The region of Granada has a unique geography. The province surrounding the city of the Alhambra has a huge variety of landscapes. With the Snow topped mountains of Sierra, the coastline of Costa Tropical stretching from neighbouring regions of Malaga to Almeria, the Alpujarra region, the desert badlands of the Marquesado area and the fertile plains known as the ´vega´ just south of the city the province has lots to discover.
This along with the warm Spanish climate makes it a great destination for sport and outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are twenty one outdoor activities to enjoy in the Granada province.
Skiing. The season in Sierra Nevada runs from November to the end of April. There are plenty of instructors and equipment hire in Granada and in Sierra Nevada´s resort Pradollano. Snowboarders are also well catered for. The resort has the largest permanent half pipe for both skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. On warmer days you can ski and swim at the beach on the same day. The drive is about an hour from the ski slopes to the beaches along the Costa Tropical.
Swimming. In summer this is a must! July and August are the hottest months in Southern Spain. Enjoy bathing in the sea along the Costa tropical, find an inland river or an lake or just splash about in the pool.
Horse riding. You can trek along the beach or gallop along forest paths. There are many places available to ride in the Granada province. La Herradura on the coast has a British riding school. In the Alpujarra there are several places offering equestrian activities too.
Sailing. Enjoy a day trip on a boat. A good choice is to set sail from the beautiful Puerto Marina. A leisure port close to the village of La Herradura. Many boat owners offer day trips or half day outings from different points along the Costa Tropical.
Hot air balloon. Take a ride with a unique view of Granada´s Alhambra palace. Glovento sur are the local company that offers these outings. See the city of Granada from above. (Glovento´s services expand to other areas in Andalusia too)
Canyoning. I recommend the Rio Verde, meaning green river. It´s a beautiful spot, half way between Granada and the coast, close to Otívar. This river meets the sea just off the beaches at Almuñecar. This is a fun activity if you don´t mind getting a bit wet. This is basically hiking down a knee deep river and jumping over waterfalls. Al Andalus Activa is one of the companies that organizes this. There are family friendly activities or more advanced adventurous routes for different groups.
Golf on the beach. At Playa Granada, close to Motril the Robinson Golf Club is a great location with lots of sunshine and mild weather to enjoy a day on the green. Other golf courses in Granada are Santa Clara near Otura, south of the city and Las Gabias course too.
Underwater diving in the clear waters of the Costa Tropical. There is plenty of marine life to see. Your instructor may even show you some of the caves dotted around the coastline.
Jetski is just one of the water sports that you can enjoy at La Herradura. They also have windsurfing, catamaran and sailing lessons too.
Climbing. Take a day´s climbing lesson at the Alfacar crags. Or scramble about on the equipment at the Multiaventure playground Aventura Amazonia at Víznar, just a short drive north of Granada.
Kayaking. The Costa tropical is a beautiful coastline to navigate in a kayak. The protected area around Maro is particularly beautiful. There are many different places offering activities both on the coast and along inland rivers too.
Walking, running and hiking. The whole of Granada province is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, the valley of Lecrin, the Alpujarra mountain village and many other trails and refuges to choose from. You could even climb up the Mulhacen, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula at 3482m. Or in Lanjaron you can discover the local herbs and plants on a guided Herbal walk. The selection of outdoor activities is endless.
Mountain biking. Find great spots around the villages of Guejar Sierra and Pinos Genil. There are lots of organized activities and companies offering different trails too.
Shooting & Archery. There are several shooting ranges dotted around Granada province and locations that have archery activities.
Trekking with mules high up in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra. Routes over several days can be booked. Experience this just as the muleteers would have done centuries ago.
Off road driving. Enjoy a day out in 4x4 vehicles in the desert environment of Northern Granada. The Marquesado region up towards Guadix is a great area for this. Known as the badlands, you can spend some time seeing the megalithic dolmens near the Alquife mines. Take photos of the imposing Calahorra castle or have lunch in a typical cave restaurant.
Abseiling. With lots of rocks and mountains dotted all around there are plenty of spots to set up abseiling. Courses and instructors are running all year round.
Snowshoe activities in the mountains around Granada. (December to February) Many guides offer day trips and equipment hire in the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada areas.
Bungee jumping Leap off the Iron Bridge in Durcal and enjoy an adrenalin rush. The jump is from a height of 48 metres from the ground. This location is on the edge of the quaint valley of Lecrín. The bridge is known locally as the Puente de Lata and was built in the early 1900´s.
Paragliding with views of the snow topped mountains in the village of Cenes de la Vega. The best months are from April to September. (weather conditions)
Dancing. Flamenco classes, Ballroom dancing and Salsa. The Spanish certainly enjoy their fiestas. To prepare for the festivities there are plenty of dancing workshops, classes and activities all year round in Granada.