Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park

Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park rises above Válor, one of the Alpujarra villages tucked into the range's southern slopes. It is Spain's highest-altitude protected area, covering more than 86,000 hectares across the provinces of Granada and Almería and containing over 20 peaks above 3,000 metres, including the highest point on the entire Iberian Peninsula.

What will you see in the park?

The centerpiece is Mulhacén, standing at 3,482 metres — the tallest peak in mainland Spain. It takes its name from the 15th-century ruler of Granada known as Muley Hacén, whom legend places in a grave at the summit itself. Nearby rises Veleta, the range's second-highest peak, next to which the Sierra Nevada ski resort operates.

The landscape shifts sharply with altitude. Around Válor, at the foot of the range, terraced fields and almond groves typical of the Alpujarra stretch across the hillsides. Higher up, pine and oak forests take over, and above the treeline, alpine meadows and rocky ridges hold snow well into the year. This vertical range of habitats supports endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth, and the park holds UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.

How do you reach the peaks?

In summer, the most straightforward route to Mulhacén starts from the village of Capileira in the Alpujarra, where a shuttle bus carries hikers up to around 2,600 metres; from there, the summit is a non-technical hike requiring no ropes or climbing gear. Alternative routes begin near the Sierra Nevada ski station, from the city of Granada, and from the Alpujarra village of Trevélez. From Válor, local roads through neighboring Alpujarra villages connect to these trailheads.

When should you visit?

Summer (June to September) is the only period when the park's higher reaches are fully accessible without winter equipment — snow can linger on the summits as late as June. In winter, the character of the park changes entirely: the ski resort draws skiers and snowboarders, while summit attempts become a task for experienced mountaineers with proper gear. Spring and early autumn suit hikes at lower elevations, including around Válor itself, when temperatures are milder than in peak summer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada? Mulhacén, at 3,482 metres above sea level — the highest peak in mainland Spain and on the entire Iberian Peninsula.

Do you need climbing experience to summit Mulhacén? Not in summer — the route from Capileira is a non-technical, full-day hike that requires no ropes or climbing equipment.

How large is the park? It covers roughly 86,208 hectares and spans more than 40 towns across the provinces of Granada and Almería.

What else is worth seeing besides the peaks? Endemic alpine flora, the terraced Alpujarra landscape around villages like Válor, and the contrast between Mediterranean valleys and high-mountain tundra within an unusually small area for Europe.