Trevinca

Trevinca (Peña Trevinca) is the highest mountain in Galicia and also the highest point in the province of Zamora, rising to 2,127 meters above sea level. It sits right on the boundary between Galicia and Castile and León, at the point where the Montes de León range meets the Macizo Galaico. For hikers exploring western Spain, it functions almost as a landmark — often described as the "roof of Galicia," visible from far across the surrounding valleys.

Where exactly is it located?

The Trevinca massif straddles a border area, and one of the main starting points for climbing it is A Veiga, on the Galician side. Alternative approaches begin from Sobradelo, also in Galicia, and from Puebla de Sanabria on the León side. This cross-border position makes Trevinca a natural reference point for travelers planning routes that connect the two autonomous communities.

What can you see at the summit and around it?

The upper slopes of the massif are snow-covered in winter, and lower down, in glacial basins, several lakes sit tucked between the rocks — the best known are O Celo and Lagoa da Serpe, described as having exceptionally pure, crystal-clear water. These glacial lakes are one of the main draws for visitors interested in mountain landscapes: the contrast between bare, rocky peaks and still, clear water is striking in any season.

Is this an important natural area?

Yes — the area around Trevinca has been designated a Special Protection Area for birds covering 22,510 hectares. The rocky summit hosts the only breeding population of the alpine accentor found anywhere in Galicia, a species tied closely to high-mountain habitat. The trails also pass through habitat of the Leonese lizard, a species endemic to this specific mountain range and found nowhere else in the wild.

What routes lead to the summit and around the area?

From A Veiga, several marked trails (PR-G routes) allow hikers to reach the summit of Trevinca or loop around the nearby glacial lakes. These include the route via Maluro to Pena Trevinca and its variant, an approach via Sestil Alto, and a separate loop connecting the glacial lakes. The municipality of A Veiga maintains several mountain trails of varying difficulty in total, some of them also adapted for mountain biking, alongside a network of river beaches in the valleys below.

Who is this route suited for?

Reaching the summit is best suited to hikers prepared for high-mountain terrain — the ground is rocky and exposed, with little shelter from wind, and snow-covered in winter. Those looking for a gentler way to experience this landscape can instead choose the trails around the glacial lakes, which don't require summiting the peak itself but still showcase the terrain shaped by past glacial activity.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Trevinca? 2,127 meters above sea level — the highest point in both Galicia and the province of Zamora.

What's the easiest way to reach the summit? Via A Veiga or Sobradelo on the Galician side, or from Puebla de Sanabria on the León side.

What else is worth seeing besides the peak itself? The glacial lakes O Celo and Lagoa da Serpe, plus the protected area for mountain birds, including the alpine accentor.

Are there marked trails in the area? Yes, several PR-G routes lead both to the summit and around the glacial lakes, with some sections also suitable for mountain biking.