4WD Safari in Spain: Exploring Sierra Nevada from a Different Perspective

I have an embarrassing confession to share. It took me the best part of my twenty-something years on earth to visit Granada. I had heard all about its beauty and character but had never managed to make it to the Andalusian city. It just never happened. Oh well, fast forward to a few weeks back when that changed.

Le Mr. and I embarked on our epic 8-day southern Spain road trip. We had planned to arrive early on Saturday to Granada, check-in in our hotel, and head straight to La Alhambra in order to try to avoid the afternoon rush. Sunday was reserved for something a bit more unique. Something that promised to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Kindly organised by the Tinggly team for me to try out, we were going on a 4WD Safari in the Spanish Sierra Nevada with Nevada Guides.

View of a white 4wd on a road and a black box with the following text on it "4WD Safari in Sierra Nevada (Spain) with Nevada Guides"

Sunday came, and at 3 PM we were punctually picked up by Jaime, the founder of Nevada Guides and one of the most knowledgable human beings I’ve met in many years, in an old-school Jeep right from outside our hotel. Excitedly and ready for our 4WD Safari in Sierra Nevada, we jumped in and set off to our first stop: El mirador del barrio del Sacromonte.

Panorama of Granada, Spain, from the Mirador del Barrio del Sacromonte.

It was the perfect first point of contact. Not a touristy spot per se, as it is quite hard to reach without a car, but amazing views over the city. After the obligatory photos (and video!!) we made our way down and out of Granada towards the long-awaited mountains. During the next 5 hours of our 4WD Safari adventure through the Spanish Sierra Nevada we hiked to the ruins of civil war republican side trenches, we collected and ate almonds and walnuts from the trees, refreshed ourselves with fresh mountain spring water, and watched the sunset from above 2500 altitude.

Views from the ruins of Spanish Civil War mountain trenches
Almond tree
Sunset from the top of Sierra Nevada, Spain

All of this was beautifully complemented by Jaime’s extensive knowledge of the region, its climate, geography, history, and even the process olives have to go through to go from the tree to our bellies.

A 4WD Safari in Sierra Nevada is a completely different activity to what you’d usually do in Granada. And what better to relax after a day of roaming the mountains than a nice tapas dinner? NOTHING! If you go on this tour, make sure to ask for tips on places to eat afterwards. Absolutely worth it!

All in all, it was an unforgettable, educational, fun day that I’d do again in a heartbeat. And Jaime’s friendliness and “salero” only made it even more unforgettable.

This fresh and originalย 4WD Safari experience inย Sierra Nevada is ideal for couples and singles alike, and especially interesting for people who love a different kind of day out. Whether as a present or privately booked, that is up to you. You can find this and hundreds of other incredible experiences through Tinggly’s catalogue. What are you waiting for to make someone very happy!? What can I say, the fresh air of Sierra Nevada had me over the moon for a few days!

Have you guys done something like this before? How did you find it?!

24 Comments

  • Reply
    Karen Wanderlustingk
    February 12, 2016 at 2:04 am

    Cool idea! I actually did my own shorter version of your roadtrip although I never thought of getting a 4WD for the Sierra Nevadas.

    • Reply
      Henar - Wanderwings.com
      February 12, 2016 at 5:49 pm

      Oh Karen, isn’t it a wondeful trip!? What did you enjoy the most?? Well, as I usually say, if you did it all on the first visit you’d have no reason to go back, or at least not as much ๐Ÿ˜‰

      • Reply
        Wanderlustingk
        February 12, 2016 at 9:32 pm

        I think it’s impossible to see all of a place in one go. It was a great trip. I loved the incredible rolling mountains, the pueblas blancas, and the slow/incredible meals.

        • Reply
          Henar - Wanderwings.com
          February 13, 2016 at 9:10 pm

          Absolutely right! There’s always so much to see…oh the food, can’t get enough of it ^^ glad you had such a great time! What would you recommend for my next stop down there?

  • Reply
    Sarah Kim, Tales From a Fork
    March 2, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    Great idea and photos too. May consider doing this now

  • Reply
    Tania Mukherjee
    March 2, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Never did something like this would definitely try out in future!

  • Reply
    Ankita Sonawane
    March 2, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    This is just perfect timing! I’m planning a trip to Spain in the second half of 2016 and totally going to do this tour. Bookmarked! Thanks for sharing. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply
      Henar - Wanderwings.com
      March 3, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      hehe glad to hear! If you end up going on the tour, let me know how you found it ๐Ÿ™‚ I would love to hear about the different experiences ^^ and if you need any help with the planning I’ll also be happy to help however i can ๐Ÿ˜€

  • Reply
    Travel Pockets
    March 2, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    Never done a Safari Jeep tour before, but would love to do one!

  • Reply
    Probearoundthe Globe
    March 2, 2016 at 11:44 pm

    Sounds like an amazing day! I also love your pictures. Well done.

  • Reply
    CJ Weeks
    March 3, 2016 at 12:22 am

    It just looks absolutely breathtaking!

  • Reply
    Amirah Nash
    March 3, 2016 at 2:26 am

    This seems awesome!! I’ve always wanted to do a road trip, but doing one in Grenada would be even better! Nice photos!

    http://www.mimisw0rld.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    Kate
    March 3, 2016 at 8:11 am

    Iยดve been on a jeep safari in Costa Rica, but never in Europe! ๐Ÿ˜€
    Love to read more from you!
    Best, Kate

    http://www.malindkate.com

    • Reply
      Henar - Wanderwings.com
      March 3, 2016 at 7:50 pm

      How did you like it in Costa Rica!? I can only imagine how stunning it has to be ๐Ÿ˜€

  • Reply
    DrifterHannah
    March 3, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    I admit that after holidaying in Spain most of my younger life, I have never visited either Granada or Cordoba and I too am ashamed. This year I’m getting to Valencia, Murcia and Elx though. Nice post!

    • Reply
      Henar - Wanderwings.com
      March 3, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      That happens sometimes, the more time you spend in a place the less you see of it…you assume you’ll have time later on, but then you don’t and what a shame! Never leave for later what you can do today ๐Ÿ˜€ have a wonderful time! Valencia is great!

  • Reply
    Apartamentos Tres Mil
    April 13, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Nice one! Just so you know, apart from it’s cultural and historical monuments combined with a unique nature, Sierra Nevada offers a fine ski resort for those who like enjoying some sport too. It’s called Monachil and it’s only 12 km far from Granada. Check it out!

    • Reply
      Henar - Wanderwings.com
      May 11, 2016 at 9:09 am

      Thanks for the tip! I’ve heard of the wonderful Ski opportunities in Sierra Nevada, unfortunately haven’t made it there yet! ๐Ÿ˜€

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