One of the first things that surprises our Northern European clients about the Costa del Sol isn't the golf courses or the beaches. It's the skiing.

Yes, skiing.

Sierra Nevada sits about 2 hours east of Marbella. It's Europe's southernmost ski resort and the highest in Spain. And because the Costa del Sol stays mild year-round, you can do something that sounds impossible: ski in the morning and swim in your pool by late afternoon.

We did exactly as a team trip. It's become something of a tradition. And every time, it reminds us why so many of our clients end up falling for this part of Spain.

The Numbers

Sierra Nevada isn't a small regional hill. It's a proper resort.

• Elevation: 2,100m base, 3,300m summit
• Vertical drop: 1,200m
• Slopes: 131 runs across 100km
• Lifts: 21, including 2 gondolas and 14 chairlifts
• Season: Late November through early May

The resort gets over 300 days of sunshine per year. You're often skiing in a t-shirt by midday. And because of the altitude, the snow stays reliable—artificial snow machines fill any gaps.

For comparison: this is a bigger ski area than many resorts in the Alps.

2 Hours From Your Door

From Marbella, the drive to Sierra Nevada is about 2 hours and 15 minutes via the A-7 and A-44. The route is straightforward—coastal motorway, then inland towards Granada.

Some specifics:

• Distance: Around 215km
• Route: A-7 east along the coast, then A-44 north through Granada
• Toll option: AP-7 and AP-47 save about 15 minutes for roughly €11
• Road conditions: Well-maintained. Snow chains required above Pradollano in heavy snow, but the main road is usually clear.

Leave Marbella at 7am, you're on the slopes by 9:30am. Ski until 2 or 3pm, drive home, and you're back in time for a late swim.

What the Day Actually Looks Like

Here's how we did it:

6:45am – Leave Marbella. Coffee in the car.

9:00am – Arrive at Pradollano (the main resort village). Park in one of the large car parks. Weekend rates are around €15-20 for the day.

9:30am – First lift. The Borreguiles gondola takes you up to the main ski area.

9:30am – 2:30pm – Ski. The resort has terrain for everyone. Beginners stick to the wide blues around Borreguiles. Intermediates have dozens of reds across six different zones. Advanced skiers head for the blacks off Veleta or the steep runs in Laguna de las Yeguas.

2:30pm – Lunch on the mountain or pack up and head down. The resort has the usual mix of mountain restaurants—nothing special, but decent enough.

3:00pm – Leave. Traffic can build on weekends, so don't wait until 5pm.

5:15pm – Back in Marbella. Temperature: 18°C and sunny.

5:30pm – Pool.

That's not an exceptional day. That's a normal Saturday in winter on the Costa del Sol.

Equipment and Costs

If you don't have your own gear, rentals are available throughout Pradollano.

Typical costs:

• Day lift pass: Around €55-60 for adults
• Equipment rental: €25-40 for skis, boots, poles
• Lessons: Group lessons from €40-50 for 2 hours

You can also rent gear in Marbella before you go. Some clients prefer this—less rushing around when you arrive.

What to bring:

• Ski jacket and trousers (or rent them)
• Sunscreen (the UV at altitude is strong)
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Layers—mornings can be cold, midday gets warm

Don't overpack. The weather is usually pleasant. This isn't Norway.

Make It a Weekend: Granada and the Alhambra

Here's where it gets interesting for visitors.

Sierra Nevada is only 27km from Granada. If you want to extend the trip, Granada is one of Spain's best cities—and most of our clients have it on their list anyway.

The Alhambra

The main attraction. A 14th-century Moorish palace complex that draws nearly 3 million visitors a year. The Nasrid Palaces are the highlight: intricate tilework, carved stucco, courtyards with fountains. The Generalife gardens offer views over the city and the mountains beyond.

Practical note: Book tickets in advance. They sell out, especially for the Nasrid Palaces. The official website releases tickets 3 months ahead.

The City

Granada has more than the Alhambra.

• Albaicín: The old Moorish quarter. Narrow streets, white houses, viewpoints looking up at the Alhambra.
• Tapas culture: Many bars still serve free tapas with drinks. Order a beer, get a small plate. It adds up.
• Street life: Granada has a university and a younger vibe than the coast. Good restaurants, late nights, live music.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive from Marbella, ski Sierra Nevada, stay overnight in Granada
• Day 2: Morning at the Alhambra, afternoon exploring the city
• Day 3: Drive back via the coast, or ski again if you want more

Granada has good hotels at all price points. The Parador de Granada (inside the Alhambra complex) is special if you can get a room.

Why This Matters for Buyers

When our clients think about buying on the Costa del Sol, they're thinking about lifestyle. Golf. Beaches. Restaurants. Weather.

But the lifestyle here is bigger than that.

Within 2-3 hours of Marbella, you have:

• Sierra Nevada: Skiing from November to May
• Granada: History, culture, the Alhambra
• Seville: An hour and a half west
• Ronda: An hour north—mountain towns, dramatic views
• Gibraltar: 45 minutes south
• Morocco: 90-minute ferry from Tarifa

You're not buying a beach house. You're buying a base for exploring southern Spain and beyond.

That's what makes the Costa del Sol different from other sunny coastal destinations. The depth. The variety. The fact that you can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon isn't a gimmick—it's a genuine reflection of what life here offers.

Practical Tips

Best time to go:

• January – March: Best snow, good weather
• Weekdays: Less crowded, easier parking
• Early morning: Beat the traffic, get first tracks

What to avoid:

• Spanish school holidays: Crowds spike
• Late afternoon departures: Traffic on the A-44 heading back to Granada can be slow

If you're not a skier:

Sierra Nevada also offers:

• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Sledging areas for kids
• Mountain restaurants with views (you don't need to ski to take the gondola up)

And Granada works as a standalone trip any time of year.

Want to See It for Yourself?

If you're visiting the Costa del Sol to look at properties, consider adding a day or two for Sierra Nevada and Granada. We're happy to help you plan it.

And if you're already a homeowner here and haven't made the trip yet—what are you waiting for?

Contact us if you have questions about the area or want recommendations.