High mountains

Experience the unique landscapes, flora and fauna of the high Sierra Nevada, look across to Africa on a clear day or climb the highest mountain in mainland Spain.

Our self-guided walks in the high mountains are only possible in summer and early autumn, unless you are an experienced mountaineer with specialist equipment or join a guided excursion – see our guided activities page for details of winter activities in the high mountains.

 

Instituto Geográfico de EspañaPlease note that the information sheets provided for download may not be altered or sold. Topographic base maps © Instituto Geográfico Nacional de España, original scale 1:25,000.

List of Hikes: High mountains

Alcazaba

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21 km   8 hours   1280 m   Hard   Hard   Hard    

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At 3,371 metres above sea level, Alcazaba is not quite as high as the neighbouring peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. However, it is more remote, and the ascent is steeper and more challenging. Even so, in high summer you don’t need any technical equipment to get to the top, and the views and scenery are breathtaking. On your way you will pass the beautiful mountain tarns and meadows of Siete Lagunas.

Hoya de la Mora – Veleta

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9 km   2 h 15 min   373 m   Medium   Easy   Easy    

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On a clear day, the peak of Veleta offers 360° views of the surrounding mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the Mediterranean and even Africa. In summer and early autumn the ascent is remarkably straightforward for being such a high mountain, and the fresh mountain air at the summit is a welcome relief from the heat at lower altitudes.

Laguna de las Yeguas

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6 km   1 h 45 min   81 m   Easy   Medium   Easy    

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This walk starts at an altitude of over 3,000 metres, making use of the ski lifts that are open in summer. As a result, you get a taste of the high mountains without having to walk up thousands of metres! There are great views down to the city of Granada and the surrounding mountains. The walk takes you to some beautiful mountain tarns and meadows where the water bubbles up from the ground, before heading back down through the ski station.

Mulhacén

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14.5 km   5h 30min   910 m   Hard   Medium   Easy    

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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.

Mulhacén – Laguna de la Caldera

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14 km   6 hours   1118 m   Hard   Medium   Medium    

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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.

Trevélez – Siete Lagunas

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17.5km   7h 30min   1500m   Hard   Medium   Easy    

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Nestled high up in the Sierra Nevada, the green meadows around the Siete Lagunas, or seven lakes, provide a vivid contrast to their barren and desolate surroundings. The long climb up from Trevélez in the Alpujarras makes a great day walk, but the strategic location of the lakes means that they are also a favourite camping area for hikers heading for Mulhacén and Alcazaba, which tower over them.