The Sierra Nevada dominating Granada is Europe's highest mountain range after the Alps. There are no less than 14 peaks rising to over 3 000m, with Mulhacén culminating at 3 482m. Covered in snow and ice for much of the year, the Sierra Nevada has an extremely well equipped ski resort (including facilities for skiing at night) that can also serve as a base, year round, for rambling. The classification of the range as a National Park in 1999 should serve to protect its ecosystem.

Costa Tropical is the wholly justifiable name given to the coast in the province of Granada. Lined with medieval watchtowers, the steep coast with its creeks and coves is covered in luxuriant vegetation. Inland, on the small coastal plain around Motril, protected from northern weather conditions by the Sierra Nevada, there are sugar cane plantations. Among the small resorts are Carchuna, Calahonda, and Castell de Ferro with its attractive bay.

This originally Roman fortress now bears the image of its successive occupants: Omeyyades, Almoravides, Almohades, Nasrides and Christians. The castle was damaged during the war with France in 1808, then abandoned for years. From the Nasrid period, when it was the palace of the Kings of Grenada, a shelter and house remain, while the entrance towers date from the reign of Charles V. The small museum has interesting models of the Almuñécar area.

The ski resort was built in 1964 and in 1995 held the world skiing championships. The investment made for the occasion has resulted in the resort becoming one of Spain's best, with 45 runs and 30 ski lifts. On weekends you can ski at night.