Spain is a country of contrasts and wonders, where each of the municipalities that make it up offers a unique characteristic that attracts both locals and tourists from all over the world. From the narrow stone streets of medieval villages in Castilla La-Mancha to the picturesque green landscapes of the Basque Country, Each region has its own special charmBut have you ever wondered which is the highest town in all of Spain?
We are talking about Pradollanoa small village located in the province of Granada, belonging to the municipality of Monachil. Located at a distance of 1000 m. height of 2,078 meters above sea levelThis town is hidden in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, where we can also find the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula, the Mulhacén. It holds the national record for the highest municipality, far surpassing Valdelinares (Teruel) in second place with 1,695 metres.
Thanks to its altitude, Pradollano is a destination that shines at all times of the year. In winter it is known for being the the only inhabited area of the Sierra Nevada Ski Resortthe southernmost in Europe, attracts visitors from all over the world in search of quality snow. However, this town is just as charming in summer, offering an incomparable rural tourism experience in a cool and pleasant climate.
Images of the Sierra Nevada ski resort.
A town focused on tourism
According to the most recent data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), corresponding to the year 2023, Pradollano has 298 inhabitants. Originally, this hamlet It was born as an almost exclusively sports area dedicated to skiing in the 1960s. This was the reason for the purchase by the Granada City Council in 1964 of some land from the Adoring Nuns, including Pradollano, being the lower part of Sierra Nevada.
Although it has a limited population, the truth is that this natural enclave is mainly focused on tourism. It has about 4,500 places to stay as it can receive up to 14,000 visitors a day during the snow season. However, we can also find private homes with all kinds of services for the enjoyment of their regular inhabitants, such as a public school, daycare or medical services.
In addition to skiing, this high and charming town in the Sierra Nevada also offers incredible landscapes for lovers of hiking and mountain biking, some of the most popular activities in this town in summer. Definitely, Rural tourism in Spain has grown significantly in recent yearsand places like Pradollano are a testament to why this trend continues to increase.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.es
