Sierra Nevada in Spain, a visit to Granada from Malaga by car or by bus in Winter

Sierra Nevada is with 3,482 m the highest mountain chain of the Iberian Peninsula, which usually wears a snow cover from November to May. It is situated in the south of Spain in the provinces of Granada and Almería, about 90 minutes by car from Malaga and the Costa del Sol.

Granada is a very popular city in summer, its tourist attractions like the Alhambra, the tapas bars and the trekking tours in Sierra Nevada make this possible; The same Sierra Nevada make makes of Granada a desired place for many tourists in winter. Its proximity to Malaga and the Costa del Sol is a clear advantage for those who like getting the most of their vacations.

Sierra Nevada is situated the southernmost skiing station of Europe. Since 1999 the core area is protected as National Park.

From the Pradollano village (also known as Sol y Nieve) you can reach the summit of the Pico del Veleta on the highest road in Europe. By car you can only drive up to the Hoya de la Mora (2.500 m). Who wants to get until the Veleta has to continue on foot, by bike or by the national Park bus.

Sierra Nevada ski resort is located between the Pico Veleta at 3.366 m. and the 2000 m. high Pradollano. Pradollano is an attractive resort that offers vacationers everything needed for recreation and entertainment. Besides hotels and holiday apartments in Alpine style you will find shops for ski equipment, ski schools and numerous other service facilities. There is as nice an animated nightlife with modern discos and cozy bars.

On a total of 61 km. there are also 39 tracks which have been designed by the most experienced specialists worldwide. There are a total of 19 lifts, of which two are cabin lifts and twelve chair lifts which bring skiers and visitors to the top of the tracks.

Even for beginners, this ski resort is an ideal start. For a different kind of skiing experience Sierra Nevada provides a night lighting that bathes the tracks in an impressively beautiful light.

You wont be bored during your stay in Sierra Nevada as there are many other great tourist destinations close by, continue reading to know a little more what can you do while being in Sierra Nevada.

About 3000 m. below is situated the beautiful old city of Granada which due to its cultural diversity has something to offer for all tastes. The sea, from where you can watch on a clear day the African coast, is only 50 km away from Pico Veleta.

Granada and Sierra Nevada with its mountain roads, beautiful landscapes and villages will make of your visit a wonderful experience you will not forget.

Those who plan coming to Malaga in winter, may require a transport for getting to Sierra Nevada. We have a few choices and we can decide taking in consideration our comfort and available budget:

• Train from Malaga to Granada: There is no such train, and we have to take first a train from Malaga to Cordoba, where we will make a transfer to another train for getting to Granada. That is without taking in consideration Sierra Nevada is not close to the Granada city center. The price for those interested taking in consideration the two trains taken is average.
  
• Bus from Malaga to Granada: I recommend the minibus airport transfer below. Taking a bus from Malaga bus station will make of your trip a long torture. At least I don´t like buses since the last time I went to Cadiz by bus. It was a bad experience I can´t recommend, but as advantage the price is very cheap.
  
• Malaga airport transfers: Choosing a Malaga airport transfer may be our best option, even more if we are travelling with friends. We can share expenses and hire a Minibus with chauffer!. Price can be as cheap as friends or partners join us when reserving it, private airport transfer prices can be a little more expensive.
  
• Car hire at Malaga airport: Another great choice if we require a vehicle for moving. Costs are very low, even more for long term car hire in Malaga, the more days we reserve our vehicle the cheaper the price per day will be. Just check prices and compare with other transportation means.

As you can see there are a few options to take in consideration when getting to Sierra Nevada or Granada from Malaga.

My recommendation and tips

As personal recommendation, the track by car from Malaga to Granada is excellent, I even saw 2 deers on my way back to Malaga, when I choosed the coastal road which I recommend as I enjoyed much the sea and mountain views.

Another point is that if you are planning to visit the Alhambra in Granada, you must phone or reserve ahead in advance. I went and I was unable to access because I did not reserved online my ticket.

Finally, don´t forget to check the numerous tapa bars in the city!. Very cheap prices for delicious tapas!