Sabina Albar

Sabina Albar is a natural monument protecting a thousand-year-old tree in the municipality of Chirivel, in the province of Almería.

High on the plateau of the Sierra María-Los Vélez, more than 1,600 metres above sea level, stands a solitary Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera) — one of the oldest and most remarkable trees in the whole of Almería. It was around this single specimen that the Andalusian government created the Monumento Natural Sabina Albar on 1 October 2003, a tiny protected area of just 0.20 hectares but with outsized natural significance.

What will you see there?

The tree's sheer size is the first thing that strikes visitors: a thick, twisted trunk with exposed roots at its base supports a broad, dark green canopy of densely branching limbs. Its age is estimated at somewhere between 600 and 1,000 years, making it a genuine living witness to the history of this part of Andalusia. It grows amid old dryland farming plots, surrounded by scattered patches of gorse, hawthorn and thyme — a stark, steppe-like landscape typical of the high interior of Almería province.

Botanically, the Sabina Albar is a relic of Tertiary-period steppe forests, a species that once covered far larger stretches of the Iberian Peninsula. The hard, resin-rich wood of the Spanish juniper was historically prized in cabinetmaking, which led to the widespread felling of similar specimens across the region. That history is precisely why surviving ancient trees like this one in Chirivel are now so rare and so carefully protected.

The monument sits within the wider Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, so a visit here pairs naturally with exploring the surrounding protected area, known for its contrasting scenery — from limestone peaks to dry, semi-desert valleys.

How to get there?

A signposted hiking trail (Sendero de la Sabina) leads to the natural monument from the area around Chirivel. The route crosses land once used for dryland farming, climbing gradually up to the high plateau where the tree grows. Given the altitude — over 1,600 metres — sturdy footwear and plenty of water are advisable, especially in summer, when the exposed plateau can get intensely sunny.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times for the hike, when temperatures at this altitude are milder and the steppe landscape looks its most striking. Summer heat can be tough on the open plateau, while winter brings frost and cold winds at this elevation — yet the evergreen juniper remains an impressive sight year-round.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Monumento Natural Sabina Albar? It is a small, 0.20-hectare protected area created in 2003 around a single, centuries-old Juniperus thurifera (Spanish juniper) tree growing in the municipality of Chirivel.

How old is the tree? Its age is estimated at between 600 and 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest trees of its species in Almería province.

Is the site located within a natural park? Yes, the natural monument lies within the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, so visitors can easily combine the visit with nearby trails and viewpoints.

Do you need to hike to see the tree? Yes, access is via a signposted footpath across the high plateau — plan enough time and bring proper gear, particularly in summer.