The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the region of Andalusia in Spain. It contains the highest point of continental Spain, Mulhacén at 3,479 metres. The Sierra Nevada were formed during the Alpine Orogeny, a mountain-building event that also formed the European Alps to the east and the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa across the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic, rugged and extensive mountain range, the highest in Europe after the Alps and the most significant section of the Cordillera Penibética. The protected area encompasses 86,208ha of torrential rivers, sheer-sided gorges, stony scree slopes, glacial lakes between snowy summits and, in the foothills of the Alpujarras, cultivated terraces of almond trees and vegetables. Designated a national park in 1998, it is one of only two in Andalucia, the other being the Doñana National Park. It retains its status of natural park, which it has been since 1989, and this covers a marginally smaller area, of 85,777ha. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species. There are over 20 peaks more than 3,000m, which makes it the second highest mountain range in Europe after the Alps. The two highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula are in the park, the Mulhacén at 3,482m, closely followed by the Pico del Veleta, at 3,396m. On a clear day these mountains can be seen from as far away as Africa. The park has a rich history, with the Tartessians, Visigoths, Romans and Moors all leaving their legacy in the area, which can be still be seen today; for example, the sophisticated irrigation systems inherited from the Moors and the distinctive architecture of the Alpujarras, with their flat-roofed houses, a design brought from north Africa with the Berbers. The Alpujarras have a long tradition of independence; the last Moorish king, Boabdil, famously sheltered here after the fall of Granada. It became the Moors' last refuge in Spain before their 1568 revolt failed and they were forced to leave Spain.
The Sierra Nevada National Park covers 86,208 hectares and is home to two of the Iberian Peninsula’s highest mountains - the Mulhacén (3,482m) and the Veleta (3,392m). The park stretches between the provinces of Granada and Almería. It is divided into two main areas - one that forms the high ridge of mountains clearly marked by glacial action and with little developed vegetation and the Mediterranean mountain range of less severe peaks that abound with flora and fauna of all types. The higher peaks are snow covered practically all year round and provide a much needed supply of water for the foothills below where more than 2,000 species of plants have been discovered and catalogued. Over 60 species of birds live in the sierra, not only the typical giants of the high mountains like the golden eagle and the griffin vulture, but also mountain birds like the golden oriole and the hoopoe. The easiest mammals to spot are the wild mountain goats as they hop nimbly up and down the most incredible precipices, and more patient observers will see foxes, badgers, wild cats and a great variety of snakes and lizards. The Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada (known as the Sierra Nevada National Park in English) is located in the Granada and Almería provinces (SE Spain). It stretches from Alpujarra to the Marquesado and the Lecrin Valley. Some of the mountain peaks reach up to over 3,000 meters. There are over 60 species of flower here that belong exclusively to the area. Here you will find a thriving Spanish ibex population along with other species, such as badger and wildcat. Popular activities include: skiing, hiking, climbing, paragliding, ibex watching and bird watching. Next to the park is the Botanic Garden of Cortijuela. Here one the endemic species of the Sierra are investigated and preserved.
The Sierra Nevada were formed during the Alpine Orogeny, a mountain-building event that also formed the European Alps to the east and the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa across the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Sierra as observed today formed during the Tertiary Period (65 to 1.8 million years ago) from the collision of the African and Eurasian continental plates. Central to the mountain range is a ridge running broadly west-south-west - east-north-east. For a substantial distance, the watershed stays consistently above 3000m in altitude. On the southern side of the range, several long but narrow river valleys lead off towards the south-west, separated by a number of subsidiary ridges. On the steeper and craggier northern side, the valleys have less regular orientations. This side is dominated by the Rio Genil which starts near Mulhacén and into which many of the other rivers flow.
