The Mediterranean climate in Las Alpujarras is the perfect complement to this stunning lakes and mountains holiday with easy access to Andalucia’s beaches. Las Alpujarras is a beautiful mountain region of Andalucia that boasts one of Europe’s best climates. Sunshine levels are high in Las Alpujarras and this area receives an average 320 sunny days per year. Temperatures during the peak summer months can head well over 30C and even the winter months will be warm and pleasant at 14C during December.  Rainfall in Las Alpujarras is minimal and tends to appear infrequently during the late autumn, winter and early spring months.

 

Summers in Las Alpujarras are long, hot and dry with average maximum temperatures of 33C during the peak months of June, July and August. Temperatures during the peak months can rise into the mid-thirties although cool breezes will drift in across the mountains to bring relief from the heat. The Sierra Nevada National Park will be the place for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in 12 hours of daily summer sunshine. There is very little difference between the air and sea temperatures and swimming and boating in Las Alpujarra’s lakes is an excellent way to spend a hot sunny day.

 

Las Alpujarras Weather – Beautiful spring and autumn months
The spring and autumn weather in Las Alpujarras will be ideal for holidaymakers who enjoy sports activities and sightseeing. The temperature during April and October will hover around 23C but this can be exceeded and sightseeing cities such as Granada will be a comfortable pleasure. Winters in Las Alpujarras are mild and pleasant with elevated short-lived rainfall levels. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada do become snow covered and downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding are available at ski resorts such as Estacion de Esqui.

In the north-west of Croatia, close to the borders of Slovenia and Italy, lies the beautiful Istrian peninsula. A land of beautiful beaches, of a vibrant and mixed culture set against the beautiful backdrop of the Ucka Mountains, Istria is sure to delight on your next lakes and mountains holiday. Truly the centre of Europe, Istria has passed from the hands of Austria to Italy to Yugoslavia and finally to Croatia all in the past century. Istria can be reached through the local airport at Pula, or for more options there are also the airports at Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

 

The beauty of the Istrian peninsula is truly difficult to compare. With Mediterranean beaches, medieval towns and a lush green interior of high mountain peaks and rolling valleys, the only thing one might be pushed to find on cheap holidays in Istria is time to see everything you want. Istria can be divided into three regions for you to explore; Western, Eastern and Central Istria, each with its own unique treasures waiting to be discovered. The wooded interior of Central Istria is dotted with towns steeped in local history and culture. The quality of the natural surroundings are exceptional and a true rarity among most Mediterranean destinations.

 

Eastern Istria is known as the land where the mountains meet the sea, and is a haven for artists. The pretty towns of Labin and Rabac and their beaches in the north compete for attention with the history of the Pula and Medulin regions. There, early Catholic churches sit alongside Roman temples and Austrian villas in this mammoth of historical significance. From here we move to the western region of Istia, home to the more bustling tourist town of Porec, full of bars and clubs. If it’s time to let your hair down, this is the place for you. With so much variety on offer, the Istrian peninsula awaits you on your next lakes and mountains holiday in Croatia.

Las Alpujarras provides easy access to the Sierra Nevada National Park. This stunning natural beauty spot is ideal for walking, hiking, mountain-biking, bird watching and horseback riding. The rivers and lakes are popular spots for canoeing, swimming, rafting and fishing. Paragliding and canyoning are also available for holidaymakers who enjoy extreme sports.

 

There are four golf courses within a mere 30 minute drive from Las Alpujarras. The Santa Clara and Medina Elvira are both 18-hole championship golf courses with lake features and superb mountain views. The 18-hole Los Moriscos golf course is located near the town of Motril and a round of golf can be combined with a trip to Motril’s golden beaches.

 

Water sports in Las Alpujarras can be enjoyed on the rivers and lakes of the national parks or at the beach resorts along the Costa Tropical. Windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, sailing and jet-skiing are just a few of the water sports available in sun-drenched Las Alpujarras.

 

Skiing and snowboarding in Las Alpujarras are available thanks to the close proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are world famous for their excellent skiing conditions, and cross country and downhill skiing are available on the 61Km of ski slopes. It is possible to go skiing in the morning and enjoy sunbathing on the beach later in the same day.

 

Sightseeing in Las Alpujarras can include a day trip to the city of Granada to view the Moorish fortress, beautiful gardens and the Nazari palaces. Holidaymakers can explore the Buddhist retreats high in the mountains and enjoy some traditional Arab baths in Granada. Jeep tours of the Sierra Nevada National Park are a must as well as visiting the stunning beaches only a 30 minute drive from Las Alpujarras.

The province of Granada is located in southern Spain in sun-drenched Andalucia. Granada is an all year round holiday destination thanks to a climate that boasts long hot summers and short mild winters. Sunshine is guaranteed for much of the year, which is ideal for holidaymakers visiting the capital city or Granada’s spectacular lakes and mountains. Summer temperatures during June, July and August will head over the 30C mark but unlike the coastal areas the interior Granada region tends to have moderate humidity levels. Rainfall in Granada is minimal throughout the year with the winter months from November through January seeing the highest rainfall levels.

Spring and summer in Granada are considered excellent seasons to visit for holidaymakers looking for an abundance of sunshine. Temperatures will head over 20 during late April and the spring is a particularly warm and beautiful season in which to take a holiday in Granada. The city of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains; ideal for holidaymakers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.  Summer temperatures do soar over 30C, and trips to Costa del Sol beach resorts such as Los Llanos and Motril will provide plenty of water sports and swimming in the 25C warm sea waters.

 

Autumn is another beautiful season in Granada with the changing seasonal colours, seven hours of daily sunshine and temperatures of around 20C. The mild weather is perfect for holidaymakers who enjoy fishing, sailing and rafting on Granada’s many lakes and rivers. Winter holidays in Granada will still be warm at around 11C but the Sierra Nevada mountain range does become snow covered for almost five months. Resorts in Granada such as Pradollano offer easy access to the Sierra Nevada’s 45 pistes and 60Km of ski slopes.

Winter sports in Granada can include skiing and snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located a mere 32Km from the centre of Granada, this world famous skiing location boasts 61Km of ski slopes over 45 pistes. The ski season in Granada stretches from early December to early May. At 3,482 metres, Mulhacen is the highest summit and there are ski slopes to suit all experience levels.

 

National Parks

The Sierra Nevada National Park is one of Granada’s most stunning natural beauty spots and is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. This diverse location includes waterfalls, rivers, glacial lakes, gorges and snowy peaks stretching up more than 3000 metres. The park is also a popular location for paragliding, fishing, canoeing and rafting.

 

Golf

Golf in Granada is a popular sport thanks to the warm climate and stunning scenery. There are three golf courses within easy access of the city of Granada including the 18-hole courses at the Club de Golf Granada and the Medina Elvira Golf. These landscaped courses include a variety of lakes, pine trees and mountain views.

 

Beaches

Holidaymakers are never far from beautiful golden sand beaches in Granada. Granada’s tropical coast offers 100 kilometres of beaches including Malaga, Los Llanos and Motril. Swimming, snorkelling, boating, windsurfing and diving are all available at these and many more beaches in Granada.

 

Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Granada can include the vibrant and historic city of Granada known for its beautiful cathedral’s, churches, city gardens, and more recently it’s vibrant nightlife. Holidaymakers can visit the Zaidin district on Saturdays to enjoy the huge outdoor market, and the Sacromonte district, known as the flamenco song and dance area.

 

Excursions

Don’t miss a chance to visit Granada’s high plateau in the north with its amazing cave dwellings set within a spectacular mountain setting known as the Altiplano de Granada.

Andalusia in Southern Spain boasts a warm to hot climate all year round, which is perfect for lakes and mountains holidays, and beach holidays. Andalusia is the second largest area in Spain with a coastline that includes the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In general, the weather in Andalusia will be ideal for holidaymakers looking for guaranteed sunshine. Temperatures during the long hot summer months can reach as high as 36C while even the winter months will average 13C. There are variations in the weather depending on the region but on the whole Andalusia boasts one of Europe’s best climates.

 

Summers in Andalusia are hot, and in inland areas such as Seville and Cordoba it is not uncommon for peak summer temperatures to head over 40C. Coastal areas such as Cadiz and Almeria will be slightly cooler but temperatures will still hit 30C during the summer months. Temperatures will head over 20C during late March and will not usually dip below this level until November. Humidity levels in Andalusia can be very high during the peak summer months although coastal areas will find cool breezes to bring relief from the heat.

Spring and autumn are considered two of the best seasons to holiday in Andalusia. The mountain ranges of eastern Andalusia are stunning during both of these seasons and the mild weather is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing. Rainfall in Andalusia is minimal for most of the year although the winter season will bring around 3.5 inches of rain per month. Andalusia’s coastline is suitable for year round beach holidays, and even the winter months will be warm enough to take advantage of sports activities around the inland lakes and mountains.

Andalusia contains two beautiful National Parks; the Sierra Nevada and the Donana National Park. These parks contain diverse landscapes including glacial lakes, rivers, wetlands, deserts and majestic mountains and valleys. Hiking, walking, mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing and jeep tours are just a few of the ways to view these magnificent beauty spots.

 

Andalusia does contain the best skiing conditions in southern Europe. The Sierra Nevada mountain range attracts thousands of skiers and snowboarders every year from December to early May. Pradollano is one of the major ski resorts in Andalusia boasting excellent ski facilities and plays host to international skiing events.

 

As you would expect from a region with a sunny climate and stunning beaches there are plenty of water sports in Andalucia. The national park’s lakes and rivers are ideal for boating, rafting, fishing and canyoning. The beaches at Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol are the place for snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and jet-skiing.

 

Andalucia is a diverse province containing many exciting towns and cities. From vibrant flamenco dancing venues and Moorish palaces of Granada go to the world famous annual carnival at Cadiz and the incredibly romantic city of Seville. The number of sightseeing attractions is as diverse as this amazing region of Spain.

 

Holidaymakers are never far from a golf course in Andalusia. Golf is one of the most popular sports in thanks to the abundance of annual sunshine and the spectacular scenery. The championship courses at Granada and Almeria feature settings that holidaymakers will find hard to resist every single day on an Andalusian holiday.

 

Andalusian wine is world famous and wine tasting tours can include the provinces of Malaga, Huelva and Jerez. Guided tours can be taken of these famous provinces and the many smaller wine districts in Andalusia.

Set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is truly the jewel in the crown of Andalusia and a perfect starting point for mountain holidays. Granada is served by Federico Garcia Lorca airport, which is a mere 15km from the city and has good rail and road links to the rest of Andalusia. One cannot mention Granada without speaking about the Alhambra palace. This elegant Moorish palace is one of Spain’s and Granada’s most important cultural attractions, and a visit to Granada would not be complete without seeing it. Built in the 14^th century for the last Muslim emir, the architecture is a prime example of intricate arabesque design and together with the gardens and water features make this a truly breath-taking place to visit.

 

Surrounding the Alhambra is the old Moorish medina; a series of spellbinding climbing streets and alleys called the Albaicin. These streets lead to the plaza de San Nicolas, which gives unparalleled views of the Alhambra and in the background the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The plaza is always full of locals and tourists alike taking in the ambience that gives Granada its truly romantic reputation. With a visit in the later stages of the afternoon you may be lucky enough to enjoy an impromptu flamenco concert by one of Granada’s many local performers who make the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains their stage.

 

Granada has a wide variety of restaurants and bars dotted around the centre, serving a wide variety of Andalusian, Iberian and European cuisine. A multitude of activities for the cultural tourist include the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria de la encarnacion, located in the centre of the city, and the Museo parque de las Ciencias. When tiring of Granada’s endless cultural attractions, a short bus ride away is the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where during the winter months the traveller seeking an activity holiday can ski or snow board, or during the summer months hike, cycle and bird watch. All this contributes to Granada’s fantastic reputation and makes it a destination that you cannot afford to miss when choosing your next mountain holiday.

The charming town of Salò is situated in a thin bay just below Monte San Bartolomeo. Ideal for lakes holidays, Salò is right on the banks of Lake Garda. The violin was invented here by Gasparo da Salò. Also the town was where Italy's Fascist, Republic de Salò, government was seated from 1943. It is a small town with a population of around 10,000 with much fascinating architecture and beautiful scenery.

 

Regarded as one of the town's finest monuments is the Cathedral (the Duomo). It was built in the late Gothic style in 1943. It was a project of Filippo delle Vacche da Caravaggio, an architect, now dead, who lived in the town between 1452 and 1484. Though incomplete, it has a spectacular renaissance façade of saints and angels.            

 

Situated opposite the stately City Hall, the Piazza della Vittoria is found in middle of the town. As its centrepiece you can find a monument to the war which was made by Angelo Zanelli. If you are going on holidays in Italy then this town has some fine scenery and history, right next to one of the most famous lakes in Italy.

 

Built in the 1400s this lovely palace was the seat to the Magnifica Patria di Salò, The government of the Comunitò di Riviera. It housed the Interpreters office between 1943 and 1945 and now is the the Town Hall. There is a beautiful colonnade on the ground floor with various depictions of great Italian characters and on one side Venice's Lion is to be seen. 

 

Stretching over 1.5km, Salò has a magnificent promenade beside Lake Garda. It is the perfect spot to take a stroll and enjoy the view of the town from the lake. Here you can find some super bars and restaurants and even organise boat trips from Società Cannottieri Garda.

 

Heading towards Gargnano, north from Salò about 5km, in the tiny town Gardone Riviera, you will find Vittiriale degli Italian. This was the final house of Gabriele D'Annunzio, the politician, poet and general. He rebuilt it between 1921-1938. Here you can visit the poets house, the parks, the gardens, the library, the theatre and the war museum.

The autonomous community of Andalusia lies in the far south of Spain and is a perfect destination for your next lakes and mountains holiday. Andalusia is of course more famous for the beaches of the Costa del Sol, however if one ventures a little further north from the beaten track you will discover a land of culture, of tradition and of tranquillity that most never knew existed. The airports best situated for lakes and mountains holidays are those of Malaga for the province’s Lake District, and Federico Garcia Lorca airport in Granada for the Sierra Nevada region. 

A perfect place for your next lakes and mountains holiday, Spain’s Lake District is relatively unknown in terms of tourism. Three man-made turquoise lakes are yours to be discovered, bordered by sleepy Spanish towns steeped in history. Although the area feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol, in fact it is a mere one hour drive from Malaga airport, perfect for that romantic weekend getaway. Accommodation in the area varies from tranquil rural retreats to hotels and camping, meaning there is something for every budget and taste.

 

The stunning Moorish city of Granada is the gateway Sierra Nevada mountain range. A must-see area during your Andalusian mountain holiday, this is truly an area of outstanding natural beauty. Designated a national park, the area stretches from the provinces of Granada to Almeria and contains continental Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen. During the winter, the Sierra Nevada is home to the regions winter sports and the resorts support ski runs for every level of participant. Within the Sierra Nevada is a region known as the Alpujarras. This beautiful region consists of white-washed villages, sheltered valleys and green terraced fields. During the summer the area is perfect for hiking and mountain biking, or for simply discovering the culture of these high mountain villages which were the last refuges of Moorish Spain before the Reconquista of the Catholic kings. Take the time to discover the other side of Andalusia and you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised on your next cheap holiday to Spain.

The Alpujarras region is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in southern Spain. An area of lush green valleys, terraced fields of lemons and almonds and steep ridges and mountains, the Alpujarras is perfect for your next mountain holiday. The region stretches from the province of Granada in the west to Almeria in the east, and is home to continental Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen. The closest airport to the Alpujarras is Federico Garcia Lorca in Granada, a mere 45 minute drive from the spa town of Lanjaron.

 

The Alpujarras are famous as the last refuge of the Moors after the re-conquest of Granada by the Catholic king. Their legacy remains in the architecture of the villages and houses more reminiscent of the Rif or Atlas mountains in Morocco. There are around fifty villages to visit around the Alpujarras and some of the more notable include Trevelez, which is officially the highest town in Spain and the home of the famous cured Trevelez ham. The stunning village of Bubion has some of the best views the Alpujarras have to offer with Mulhacen on one side and the Mediterranean to the other. On a clear day you may be lucky enough to enjoy a clear vista of the Rif Mountains particularly on a cool crisp autumn evening. The village of Orgiva is the centre of the western Alpujarras and has become rather a haven for those seeking an alternative lifestyle. Hippies and local farmers live side by side in an eclectic mix of lifestyles. With so much to discover in the Alpujarras you will never be short of something to do during your next mountain holiday.

 

For the thrill seeker in you, the area is home to some exceptional trails for mountain biking and trekking, with a number of companies offering various guided tours of the area. Bird and animal watching are also very popular with the area home to a number of exciting species. During the winter, of course, the area becomes the home of skiing and snowboarding so whatever time of year you choose to visit on your next mountain holiday there will always be something to keep you busy in the Alpujarras.

Lakes & Mountains
Plenty to do in Pescasseroli, with something for everyone, here is the list of the top five recommended things to do whilst visiting the area, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty and areas of special interest. Whether you have come on a lake holiday to see the great Italian lakes or mountain holidays to see some of the finest mountains in Italy this area has it all.

In one afternoon you can easily make the journey to this castle. Just follow the green nature trail pointers as you head from the town into the wonderful local nature. This is a well-used route so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the beautiful castle ruins that offer the most stunning views of the town below.

 

Carmel Church
You'll need a map to find this very old church as it is hidden away in the old town, this you can find at the start of the road of the Churches. It is in the Baroque style, founded in 1729 it contains a Carmel virgin; a sculpture that is taken on parades through the town on the 15th of July and 16th of July which are festival days.

Town Museum & Zoo
Pescasseroli is the national park’s headquarters and because of this it has a small zoo and animal sanctuary and a small museum with animal species including the Brown Bear.

The Old Town
Near Spira Place is the old town, a maze of thin old cobbled streets, old houses made from the beautiful local stones and winding alleyways filled with interest, such as the beautiful architecture of the house in Valle del Fiume, where the two outside stairs have over them two arches supported by one column. 

Piazza Antonio
Piazza S Antonio is to be found in the centre of the main town of Pescasseroli, just by the town hall. If you want to see where the locals like to kick back and relax then this is the place to come. There is a fountain where locals like to gather and also cafés where you can try the local gastronomy.

Lakes & Mountains
The Apennine Mountains provide home and sanctuary to many species of fascinating fauna and flora, as well as providing stunning backdrops of lakes and mountains, attracting many visitors to the area. Indeed, large swathes of the area have been now awarded natural park status.  The Alpine mountains have lots to offer with beautiful scenery.

 

The biggest park in the area, the Parco Natutrale dei Monti Sibillini stretches west towards Umbria and indeed reaches into it. These mountain peaks got their names from a myth about one of the Sybils being chased from the underworld after hiding in a cave called the Cave of the furies on mount Sibilla, the Grotta delle Fate. Here you can really enjoy the clean fresh air and relax on beautiful mountains holidays, some of the best holidays in Italy.

In the middle of the park, with towering rock faces and in its eastern edge full of crags with scary names like Inferna's Gorge or Diav's Beard, they provide scenery and adventure every bit as entertaining as that provided by the dolomites. 

The most different and some may say strangest feature in the region is the Piano Grande. It is a huge expanse to the west of plains devoid of trees, largely featureless. However, it is transformed into a blanket of flowers, all wild and natural, between May and June. Species include rare alpine exotic flowers and wild Tulips. 

In Genga are a number of towering gorges made of limestone. These give habitat in the rocks to a number of Golden Eagles, Eagle Owls and Peregrine Falcons. In the centre of the area are the Frasassi Caves, they are some of the most fascinating and are the longest caves in Italy. Indeed an Italian cathedral would comfortably fit in the huge central chamber.

 

The Monte Sibillini Park has, to its north, a WWF classified reserve with about 800 acres of land. At its centre is the Val di Tazza, a thin gorge surrounded by Monte Fema and Monte Torricchio's tree lined slopes. The locality is very rich in flora; and fauna include red squirrels, badgers, occasional wolves and wildcats.

Lakes & Mountains
Merano is a destination that has for some time held its popularity with tourists. Known as “where north meets south” or “the Mediterranean city in the Alps". In the summer months visitors to its wonderful promenade can enjoy concerts on most days. In the surrounding hills and through the town's beautiful streets one can enjoy fine walking and hiking, and in the winter months fantastic skiing including the “Meran 2000”. Merano is a well-known wine making area and the town also houses a brewery that makes a variety of beers available through most of northern Italy. 

The Castle is a natural amphitheatre housing more than 80 botanical environments with species of plants from all over the world. The castle too is formidable and has in the past been nominated for the European Museum Awards, with previous exhibitions including “Perfumes divine and the smell from hell!”.

There are indoor and outdoor pools available at the wonderful Merano Thermal Baths, with both chlorine and salt waters, an outdoor and truly stunning environment. There is also a unisex, nude sauna area. The centre is a great place for the whole family and recommended highly.

 

Running through Merano, with a beautiful promenade next to it is the Passirio/Passer River and in the centre there are all sorts of parks, promenades and gardens. The place is so beautiful and charming, and is looked after very well. There are many trees and flowers and this adds to the city a great deal of colour and charm.

 

Whether you are on a luxury break or a cheap holiday you are sure to enjoy the beautiful Promenades on a holiday in Merano. If you go over the Passirio/Passer River via the Postbrucke, one is able to see to the left the Summerpromenade and to the right the Winterpromenade. The Summerpromenade is in the centre of evergreen flora, enormous trees, bushes, many different species of flowers and pines. It was made in memory of Marie Valerie, daughter of Empress Elizabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph. The Winterpromenade has a roof so visitors can relax and enjoy its typically South-Tyrol artwork whatever the weather. It was constructed in 1624.

Lakes & Mountains
If you like lakes and mountains holidays then you will love South Tyrol, with a wide variety of activities and attractions on offer, some of the best Italian holidays. From theme parks to real castles, ski schools to X-treme adventure sports, South Tyrol holidays are a great way to unwind from your everyday life. 

 

Located near Bolzano, the Messner Mountain Museum (MMM) is regarded by many as the top attraction if you are on holiday in South Tyrol. It is a unique and bizarre museum situated in Schloss Sigmundskron. There are pictures, paintings, artefacts and sculptures regarding the impact that mountains have made to many people’s lives. Also there are many exhibitions about the history and art of climbing mountains.

The Salten is a beautifully easy Hiking area with a number of routes through plains and meadows. If you have come for mountains holidays or want to take a relaxed look at some of the most beautiful   mountains in Italy then it makes and ideal place to do so. Found extending from San Genesio to Verano, about 1000 Mt and 10km from Bozen on a high Plateau. It passes through Meltina dall'altopiano giving panoramic views of the picturesque mountains that surround the South Tyrol region including the Latemar, Schlern and Catinaccio Dolomite groups.

 

South Tyrol has some of the best ski holidays in Italy. Scola de Schi Dolomites found both in la Villa and Armentarola is widely regarded as the best ski school in the area, a place where the staff are truly passionate about the sport, and offer tailor-made skiing excursions including snowboarding, skiing, night skiing, guided excursions and even helicopter skiing.

 

If you enjoy the thrill of an adrenaline rush then look no further than Adrenalin X-treme Adventures situated in San Vigilio di Marebbe. Here you can take a thrilling Zip-line flight with the most stunning of backdrops. Whizzing through the air along a 3km route with a drop of up to 400 metres this is a truly unforgettable experience that will have your heart racing!