NW Sierra Nevada

This area, which includes pretty villages like Güéjar Sierra, Monachil and Dílar, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular parts of the Sierra Nevada.

Fortunately, this area is close to Granada, so it is relatively easy to reach. You can either base yourself in Granada or one of the villages, and many of the walks are accessible by public transport.

See a list of all of the walks in North-West Sierra Nevada below. Alternatively, search in a more specific area:

Instituto Geográfico de EspañaPlease note that the information sheets provided for download may not be altered or sold. Topographic base maps © Instituto Geográfico Nacional de España, original scale 1:25,000.

List of Hikes: NW Sierra Nevada

Boca de la Pesca

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8 km   2h 15min   404m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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The twin-peaked Boca de la Pesca (“the fish’s mouth”) is a tiny mountain in comparison with those around it, but from the top there are commanding views of the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Trevenque, the Dilar valley and the city of Granada down on the plain below. This walk is best in the late afternoon when the light is softer and you have more chance of some shade on the short but fairly steep climb.

Cahorros

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8 km   2 h 30 mins   400 m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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With its wild flowers, fruit trees heavy with apricots, almonds, cherries, apples and pomegranates, a cascading river and lavender, thyme and rosemary, the lush Monachil valley is a beautiful area for walking. Kids will love the hanging bridges and the dramatic gorge, and this walk is particularly recommended when the flowers are out in spring and when the leaves turn gold in autumn.

Camino de los Neveros – Monachil

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12 km   3h 30min   438m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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This walk hugs the edge of the urban area between Granada and Monachil, making it very easily accessible. The surroundings are perhaps not as pristine as in other areas, but this is more than made up for by great views of Granada, the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada, and the Monachil and Genil valleys. Part of the walk uses the Camino de los Neveros, a route used historically to collect snow from the high mountains for the refrigerators of Granada. Monachil has several cafés and restaurants for a break along the route.

Canal de la Espartera

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14 km   4 h 30 min   500 m   Medium   Medium   Easy    

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From Trevenque’s dusty, arid slopes to the lush vegetation and crashing waterfalls of the Dilar valley, this walk packs in a huge variety of scenery. Bathed in the warm evening light, the striking peaks of Trevenque and Boca de la Pesca take on subtle shades of gold and red.

Cerro Huenes

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12.5km   3h 45 min   600m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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This is a pleasant loop around Cerro Huenes, a small mountain on the edge of the Sierra Nevada. For the first part of the walk you have views down to the city of Granada, while later you can see up to the higher mountains to your south, including Veleta. Mostly the path runs through quite open countryside, but there are a few short sections of forest.

Cortijo Hornillo Version A

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16 km   4h 30min   813m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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This route winds up through a forest of oak and pine trees, before taking you on to the Cortijo del Hornillo, one of the old summer farms in the mountains. The location is idyllic, and the views of the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada are incredible. The walk returns along the lower part of the popular Vereda de la Estrella path, in the beautiful valley below.

Cortijo Hornillo Version B

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16.5 km   5h 30min   1054m   Hard   Medium   Hard    

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This walk winds its way up through a pleasant forest of oaks and pines, before continuing up the ridge of the Loma de San Juan, from which you have panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. The climb is fairly relentless, and steep in parts, but if you’re reasonably fit and the weather’s good the amazing scenery more than makes up for it! Return via the attractive Cortijo del Hornillo and the lower part of the Vereda de la Estrella.

Diechar Loop

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12 km   3h 15min   440m   Easy   Easy   Easy    

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Above the village of Monachil, and below the Sierra Nevada ski station, there is a peaceful area of idyllic farms and pasture land. This walk takes you past a disused hydropower station and a small farm in an incredibly pretty setting, and you’re likely to see lots of grazing cows and goats on your way around.

Dílar – Ermita Vieja (Version A)

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10.5 km   3h 15 min   773 m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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As you gradually climb up from Dílar through the pine forest you catch tantalising glimpses of the plain and valleys below, but nothing that prepares you for the stunning, panoramic views that await you when you emerge above the tree line at Cerro de Montellano. A relatively easy walk, in spite of the climb, and suitable for all seasons.

Dílar – Ermita Vieja (Version B)

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15 km   4 hours   650m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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A pleasant walk through pine forests suitable for all seasons. From Cerro de Montellano there are fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada, including Cerro del Caballo (3011m). Also takes in two attractive chapels: Ermita Nueva (the new chapel) and Ermita Vieja (the old).