The Magic of the First Snow in El Sabinar
You wouldn’t expect a snowy landscape in sun-drenched Southern Spain, but the village of El Sabinar in Moratalla is an exception. This is the story of its beautiful, albeit fleeting, encounter with the first snowfall of the season.
Sudden Winter Splendor
While the Murcia coastline is still enjoying mild temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, the high-altitude Spanish village of El Sabinar (municipality of Moratalla) has undergone a sudden and enchanting transformation. Due to the rapid arrival of a powerful cold front from the north, winter has begun almost overnight. On Wednesday morning, the landscape briefly turned white, a rare and magical sight in the usually sun-drenched south.
This surprising temperature contrast is due to its geographical location. While the city of Murcia is at sea level, El Sabinar sits proudly at no less than 1200 meters (about 3,937 feet) in altitude. This considerable height makes the climate in Moratalla significantly harsher and comparable to that of many northern regions in Europe—a fact that surprises many people when they see the photos of the snow.
The Short Fairy Tale of the First Snow
This year’s first snow in El Sabinar began like a beautiful fairy tale. The day started with thick, white flakes that gently drifted down, transforming the rugged landscape into a serene, white blanket. It was a moment of pure joy and a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
Unfortunately, the fun was short-lived. Around 10:00 AM, the falling snowflakes gradually turned into wet snow. By midday, around 12:00 PM, the snow was completely washed away by the rain. Fortunately, the white powder did remain on the highest peaks of the surrounding mountains, keeping the view in the valley spectacular.
The layer on the ground was modest, only two to three centimeters, but more than enough to give the landscape an unrecognizable, mystical glow. This provided the perfect setting for taking some beautiful photos that prove that even Southern Spain can create its own winter wonderland.
Dreaming of a White Christmas in Moratalla
After this first fleeting encounter with winter, hope begins to stir for a real white Christmas in Moratalla. Such a Christmas period would add an extra dimension to the holidays. Many residents, who are often free around Christmas and New Year’s, would then have the opportunity to head out and intensely enjoy the snowy mountains and valleys.
Although the nights in Moratalla can be bitterly cold in winter—with temperatures sometimes dropping to minus 5 or minus 6 degrees Celsius—the region compensates for this with an abundance of sunshine hours. It is this unique microclimate that makes the region so special: the sharp cold of a mountain climate combined with the bright, Spanish sun.
Winter in this part of the Sierra de Moratalla guarantees breathtaking landscapes and crisp, crystal-clear air. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as the chance of more snow in El Sabinar and an unforgettable winter experience is certainly present. It is the ideal destination for those who want to experience the authentic, rugged beauty of the Spanish mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
Inspired by this winter splendor
Have you been inspired by this winter splendor and want to know more about the Sierra de Moratalla? Whether you are looking for the most beautiful spots to take breathtaking photos or need tips for hiking trails in the snow, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to share our local knowledge about this unique part of Southern Spain!
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