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Monachil is a municipality located in a fertile valley within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which looks out over the the lowlands of Granada. Monachil is situated just 8kms outside of Granada capital and a number of important locations including the summit of Valeta and the Pradollano (formerly Solynieve) Sierra Nevada Ski Resort in Pradollano are located within the municipal district.
The municipal district of Monachil is actually made up of three urban areas: the town of Monachil, the district of Monachil and Pradollano, where you can find the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort.
The natural environment of Monachil
Monachil has a wide variety of interesting natural enclaves and scenic views on offer, mainly because the majority of the municipal district forms part of The Sierra Nevada National Park.
Water is prominent feature of the Monachil countryside, owing mainly to the striking beauty of the Monachil river that flows from the summit of Veleta across the entire town, forming a series of springs, deep pools, waterfalls and breath-taking bends along the way.
Close to where the river forms (Near the Ski Resort) the Fuente del Mirlo spring can be found; A place of outstanding natural beauty where the river water is stored in a series of transparent water reservoirs containing shoals of trout.
However it is worth pointing out that one of the most spectacular sights in the Sierra Nevada is the Los Cahorros ravine, situated just 2 km outside of the town of Monachil, where its steep gorges, stone tunnels, waterfall and suspension bridge (more than 55 metres long) delight and astound all visitors.
Monachil also offers an interesting variety of routes and hiking trails spread throughout the municipal district, as well as a number of rest stops such as the Los Llanos de Satajarda Leisure and Picnic Area in the Sierra Nevada National Park, where there are also countless stone barbecues sights to be found amongst the magnificent pine trees.
Reaching the summits of El Veleta and El Mulhacén is a possibility for mountaineering aficionados. However, it is advisable to make the trip in September. If you wish to start your ascent to the summits in the smoothest and most informed way possible you can make use of the shuttle buses at the local lodges and accomodation. Throughout the shuttle journey your guides will point out the main points of interest and the various flora and fauna in each location. They will drop you off at the base of Veleta.
If you are a more serious "thrill seeker" we recommend that you start your trip from Pradollano so you can climb both La Veleta and La Mulhacen in the same day.
A brief history of Monachil
The original settlement of Monachil dates back to the Argar Culture in the Bronze Age; a period that lasted from 1,900 to 900 BC. Links with the settlement's Argaric past have been established because of evidence found at a number of archeological sites, the most important of which is the Cerro de la Encina (Holm Oak Hill) where an important settlement once existed, consisting of a village and small fort. In 1501, during the transitional period leading to the introduction of Mudejar law in Granada, a parish church La Iglesia de la Encarnación (Church of the Incarnation) was erected there in the Plaza Alta de Monachil.
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Beaches and coasts in the region of Andalusia, south of Spain - from west to east
Costa de la Luz (Cadiz) - Costa del SOL (Malaga) - Costa Tropical (Granada) - Costa de Almeria
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