Things to do in Granada
Granada, Sierra Nevada National Park
Are you looking for the most attractive places to hike in southern Spain? Then, you can’t miss the unique views and historical background you’ll find when hiking in the north skirt of Sierra Nevada.
Sierra Nevada mountains are one of the best-known slices of nature in southern Spain. They became country’s national park in 1999 and consider this a flavour of what hiking in southern Spain has to offer. For instance, sleep on this mountain range we encounter the highest mountain in southern Spain. But in this article, we’ll stay in Lugros, a municipality located in the province of Granada.
This article focuses on the interesting ‘Dehesa del Camarate’ trail, which will impress you with its mixed forest and its spectacular views.
The hike
This route is perfect for those who are lovers of nature, since in this area there is a huge biodiversity of flora and fauna.
The trail starts in Alguacil High, and passes through the Loma Maitena and the “three thousands” mountains of Sierra Nevada. Then, after passing the “Stone of soldiers”, we will follow the Alhama river basin, surrounded by the mixture of species in flora of the Dehesa del Camarate forests. When we reach the small bullring, it is a good moment to rest and take a snack.
Later, we will continue the path through the meadow. In this path, it is possible to see some bulls, since it is used as a breeding cattle, so keep your eyes open!
Then, we will just follow the path that will take us to Dehesa del Camarate. On the way, we will pass through the ‘Haunted Forest’, which in the last few years has become one of the most popular attractions in the area. This is why there is a range of time, between November and December, that the access has been limited.
As we have said before, this forest has survived human hand and natural disasters, and has turned into a unique biodiverse space. This is the reason why the access has been limited the days when the affluence is bigger. They have to ensure the preservation of the forest.
- Location: Lugros, 19 miles from Granada city.
- Total distance: 12,42 miles
- Hike time: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty Rating: moderate
- Highest elevation: 2870 feet
- Best For: exploring beautiful scenery
- Dogs: allowed
Fauna and flora
Regarding the fauna, you can find bulls and cows, mountain goats, wild boars, wildcats, etc. Furthermore, you could see some species furrowing the skies like the golden eagle or the owl.
This area counts with one of the most beautiful mixed forests in Spain. You can encounter maples, oaks, cherry trees, whitebeams, ashes, birchies, holm oaks, etc, creating a fantastic colourful landscape. You will be able to see a pretty beautiful contrast of colours, ranging from green to red, orange or yellow. Thus, this place draws every year the attention of thousands of people, including photographers, hikers, nature-lovers, or tourists.
There are other day walks near Granada where you find one of the most diverse fauna and flora in the Iberian peninsula, counting with more than 2,000 species of vegetation. But you can tell that this place is special since it has survived human hand. If you love nature and hiking, you can’t loose this.
When can you hike Sierra Nevada Spain?
If you like being outdoors in the elements, it’s a place that keeps on giving all year around. Southern Spain’s warmest months mean great time for river walks. But between March and May you can also enjoy some of the best places to hike this spring near Granada
One of the best ways to get your bearings as a traveler in southern Spain is by signing up for guided tours, especially if you want to get out of the crowded cities and into the countryside. Our half-day or full-day trips can get you to places that are often too difficult to get to on your own, with the added safety of a local guide by your side. Don’t lose the opportunity to discover with our expert guides one of the most special places in southern Spain! Feel free to contact us for more information.
