Walking tours in southern Spain
Granada, Sierra Nevada mountains
Are you tired of looking for things to do near Granada during your holidays and not being sure what to choose? If you’re wanting a more leisurely approach to take this spring, hiking the highest mountain in Southern Spain one at a time is also an impressive achievement.
Mulhacén is a legendary mountain in Spain. It rises at 3.482 metres, making it the highest point in continental Spain outside the Alps and the Caucasus mountains. Its ascent is considered a real challenge for hikers, but the views once you reach the summit of the majestic giant will be unforgettable!
Peak Mulhacén is part of the Sierra Nevada National Park, which goes across the provinces of Granada, Málaga and Almería in southern Spain. After all, the Sierra Nevada mountain range covers almost 90.000 hectares (900 km2). There’s a lot out there.
This National Park is very famous for its skiing slopes in winter. However, there are more things to do in this beautiful place.
In this article, we’re focusing on full-day walks. But of course, there are also 2-day treks. Find out everything you need to know for a fantastic walking tour to conquer the peak Mulhacén here.
The hiking trails around Mulhacén:
There are 5 different one-day walking routes that will take you to the summit of Mulhacén. However, all of them start at the same point.
They start in Capileira, a village situated in the Alpujarra region. You have to go by car from this village to Hoya del Portillo. Don’t worry, one of our guides will pick you up and will lead you during the trail. Once you get to Hoya del Portillo, leave the car and follow the well-marked path. During your walk, make sure you enjoy the views of the Sierra’s snow capped peaks that surround Mulhacén.
Then, when you get to Alto del Chorrillo, you should stop for a while, and when you feel recovered, go for the final part of this trail. After walking 2 miles from Alto del Chorrillo, you will reach Mulhacén II, or the south summit. This is not the final point of the hike, so keep walking and in less than 1 mile, you will reach the top of the peak. At this point, you won’t regret the hike!
- Location: Sierra Nevada, 18 miles away from Granada city.
- Total distance: 14 miles
- Hike time: 10-12 hours (total)
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Highest elevation: 15,548 feet
- Best For: Exploring a fantastic scenery. Not recommended for children
- Dogs: leashed. Be aware of bringing water for them too.
The name, the history and the myths about Mulhacén
Mulhacen got its name after the second last Moorish king that ruled in Granada in the 15th century. His name was Abu l-Hasan Ali, but was known as Muley Hacén in Spanish. The history tells that he fell in love with the christian slave Isabel de Sólis, and decided to exile her first wife, called Aixa. He married Isabel, and she converted to Islam, changing her name to Zoraya.
However, Aixa happened to be a direct descendant of the prophet Mohammed, and her exile led to a Civil War in Granada. Aixa defeated Abu l-Hasan Ali, and took his new wife as a prisoner. She wanted her alive in order to get the throne.
With time, the former king regained popularity, and was able to rescue the love of his life and regain power again before his death. Legend says that he was buried on the summit of Mulhacen.
Fauna and flora
The fauna and flora we can find in Sierra Nevada is one of the most diverse in the Iberian peninsula, counting with more than 2,000 species of vegetation. Due to the special characteristics of this peak, there are incredible species of animals and flora, like wild pines, savin junipers, thymes, poppies, etc.
Regarding the fauna, it is common to see mountain goats. Furthermore, there are more than 80 species of vertebrates and invertebrates living in this place. We highlight the presence of alpine accentors, weasels, snub-nosed vipers, golden eagles, foxes and salamanders.
As you can see, this place is not only incredible for the views, but also for the fauna living in it.
This walking tour is the perfect opportunity for those who love nature and hiking. Its moderate difficulty and its variety of fauna and flora, apart from the amazing views, will make this an unforgettable experience. In addition, you won’t struggle to find the correct route, and risk getting lost. You will have one of our guides leading you during the whole hike. So, Just worry about trying to see these wild animals and enjoy the walk!
But maybe you wonder what is the highest mountain in Spain? It’s Teide peak in the Canary islands. In fact, at 3,718 m (12,198 ft) is the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic.
When is it the best time to climb Mulhacén?
This area is the ideal destination for hiking vacationers, and we offer year round ascents, in winter on skis or snowshoes or in summer nights to see the sunrise. We use experienced English speaking guides and they completed hundreds of ascents!
Do you want to experience this tour? Check out our small group hikes in the Mulhacen peak!
