The Hoya de Pedraza and La Cortijuela botanic gardens in the Sierra Nevada National Park and both are well worth a visit. Between them they contain a large amount of endemic plants and also hold collections of many of the endangered and rarer plantlife of the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de los Filabres, Sierra de Gádor and Sierra de Lújar – La Contraviesa.
Jardín botánico Hoya de Pedraza
The 16 hectare Hoya de Pedraza botanical garden is located about 30 minutes from Granada about four kilometres before the Pradollano ski resort.
At almost 2000 metres this botanic garden represents the flora and vegetation of the peaks of Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarra foothills and is home to some of the endemic species such as Royal chamomile (Artemisa granatensis), Sierra Nevada willow (Salix hastata subsp sierrae – nevadae) and Senecio elodes.
The whole area has undergone a re forestation scheme with over 5000 specimens of local plantlife making up the backbone habitat for the more rarer species. The gardens are well cared for and split into various habitat sections accessed by signposted footpaths.
- Endangered species garden
- Silicic vegetation
- Calcareous vegetation
- Ribera vegetation
- Deciduous vegetation
- Pineforest vegetation
Directions and opening times
- Opening times are 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays
- Entry and parking is free.
- Address: Ctra. Sierra Nevada Km. 27 18193 (Monachil, Granada). about 30 minutes from Granada about four kilometres before the Pradollano ski resort.
Jardín botánico de la Cortijuela
La Cortijuela botanical garden is located in an area of extreme ecological value within the Sierra Nevada National Park. In the foothills of Cerro del Trevenque. Access is from the Cumbres Verdes Urbanization (La Zubia) or from the Los Llanos Recreational Area (Monachil). Head for the picnic area of Fuente del Hervidero and from there you may have to walk to the gardens (depending on the state of the track).
Once at the gardens there is a circular route that takes you through many examples of the resident plant community. From herbaceous species dotted with orchids, passing through the typical vegetation of the riparian forest to thorny plants such as hawthorn and aromatic plants such as sage. All of them live surrounded by a mixed forest of holm oaks and wild pines. The route is completed with a viewpoint that offers an excellent panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada.
The botanical garden, with an area of 12 hectares, contains over 200 species of native plantlife within a backdrop of Pinus sylvestris subsp. nevadensis, Quercus rotundifolia holm oaks and introduced Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra
There is an undergrowth of a great variety of companion species such as peony (Paeonia coriacea), sage (Salvia lavandulifolia), Jerusalem sage (Phlomis crinita), broom (Erinacea anthyllis), stinking helebore (Helleborus foetidus), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi).
Cooler areas are occupied with Granada acer (Acer opalus subsp. Granatense), whitebeam (Sorbus aria and Sorbus torminalis), snowy mespilus (Amelanchier ovalis), Granada cotoneaster (Cotoneaster granatense) and yew (Taxus baccata). Also abundant are wild rose (Rosa canina), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Berberis (Berberis hispanica), blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius), blackthorn (Prunus ramburii), rhamnus (Rhamnus myrtifolius), juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), and various species of orchids.
The interior of the garden is crossed by two streams where species such as elms (Ulmus minor), willows and wickers (Salix alba , Salix x rubens), rushes (Juncus inflexus), peppermint (Mentha longifolia) and birch (Betula pendula subsp. fontqueri)
In the botanic garden nursery, plants of both those that are in danger of extinction and those considered vulnerable are grown for repopulation purposes. Endangered and rare species such as Acer opalus subsp. granatense, Erodium boissieri, Rothmaleria granatensis, Salix hastata subsp. sierrae-nevadae, Senecio elodes, Narcissus nevadensis, Artemisa granatensis, Amelanchier ovalis, Celtis australis, Ilex aquifolium,Quercus pyrenaica, Santolina elegans and Sorbus aria
Access and opening times
- Address: Pista forestal Cumbres Verdes-Trevenque, km 11 Cumbres Verdes (Monachil, Granada)
- Access is from the Cumbres Verdes Urbanization (La Zubia) or from the Los Llanos Recreational Area (Monachil). Head for the picnic area of Fuente del Hervidero and from there you may have to walk to the gardens (depending on the state of the track).
You can find more information about places like the Hoya de Pedraza and La Cortijuela botanic gardens on the main Andalucia page here under the heading botanic gardens.
Iberia Nature Forum
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
Iberia Nature Forum: https://iberianatureforum.com/