overpopulating the area and has to be culled. Meanwhile birdwatchers won't be disappointed by the opportunities of seeing eagles, hawks and other birds of prey that circle above, riding the thermals.

There are various information and reception centres for those who want to visit the park. These can provide information and maps and help you plan your route:

• Reception Centre, El Dornajo, Ctra Sierra Nevada Km 23, Güéjar Sierra. Tel: 958 34 06 25
• Nevadensis, Plaza de la Libertad, Pampaneira. Tel: 958 76 31 27 or 958 76 33 01
• Visitor's Centre and Information, Provincial Delegation of A.M.A. of Granada, Calle Marqués de la Ensenada, Granada. Tel: 958 53 76 00
• Iniciativas Lider Alpujarra, Calle Lora Tamayo, 17, Orgiva. Tel: 958 78 43 40 or 958 78 43 26

At 2,100 metres above sea level lies Solynieve, the Sierra Nevada's popular winter sports resort accessible by road from Granada. The same road continues past the resort as far as the peak of Veleta, justifiably earning its title as the highest road in Europe. Naturally this is only accessible in summer.

Mountain activities are seasonal and should be planned carefully due to the sudden weather changes that affect such high altitude environments. Downhill and cross-country skiing are popular in and around Solynieve during the winter months, while summer sees the hikers out in force. Specialist companies operating from the Alpujarras offer a variety of organised trips around the area and into the Sierra Nevada, including horse-trekking, 4x4, hiking, rockclimbing, nature walks with experts, parapente and more.

MORE EXCURSIONS

Alhambra Palace  Las Alpujarras   Granada   Nerja, Caves & Frigiliana   Peña Escrita    Salobreña  Solynieve   Tropical Valley