Sierra Nevada in Spain
Sierra Nevada means on German“Snow-capped mountains”. This has a maximum height of 3,482 meters, making it the highest mountain range in Spain. The Sierra Nevada from November to May with snow covered.
The Sierra Nevada lies in the Spanish Provinces of Granada and Almeria. These belong to the autonomous community of Andalusia. The Sierra Nevada extends over 100 kilometers as part of the Betic Cordillera.
In order to preserve the beauty of the landscapes, the natural vegetation and the many original animal species, the core area was placed under protection in 1999. This national park covers an area of 86,208 hectares.
The beautiful surroundings and the Mediterranean flair, coupled with the Mediterranean coast, make up the charm of the Sierra Nevada and ensure that the region is popular with visitors, holidaymakers and tourists from all over the world.
The landscapes of the Sierra Nevada
Geographically, the coastal region of the Sierra Nevada has steep and rocky slopes, some of which even protrude into the Mediterranean. For example, you can find such a natural spectacle in Almeria. Another important fact is that the Sierra Nevada provides the entire area with water through the meltwater from the snow caps. The greenhouse crops in the region of Almeria and the cities of Granada and Lanjaron in particular benefit from the water supply and obtain their drinking water from it.
By the way: Many people know the famous mineral water brand from Spain – Lanjaron. This water comes from the source of the place of the same name on the south side of the mountains.
The entire region of the Sierra Nevada is a high mountain range. This moves at heights between 1,500 meters and 3,482 meters. Due to the enormous height of the mountains, their peaks were covered by large glaciers during the Vistula Ice Age. The rugged rock faces of the mountain ranges were created because in the summer months the condensation water can penetrate into the crevices and into the rocks. If it gets colder and the temperatures finally drop below zero in winter, the water freezes. The subsequent expansion of the ice causes so great tension that the rocks are literally blown up. They yield the fissures
that shape the optical and thus characteristic appearance of the Sierra Nevada.
The rock materials are of high quality. Therefore, there are many marble quarries, especially in the Andalusian region.
Climate and vacation in the Sierra Nevada
Due to the favorable Mediterranean location of the region, there is a mild climate with pleasant temperatures. The mountains in the coastal region have the great advantage that they take on the function of a climate divide. This is noticeable in the fact that the mountains weaken and slow down the cool air currents.
Agriculturally, you can find a lot of oil and nut tree plantations here. These were created when large areas of forest were cleared. After that, the newly gained areas were used to cultivate useful trees. These cultivation areas are a real feast for the eyes, especially for Europeans from cooler climates.
The popular and famous Pico del Veleta is of course particularly suitable for hikes. It is also the highest mountain on mainland Spain. You can reach the summit by car on the highest country road in Europe. Today you can still drive to the Hoya de la Mora by car. If you really want to go to Veleta, you have to cover the rest of the way by hike or by bike. There is also a bus connection that runs through the national park area. Self
Skiers and snowboarders get their money’s worth here, because Sol y Nieve is a well-equipped winter sports resort. In 1996 the Alpine World Ski Championships took place here.
Costa Verde in Spain
Whoever speaks of the “Green Coast” means the Costa Verde. This is a stretch of coast on the Bay of Biscay and is located in the northern part of Spain. Because there are more rainy days here than in the rest of the country, the vegetation here can be significantly more species-rich and more diverse. The lush flora is also the reason why one of the Costa Verde, that is, green coast, speaks.
Sights worth seeing on the Costa Verde
Regulars know it, and many visitors who see the Costa Verde for the first time are also of the opinion: The Costa Verde should have the most beautiful beaches in Spain. The sections between Llanes and Ribadesella, which are in the east of Asturias, are said to be the most beautiful.
The region has real scenic treasures, beautiful beaches, sparkling sea, enough sun and romantic old towns. Despite everything, or perhaps precisely because of it, the entire region has refrained from building up mass tourism. If you prefer a quiet holiday and want to recharge your batteries in a relaxed way, this is the right place for you!
Most holidaymakers come from Spain, which absolutely speaks for the fact that this is an absolute insider tip. It is important that you as a holidaymaker prepare for the fact that there is no action and party program on offer here. The Costa Verde is therefore less suitable for fun vacationers.
You can reach the area by plane, via the motorway and also by train, because Costa Verde is quiet but not off the beaten track. Nevertheless, vacationers or day trippers should be prepared for the fact that there are some gaps in the transport links. However, work is currently underway to remedy the problem, as the transport network is currently being expanded and expanded.
Culture of the Costa Verde
The coastal area belongs to the Cantabrian region. This was strongly influenced by the Celtic culture in the course of its history. Today you can see these traces and influences not only on various buildings in the cities and villages, but also notice the Celtic influence in folk music. The original sounds from different regions of England, Brittany or Ireland can be clearly heard.
This music is currently experiencing a real renaissance. The current and contemporary artists take up the traditional musical elements in their works and thus, for example, Hevia or the group Felpeyu reinterpret this folk music in their own way.
Despite these strong influences in the past, a Celtic language never caught on. This is how they speak today in the western part of Galicia Galish as the official language, in Cantabria the residents speak Castilian. Although Castilian and Asturian are spoken in Asturias, the latter has not yet been recognized as an official language.
All of these languages and dialects have their origins and roots in the Romance-speaking area.
Just as the different dialects and languages have spread in the areas, strong differences in the architecture are also visible.
Anyone who travels the Costa Verde will be impressed by the architectural diversity of the buildings. One can truly speak of regional peculiarities.
The variety of dishes from the Costa Verde area is also impressive. The menu even takes on quite exotic-looking features. The well-known fabada bean stew, flat cakes made from pie dough with various fillings and the delicious cider cider are among the region’s established specialties. Visitors who order cider for the first time should not confuse this drink with the cider that we know.