Climb to the top of Spain! Mulhacén is the highest mountain in mainland Spain, towering 3,479 metres above sea level, so it’s not surprising that it offers amazing views. If the weather is clear, you can see right down to the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is mainly rocky and barren, but many of the plants that do grow here are unique. You are also very likely to see ibex during your walk. This circular route also includes the crater lake Laguna de la Caldera and the Mulhacén river.
Level For such a high mountain, Mulhacén is relatively easy to climb in summer, if you start from the refugio at almost 2,500 metres. The descent is very steep and the path is uneven in places, so we recommend wearing hiking boots. The route up to Mulhacén is easy to follow and is marked by cairns. On the remainder of the walk, navigation is more difficult, so you’ll need to follow the map and directions on the information sheet or use GPS. Our Mulhacén walk, which goes up and back by the same route, is much easier.
When to go The route is only possible in summer and early autumn. The mountains are snow-capped in winter, and most years the snow does not melt until June or even July. There can be patches of snow even in midsummer. It is worth checking at the information kiosk in Capileira for advice on the latest weather conditions. Even in summer it can be cold at the top (particularly in cloudy and windy conditions) so take warm clothing.
Water None available.
Location: Alpujarras, Capileira This hike starts from the Refugio de Poqueira, above the village of Capileira.
Transport
The hike starts from the Refugio de Poqueira, where you can stay overnight. See our Acequias del Poqueira walk for details of how to walk to the Refugio from Capileira.
To get to Capileira:
By Car: From Granada, take the E-902/A-44 towards Motril. Take exit 164 and take the A-348 towards Lanjarón. Carry on past Lanjarón and after about a further 8km turn left onto the A-4132, marked towards Trevélez (the turning is just after you enter Órgiva). Follow this road until you get past Pampaneira, then turn up to the left following signs for Bubión and Capileira.
By Bus: Capileira is served by Alsa services from Granada bus station (4 per day). Click here for more details.
