Sierra Nevada National Park

Granada, Andalusia, Spain

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Sierra Nevada National Park is a large protected area in southern Spain, mainly in the provinces of Granada and Almería, Andalusia. It is known for its dramatic mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful natural scenery. The park stretches over 85,000 hectares and is one of the biggest national parks in Spain. It was declared a national park in 1999, but the area has been protected for many years before that.

The Sierra Nevada mountains in the park are the highest in mainland Spain and the second highest in Europe after the Alps. The tallest peak is Mulhacén, which rises to 3,479 meters and is the highest in the Iberian Peninsula. Other notable peaks above 3,000 meters include Veleta and Alcazaba. On clear days, the snow-covered tops of these mountains can even be seen from Africa.

The park has many rivers and streams that flow down the mountains, creating different types of landscapes. At lower levels, there are rich meadows, forests of oak and pine trees, and small villages. Higher up, the area becomes rockier and more rugged, with alpine plants and glacial lakes. The park is home to almost 50 high-mountain lakes and several unique valleys shaped by glaciers long ago.