Veleta (Sierra Nevada)

Pico del Veleta from the north

The Pico del Veleta is with 3396 msnm the second highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada in Spain and the third highest in the Iberian Peninsula.

Access

A special feature is the leading up to the summit highest road in Europe; they will be used as a challenge for cyclists and as a test track by automotive manufacturers. The probability of finding at the pass route Prototypes is quite high. Shortly before the summit a path branches off to the highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada, from the Mulhacen ( 3482 m).

The road to the Pico del Veleta begins in the lower valley near the village Cenes de la Vega. In about 1600 m altitude is the administrative and information center of the Nature and National Parks. Around 900 m higher joins the road from a winter sports center Solynieve. In 2550 m, finally, the road is not passable to motorized traffic by a barrier without a special permit. At this height, then the highest hotel in Spain falls ( 2550 msnm ), souvenir shops and small snack shops are located in a parking lot slightly below.

Cyclists may, however, use the more road layout. In winter, the summit can also be reached by ski lifts, which also start from Solynieve out.

Flora and Fauna

Information about the flora ( eg thistles ) and fauna (such as snakes) are from both the National park as well as in a hut next to the turnpike. Some areas of the mountain are designated as a nature reserve and tourist inaccessible. Particularly impressive are the large herds of the Iberiensteinböcken from about 2900 meters above sea level inhabit the barren shale slopes and be disturbed by hikers and cyclists not.