History buff? Party animal? Foodie? No matter where your interests lie, a visit to Granada will be right up your street. From a history that dates back over two millennia to a bustling clubbing scene, this eclectic city never fails to delight and surprise thousands of tourists at every time of year. But while the homey tapas bars, architectural wonders and clubs adorned with colourful graffiti may be enough to keep you enthralled for the entirety of your stay, it would be a shame to miss out on the natural gems that are only a stone’s throw away from the city. On the airport transfer from Alicante to Granada, nature lovers will be able to prepare a list of all the best places to venture off the beaten path and into the wild. Get started with these four attractions, whose beauty is sure to stop you in your tracks.
1. Sierra de la Pila Regional Park
Sit back and relax, but don’t zone out when you begin your journey from Alicante to Granada. A few minutes into the ride, you’ll pass the Sierra de la Pila Regional Park, whose imposing pine and oak trees are well worth a return visit. Situated in Murcia, this verdant landscape is known for its variety of flora and fauna, ranging from strawberry shrubs to beech martens. But while the park is home to plants and animals from A to Z, it’s most famous for its bird population, which includes golden eagles, owls, hawks and more.
When you go back for a proper visit why not bring your binoculars and experience these majestic creatures in their natural habitat? The best way to uncover the park’s rich diversity is to strap on your hiking boots and take on the 50 kilometres of steep but breathtakingly beautiful trails throughout the area. Hello, fitness training!
Recommended Visit Time: Full-Day Visit
2. Sierra Espuña
Next up on our list: Sierra Espuña, a regional park whose gorgeous scenery will completely transform your definition of natural beauty. You’ll pass the entrance to this park at around the halfway mark of your transfer from Alicante to Granada. This pine forest is deeply engrained in local history and culture, and is surrounded by several towns (including Aledo, Totana and Alhamba de Murcia) that are ideal for discovering the area’s Christian and Moorish influences from ages gone by. While strolling through the surrounding towns will allow you to get an authentic sense of the region’s past and present, you can best soak up the scenery by hiking, climbing and paragliding through the woodlands.The park extends across 25,000 hectares and encompasses 20 mountains – if you’re brave (and fit) enough, you could challenge yourself to reach one of their summits, where you’ll be rewarded by stunning vistas from an altitude of over 1,000 metres. Never set off without a qualified guide, though!
Recommended Visit Time: Full-Day Visit. If you’d like to explore the surrounding towns or start hiking bright and early, you may even want to consider an overnight trip.
3. Sierra María-Los Vélez
Believe it or not, there’s another nature park along the route from Alicante to Granada – and that’s not even the last one! The Sierra María-Los Vélez, which is about an hour north-east of Granada, features a landscape that’s best described as dramatic: from rugged mountains to arid meadows to verdant woodlands, the park has an impressive range of scenery up its sleeve – not to mention plant- and wildlife. Much like the Sierra de la Pila, the area is a playground for more than 100 types of birds, and also boasts a stunning assortment of butterflies and tortoises. Grab your camera and discover the park’s beauty for yourself on a picturesque hike. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even spend the night camping in the vicinity.
Recommended Visit Time: Full-Day Visit. To find out more about the park, the visitors’ centres and the accommodation options, click here.
4. Sierra de Huétor Natural Park
The last – and most conveniently located – natural trove on our list is the Sierra de Huétor, which is only a 25-minute drive north-east of Granada. The park is popular among locals and tourists alike, who often escape the city for a leisurely weekend stroll. Get your first glimpse of this lush landscape on your transfer from Alicante to Granada, which is certain to trigger your curiosity and inspire you to return for a visit. In addition to boasting plants that are native to Spain, such as firs and barberry shrubs, Sierra de Huétor is a botanic paradise, featuring more than 800 different flowers. While you make your way through the area via the straightforward walking trails, also keep your eyes peeled for raptors, eagles, lizards, foxes and even the occasional snake.
Recommended Visit Time: Full-Day Visit. From picnicking to camping, find out how to make the most of your time in the Sierra de Huétor here.
From Alicante to Granada
And there you have it, nature lovers: from hearing the wind rustling through pine trees to spotting rare flora and fauna, the area between Alicante and Granada is laden with scenic sensations. Why not discover some – or all – of these untouched areas by walking, trekking or paragliding through them?
About Shuttle Direct
Travelling from Alicante to Granada? Or anywhere else in Europe or North Africa? We’ve got good news for you: Shuttle Direct is here to take the stress out of airport transfers. From picking you up at the terminal to dropping you off at the doorstep of your accommodation, this reliable, speedy and cost-effective service is exactly what you need to start your holiday on the right foot… even before you hit the hiking trails!
NB. This route guide has been compiled as an aid to visiting the region. Your airport transfer service from Alicante to Granada does not include stops to these destinations.
