Locational information - Pitres
Our site at Pitres near Motril is on the edge of the Sierra Nevada National Park. The mountains
provide an incredible backdrop to the site, whilst the coastline to the foreground offers the best
beaches in Europe.
The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic mountain range, the highest in Europe after the Alps. The protected
area encompasses 86,208ha of torrential rivers, sheer-sided gorges, stony scree slopes, glacial
lakes between snowy summits and, in the foothills of the Alpujarras, cultivated terraces of almond
trees and vegetables. The overall result is nothing short of spectacular, with skiing in the
mountains just an hour from the sun drenched beaches. The Costa Del Sol and southern Spain offer
something for everyone, and all within an hour’s drive in any direction.
There are over 20 peaks more than 3,000m, which makes it the second highest mountain range in Europe
after the Alps. The two highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula are in the park, the Mulhacén at
3,482m, closely followed by the Pico del Veleta, at 3,396m. On a clear day these mountains can be
seen from as far away as Africa. It's essential to bring high-factor sun protection and a hat, to
prevent burning should your interests extend to high altitude sports.
In the west of the park is Solynieve, Europe's southernmost ski resort, where the ski season
generally runs from November to April. Apart from skiers and snowboarders at the resort, the park is
popular with hikers, climbers and birdwatchers.
Apart from tourism, the economic mainstay of the Sierra Nevada is agricultural produce, with cereal
crops, olives, grapes, almonds, walnuts, apples and cherries cultivated here, mainly in the southern
foothills of the Alpujarras.
There are numerous small towns and villages on the higher ground far above Pitres. There are some 30
villages in the park and many more dotted around the edge. There are also numerous small but popular
market towns in the lower foothills adjacent to Motril and the Costa coastline. Pitres is a prime
example of such towns, nestling as it does in the foothills of the Mulhacén peak, which is some
3500m at it’s peak.
The following are some examples of villages and small towns nestling in the mountains above
and around Pitres, Motril.
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