Imagine layering on your skiwear, swooshing down a red run and making it back in time for... a glass of wine by the beach? Surprisingly, it's the most famous Spanish costa which serves up this twin treat - the Costa del Sol. Here's how to sun yourself and do plenty of skiing in the same day.
Sun's out
The Costa del Sol (Sunshine Coast) is not called that for nothing; it enjoys around 320 days of sunshine a year. And while this Andalucian coastline is more renowned for the sun-kissed likes of Malaga and Marbella, it's also home to the Sierra Nevada mountains which see lots of snow in winter.
Get your skis on
The Sierra Nevada (which translates as 'Snowy Mountain Range') has a long ski season from December to May, and is at its busiest between January and March. 32 kilometres southeast of Granada and 100 kilometres from the coastal town of Nerja, it is Europe's most southerly ski resort - so a slope tan is not out of the question.
While it's not quite comparable with the Alps and Dolomites, the pistes here are challenging enough. Indeed, the resort hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1996 and the European Alpine championships in April 2004.
The Sierra Nevada has some of Europe's highest peaks including the jagged Veleta at 3,398 metres. Its consistent season is due to resort management and the way snow is packed down, which allows for low snowfall.
Ski areas include Borreguiles, Rio Monachil, Genil, Lomar De Dilar, Veleta and Laguna De Las Yeguas which cover over 87 kilometres of pistes, especially suited to beginner/intermediate skiers and boarders. The longest slope is El Aguila at six kilometres. Those in the know can go off-piste or try the World Cup Giant Slalom and Slalom black runs. The Veleta peak and Laguna Valley's red runs are excellent, and offer stunning views across to Morocco. There are also cross-country trails, telemarking and a snowboard park with half-pipe.
Now, get your shades out...
So, where do you stay to enjoy both beach and sun? Some spend a few days in the Sierra Nevada's main resort centre of Pradollano, a lively hub of hotels, restaurants, après-ski bars and clubs before heading to the coast for the rest of the holiday.Another option is Granada, 32 kilometres away. Its setting overlooking the Sierra Nevada is beautiful and its most famous sight, the Moorish palace of the Alhambra, is particularly enjoyable without the summer throngs. Nearby are the lovely ancient villages on the Sierra's southern slopes, with walking opportunities on the gentler slopes of Las Alpurrajas at the Sierra's foothills.
Another popular beach base is Nerja, 100 kilometres from the Sierra Nevada, (about an hour and a half by car) and 50 kilometres from Malaga.
With 13 kilometres of beaches including the Blue Flag Burriana Beach and the coves beneath Maro's cliffs, Nerja is a small market town turned tourist centre, which has retained much of its Spanish authenticity. Excellent paella restaurants line Burriana Beach and a 20-minute walk away is Nerja town, where the Balcon de Europa, a natural palm-lined promenade has stunning views over the rocky coastline. The famous caves of Nerja, discovered by five schoolboys in 1959, are just three kilometres away.
The resort of Nerja is particularly attractive for its interesting microclimate. Enjoying an average annual temperature of 19.3°C, it is protected from the north by the Sierra Nevada and enjoys more sunshine than its neighbours and ultra-mild winters, albeit with cooler evenings.
GB Airways operates British Airways flights to Malaga from London Heathrow and Gatwick. One-way tickets start from £45 including all taxes. For more details visit www.gbairways.com. To see GB Airways's other destinations, click here.
