Sierra Nevada (Spain)
| Sierra Nevada | |
|---|---|
View of Sierra Nevada from the Cubillas Reservoir | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mulhacén |
| Elevation | 3,479 m (11,414 ft) |
| Coordinates | 37°3′12″N 3°18′41″W / 37.05333°N 3.31139°W |
| Geography | |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Andalusia |
| Provinces | Granada, Almería and Málaga |
| Parent range | Penibaetic System |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | Tertiary |
| Mountain type | Alpine |
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Sierra Nevada (Spanish: [ˈsjera neˈβaða]; meaning "snow-covered mountain range") is a mountain range in the Andalusian province of Granada in Spain. It contains the highest point of continental Spain: Mulhacén, at 3,479 metres (11,414 ft) above sea level.
It is a popular tourist destination, as its high peaks make skiing possible in one of Europe's most southerly ski resorts, in an area along the Mediterranean Sea predominantly known for its high temperatures and abundant sunshine. At its foothills is found the city of Granada, and a little further south, Almería and Motril.
Parts of the range have been included in the Sierra Nevada National Park. The range has also been declared a biosphere reserve. The Sierra Nevada Observatory, the Calar Alto Observatory, and the IRAM 30m telescope are located on the northern slopes at an elevation of 2,800 metres (9,200 ft).