The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia is a section of the Betic Cordillera and runs parallel to the Mediterranean sea for around 100km.
The temperature range is dramatic with the summits under snow for many months, followed by a hot Mediterranean style summer. This creates special microclimates across the exposed rocky summits, glacial lakes, sheer sided gorges, mixed oak woods, pine woods and fast rivers with wooded banks.
Baza, Caniles, Dólar, Gor, Valle de Zalabí
Find a place to stay in the Sierra de Baza over at Booking.com.
The sierra de Baza with its limestone peaks over 2000m is a relatively humid, botanical jewel between two arid plains of Las Hoyas de Guadix-Baza and the Llanos del Marquesado. It is part of the Cordillera Penibética range with the highest peak of Santa Bárbara at 2,271m. The steep slopes have a covering of pines with oaks and acer.
The parkland of Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama is limited in the south east by the Mediterranean sea and rises in craggy mountains towards the north west. 52% of the park is in Granada province with 48% in Málaga province. The combination of altitudes and from sea shore to the peak of La Maroma at 2,080m encourages a diversity of vegetation, including some endemic species.
Here at Wildside Holidays, we have always focused on Spain’s natural parks, hiking routes, and the unique blend of culture and wildlife that make this country so special. While Spain’s big cities and coastal resorts attract millions of visitors, there are many towns and villages where traditions remain strong and life moves at a gentler pace. These places often sit close to well-known tourist routes yet feel worlds apart, offering travelers the chance to reconnect with nature, discover local history, and enjoy regional gastronomy. From medieval hilltop villages to colorful fishing towns, the following 10 Lesser-Known Places in Spain Worth Exploring showcase a more authentic side of Spain — where landscapes, wildlife, and culture come together.