Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada, mountain range in southeastern Spain, near the Mediterranean coast, the highest division of the Baetic Cordillera. The range itself is a domed mountain elongated for about 26 miles (42 km) from east to west. It is clearly defined by the faulted troughs of the vega (lowland) of Granada to the northwest, the Guadix tableland to the northeast, and the Alpujarras depression to the south. The highest peak of the range is Mulhacén Peak (11,421 feet [3,481 meters]), which is also the highest point of the Iberian Peninsula. Several other summits rise above the snow line of about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and have given significance to the name Sierra Nevada, which means “Snowy Range.” The range of elevations is reflected in a sequence of flora from subtropical to alpine species. The Sierra Nevada is a favorite skiing locale that comprises many resorts.