Hotels in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada has several high-end hotels offering exceptional service, stunning views and world-class amenities for those seeking luxury and comfort.

El Lodge, Ski & Spa
El Lodge is an outstanding luxury hotel in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Renowned for its ski-in/ski-out access, this hotel offers an unbeatable combination of comfort and elegance. The rooms are designed in a chic alpine style, with wooden interiors, cosy fireplaces and large windows offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Guests can indulge in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the full-service spa, and dine on gourmet cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Despite its luxurious facilities, the hotel often offers competitive rates, especially during off-peak periods.

Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya
One of the highest hotels in Europe, the Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya offers unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This five-star hotel combines traditional Andalusian architecture with modern amenities, providing guests with a luxurious retreat. Spacious rooms feature private balconies, allowing guests to take in the stunning scenery from the comfort of their own room. Amenities include a wellness centre, gourmet dining and ski-in/ski-out access, making it the perfect choice for a lavish winter getaway.

Melia Sol y Nieve
Melia Sol y Nieve is a four-star luxury hotel located just steps from the main ski lifts in Sierra Nevada. It is renowned for its stylish design and extensive facilities, including a large spa, indoor pool and several dining options. The hotel offers family-friendly services and activities, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with children. Despite its luxury status, Melia Sol y Nieve often offers special deals and packages that provide great value for money.

Hotel Telecabina
Located in the centre of the Sierra Nevada ski resort, Hotel Telecabina is perfect for those who want to be close to the action. The hotel offers cosy rooms equipped with all the essentials, including free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The on-site restaurant serves hearty meals to refuel after a day on the slopes, and the hotel's location means you are just minutes away from the ski lifts and the ski resort's main amenities.

Hotel Ziryab
Hotel Ziryab is a popular mid-range option in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. This hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning mountain views and its proximity to the slopes makes it an ideal choice for ski enthusiasts.The hotel has a restaurant, lounge bar and terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the scenery. Combining convenience and comfort, Hotel Ziryab offers great value for those looking to enjoy the Sierra Nevada on a budget.

HG Maribel
HG Maribel is another excellent mid-range hotel in the Sierra Nevada. The hotel's charming Alpine-style architecture and warm, welcoming interiors create a cosy atmosphere. Rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities, and the hotel offers ski storage and rental services. Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, which serves traditional Spanish cuisine, and relax in the bar after a day on the slopes. The hotel often has special offers, making it a good option for budget-conscious travellers.

Hostal Yeti
Hostal Yeti is a family-run hostel offering simple, clean rooms at an unbeatable price. Located a short walk from the ski lifts, it is perfect for travellers who want to maximise their time on the slopes without spending too much on accommodation. The hostel has a communal kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals and a lounge area with a fireplace, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Albergue Universitario Sierra Nevada
Albergue Universitario Sierra Nevada is a budget option ideal for groups and individual travellers. The hostel offers dormitory-style accommodation with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms. There is a common dining area where guests can enjoy affordable meals and a common lounge for socialising.The hostel is conveniently located for access to the ski resort and offers excellent value for money.

Hostal El Guerra

Hostal El Guerra is a charming budget hotel located a short drive from the main ski resort area. It offers simple but comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional Andalusian cuisine and a bar with a cosy fireplace. The hotel offers easy access to the slopes and nearby towns, making it a great base for exploring the region.

The Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is the southernmost ski resort in Europe and one of the best equipped in Spain. It has over 110 kilometres of skiable terrain, divided into more than 120 marked runs. The ski resort caters for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, from beginner slopes to challenging black runs. There are also several snow parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, including the Sulayr Superpark, one of the best in Europe.

While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions in the Sierra Nevada, the area offers a wide range of activities and experiences beyond the slopes. Whether you're looking to explore the natural beauty of the region, indulge in the local cuisine or immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, Sierra Nevada has something for everyone.

1. Hiking and Nature Walks
During the Summer months, when the snow melts, Sierra Nevada transforms into a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The Sierra Nevada National Park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Spain, with a network of trails that take you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain peaks. Popular hiking routes include the ascent to Mulhacén, the highest peak in mainland Spain, and the Vereda de la Estrella, a scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

2. Exploring the Alpujarras
The Alpujarras is a region located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its picturesque whitewashed villages, terraced hillsides, and rich cultural heritage. The area is famous for its traditional crafts, including pottery, weaving, and basket-making. Visitors can explore charming villages like Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira, where you can stroll through narrow streets, visit artisan workshops, and sample local delicacies such as jamón serrano and honey.

3. Visiting the Alhambra
No visit to Sierra Nevada would be complete without a trip to the Alhambra, one of Spain?s most iconic landmarks. Located in nearby Granada, the Alhambra is a stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex that dates back to the 13th century. The site is renowned for its intricate architecture, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. A guided tour of the Alhambra offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region.

4. Relaxing in the Spa
After a day of outdoor activities, there?s nothing better than unwinding in a spa. Many of the hotels in Sierra Nevada offer luxurious spa facilities where you can relax and rejuvenate. Whether it?s a soothing massage, a dip in a heated pool, or a session in a sauna, the spas in Sierra Nevada provide the perfect way to pamper yourself and recover from the day?s adventures.

5. Sampling Local Cuisine
Sierra Nevada and the surrounding region are known for their delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by Andalusian traditions. After a day on the slopes, be sure to indulge in some of the local specialties. Popular dishes include hearty stews like puchero and olla de San Antón, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. The region is also famous for its tapas culture, and you?ll find plenty of bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of small plates to share. Don?t forget to try the local wines, particularly those from the nearby Alpujarras region.

While Sierra Nevada itself offers plenty to see and do, there are also several charming towns and cities nearby that are worth exploring. These destinations provide a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the region.

1. Granada

Granada is the nearest major city to Sierra Nevada, just 30 kilometres away. This vibrant city is steeped in history and culture, with its most famous attraction being the Alhambra. In addition to the Alhambra, Granada is home to a wealth of other historic sites, including the Generalife Gardens, the Albaicín district and Granada Cathedral. The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants and flamenco clubs where you can experience the local culture.

2. Monachil

Monachil is a small town just a short drive from the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its stunning natural scenery and traditional Andalusian charm. The town is a popular base for hikers as it offers easy access to several trails in the Sierra Nevada National Park, including the famous Los Cahorros Gorge, which features a series of hanging bridges and narrow rock passages. Monachil is also a great place to experience traditional Andalusian village life, with its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and friendly locals.

3. Almuñécar

Almuñécar is a coastal town about an hour's drive from the Sierra Nevada. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites and vibrant culture, Almuñécar is a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay. The town's main attractions include the castle of San Miguel, the Roman aqueduct and the botanical gardens. Almuñécar is also famous for its seafood, and you'll find plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish and shellfish along the coast.

4. La Zubia

La Zubia is a charming town nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, just a short drive from Granada. The town is known for its picturesque setting, with lush green hills and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. La Zubia is a great base for exploring the Sierra Nevada National Park and offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. The town's historic centre is well worth exploring, with its narrow streets, traditional houses and beautiful churches.

5. Trevélez

Trevélez is one of the highest villages in Spain, located in the Alpujarras region on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The village is famous for its production of Jamón Serrano, a type of dry-cured ham that is a local delicacy. Visitors can visit the local ham curing facilities, where they can learn about the traditional methods used to make this famous product and sample some of the best jamón serrano in Spain. Trevélez is also a great base for hiking, with several trails leading into the surrounding mountains.

1. By air

The nearest airport to Sierra Nevada is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX), located 45 kilometres from the ski resort. The airport is served by several national and international airlines, offering flights from major Spanish and European cities. From the airport you can take a taxi, hire a car or use the shuttle service to get to Sierra Nevada.

Another option is the airport of Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), located about 150 kilometres from Sierra Nevada. Málaga airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, with a wide range of domestic and international flights. From Malaga you can hire a car or take a bus to Granada and then continue to Sierra Nevada.

2. By car

Driving to Sierra Nevada is a convenient option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding area. The ski resort is easily accessible from the A-395, which links Granada to Sierra Nevada. The drive from Granada takes about 30 minutes, while the drive from Málaga takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. During the winter months it's important to check road conditions before travelling, as snow and ice can make the roads difficult.

There is plenty of parking available in the Sierra Nevada ski resort, including several car parks near the ski lifts. Some hotels also offer private parking for their guests.

3. By Bus

There are regular bus services between Granada and Sierra Nevada, making it easy to reach the ski resort without a car. The journey takes about 45 minutes and buses run frequently throughout the day during the ski season. The bus station in Sierra Nevada is located close to the main ski resort area, making it easy to get to the lifts, hotels and other facilities.

Buses also connect Sierra Nevada with other nearby towns, including Monachil, Almuñécar and Trevélez, making it easy to explore the region by public transport.

4. By train

Although there is no direct train service to Sierra Nevada, you can take a train to Granada and then continue by bus or car to the ski resort. Granada train station is well connected to other major cities in Spain, including Madrid, Seville and Malaga. From the station it's easy to get a bus or taxi to Sierra Nevada.

5. By taxi or private transfer

For those who prefer a more direct and convenient option, taxis and private transfers are available from Granada and other nearby cities to Sierra Nevada. Although this option is more expensive than taking the bus, it offers the convenience of a door-to-door service, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a group.