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Hike in the Sierra Nevadas with your birding book or plant guide.
If your kids are experienced hikers, try climbing the tallest peaks in
Spain: Mulhacén and and Veleta, just short of 12,000 feet. (Of course,
the less athletically inclined can always four-wheel it.) Start the trek
at the Bubion river, going through the Poquiera Ravine into the mountains
where you'll find natural rock pools filled with crystal clear water from
snow melt, just the thing for cooling tired feet. The higher you go, the
better your view: all the way to the Mediterranean. |
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Rent a farmhouse for a week or even a month if you
really want to take advantage of the horseback riding and hiking possibilities
here – this is one of the most economical places to do it in Europe. |
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Go downhill or cross-country skiing – It’s a lot less expensive in Spain than in places more famous for their
skiing and you’re likely to be skiing in sunshine, since the Sierra Nevadas
are the southernmost skiing area in Europe (winter and spring skiing). With
60 kilometers of trails, there’s something for every type of skier and snow
machines make sure that Spanish sun doesn’t melt it all away. (Lessons for
kids or adults.) |
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Take a trip to the coast – On the Mediterranean
sea an hour away you can go fishing, snorkeling, diving, water skiing, boating,
and surfing. Of course, you can also just swim or lie on the beach. |
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Murcia
– The oldest section of the city is a wonderful maze of narrow streets twisting
around the Cathedral, the most famous is the Calle de la Trapería, a pedestrian-only
street. Stop for a snack at Plaza de Santo Domingo. At the 18th century
Iglesia de San Nicolas you can admire the "Terno de San Nicolás",
vestments embroidered in gold thread. Head for the garden-like parks along
the River Sequra. |
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La
Alpujarra – La Alpujarra is
the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, where you’ll find terraced
orchards of citrus fruit, almonds, olives, cherries and grapes. You’ll see
wild mountain goats and boar,
and if you love birding you’ll see everything from eagles to partridges.
The air is amazingly clear here, among the Berber (Arab) white washed villages
of La Atalaya, Bubion, Capileira, Fondales, Mecina, Mecinilla, Portugos,
Pampaneira or Trevelez, the highest town in Spain. This is a great place
for kids to shop for textiles of all kinds in the local craft shops. |
