Destination Spotlight - Eastern Andalucia, Spain continued...

Activities if you’re feeling adventurous

For Walking and Hiking:
The Sierra Nevada National Park and Las Alpujarras have a number of trails and treks – the  National Park Information Centres can provide details of guided walks and maps.

For Ski-ing:
Perhaps best suited to beginners and intermediates, Sol y Nieve is a purpose-built ski resort in the Sierra Nevada above Granada.  It is Europe’s most southerly ski resort and, although fairly small, it hosted the 1996 World Ski Championships.  The season runs from November to March but the slopes can be subject to high winds.

For Horse Riding
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the surrounding countryside and get close to the wildlife is pony trekking in Las Alpujarras. There are centres across the region, including Bubion.  Alternatively, for a true cowboy experience, follow in the hoof prints of the spaghetti westerns through the arid landscapes of Almeria.

For Mountain biking
This is a popular regional sport for the more energetic and bikes can be hired by the hour or the day in most of the larger towns on the Costa del Sol

For Bird watching
See below for examples of the local bird life.  For more information on bird watching in Andalucia, contact El Entro Ornitologiodel Estrecho Gibraltar, Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, Carretera Nacional N340, KM 96, 11390 Algeciras, Cadiz

For Climbing and Mountaineering
Both are popular sports in the Sierra Nevada National Park but it is recommended that climbers unfamiliar with the area hire an experienced guide.  Details of climbs and centres can be found at the National Park Information Centres or from the Spanish Mountaineering Federation, Calle Alberto Aguilar 3-4 iz, Madrid 28015.  Popular climbs include Mulhacen, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsular, Sierra Magina in Jaen Province and Sierra Filambres in Almeria Province.

For Fishing
There are many fishing reserves in the Sierra Nevada National Park but an angling licence is required.  This can be obtained from an office of the "Delegación Agencia Medio Ambiente", which can be found in each of the provincial capital cities or alternatively from branches of the “Caja Mar” bank.   El Rio Frio between Malaga and Granada is famed for its trout fishing.

For Golf
Spain’s climate makes this a popular pastime year round and there are many golf clubs throughout Andalucia, including the following:  Club de Golf, La Garza, Linares, Granada;  Desert Springs Golf Club, Cuevas del Almonzara, Almeria;  Club Marina Golf Mojacar, Mojacar, Almeria.

Watch out for wildlife

The Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras are home to various birds including golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, peregrine falcons, griffon vultures and kestrels. On the higher slopes are redstarts, wheateaters, rock thrushes, rock buntings and skylarks. In the wooded areas are hoopoes, treecreepers, green woodpeckers, goldfinches and golden orioles.
The Spanish ibex is common - a type of mountain goat with distinctive curling horns. Lower down the slopes are wild cats, wild boars, foxes and badgers

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