These basic mountain cabins, which are dotted around the Sierra Nevada, provide shelter against the elements, and in most cases wooden bunks to sleep on. You will need your own sleeping bag and mat.
Some refugios are staffed, in which case there is a charge for staying the night, and it’s advisable to book in advance to secure your place. These cabins also offer meals and sell refreshments, and the standard of accommodation is slightly better. However, the majority of the cabins are unstaffed and free of charge; you just turn up, and hopefully find an available bunk. Even if you do not intend to use the refugios, it is useful to know where they are, in case of emergencies.
If you’re looking for slightly more comfort, the Albergue Universitario in the upper part of the ski station also offers accommodation in rooms for between 2 and 9 people.
Map of refugios in the Sierra Nevada
Click on a marker to see the name of the refugio. Scroll down for more details about the individual refugios.
Click here to download gpx and kml files with the locations of the refugios.
Staffed refugios
Refugio del Poquiera
Note: closed for refurbishment as of winter 2024
Location: above Capileira in the Poquiera valley; altitude of 2500 metres
Capacity: 87 people
Price: €17.50 pppn
Tel.: +34 958 343 349/Mobile: +34 659 554 224
refugiopoqueira.com
Comments: an alternative to the bus from Capileira if you want to climb Mulhacén. It is very difficult to reach Mulhacén as a day trip from Capileira, so it is worth staying here either on your way up or down. Great views down towards the Alpujarras.
Refugio de Postero Alto
Location: above Jerez del Marquesado; altitude of 1880 metres
Capacity: 68 people
Price: €19 pppn
Tel: +34 622 762 265
Website: https://refugiopicondejerez.com/el-refugio/
Comments: useful if you want to reach the high peaks of the eastern Sierra Nevada from the north. The refugio has just reopened after extensive refurbishment. Offers various activities such as courses on mountaineering, ski touring and ice climbing. Book in advance through the website.
Puerto de la Ragua
Note: currently closed, but a refurbishment is planned
Location: Puerto de la Ragua, Carretera de La Cahorra – Cerín, km 11.6 (A-337, accessed either from the A-92 Guadix-Almeria motorway or from the Alpujarras)
Capacity: 16 people
Website: www.puertodelaragua.com
Comments: useful for accessing the north-eastern side of the Sierra Nevada.
Albergue Universitario
Location: Peñones de San Francisco in the upper part of the ski station, at an altitude of 2,550 m.
Price: from 50 Euros pppn
Tel: +34 958 48 01 22 / 622 87 87 28
Website: http://www.alberguesierranevada.com/
Comments: Well located for accessing the high peaks of Veleta and Mulhacén from the northern side. Must be booked in advance.
Refugio San Francisco
Location: Peñones de San Francisco near the upper part of the ski station, at an altitude of 2,250 m.
Price: bed & breakfast 33 Euros pppn; bed and dinner 41 Euros pppn
Capacity: 12-14 people
Tel/Whatsapp: +34 623365243
Website: https://www.sociedadsierranevada.es/albergue-san-francisco
Comments: Well located for accessing the high peaks of Veleta and Mulhacén from the northern side. Only open Fri-Sun or by arrangement for groups of 6 or more. Must be booked in advance.
Unstaffed refugios (free of charge)
Refugio-Vivac de la Caldera
Location: close to Mulhacén; altitude of 3100 metres
Capacity: 14 people
Comments: another option if you are climbing Mulhacén. In high season there is a risk that all of the bunks get taken early. Spectacular, if somewhat eerie, location in the high mountains beside a crater lake. In winter it may be totally covered by snow
Refugio-Vivac de la Carihuela
Location: not far below the peak of Veleta; altitude of 3200 metres
Capacity: 14 people
Comments: useful if you intend to climb both Veleta and Mulhacén. Views down to the Alpujarras and the Mediterranean beyond. In winter it may be totally covered by snow
Refugio-Vivac El Calvario (also known as La Cucaracha)
Location: between Güéjar Sierra and the high mountains; altitude of 1770 metres
Capacity: 20-30 people
Comments: not the most charming of forest locations, but you’ll probably need to stay here if you want to reach the high mountains from Güéjar and don’t want to camp
Refugio-Vivac Peñon de la Polarda
Location: on the slopes of Polarda, a mountain in Almería province; altitude of 2150 metres
Capacity: 12 people
Comments: on the Sulayr circuit (GR 240)
Refugio Vivac “El Doctor”
Location: close to the border between the provinces of Granada and Almería; altitude of 2000 metres
Capacity: 15 people
Comments: close enough to the Sulayr circuit to be worth considering as an accommodation option
Refugio-Vivac Piedra Negra
Location: below La Cumbre, a mountain in Almería province; altitude of 2100 metres
Capacity: 10 people
Comments: just off the Sulayr circuit
There are a number of other refugios that are in a poor or ruinous state of repair, or that require you to obtain a key from the National Park authorities in order to get in. We have chosen not to include those here – if they are refurbished, or if other relevant changes take place, we will add them to our list.