Trekking in Sierra Nevada, Andalusia

Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons

Epic6 hours – 5 days

Why go

Mulhacén is the highest point in peninsular Spain, and the whole crest of Tres Miles peaks can be linked in one high, dry traverse. Snow lingers into summer over villages where the beaches are an hour away.

When

In season: Jul–Sep · Peak: Jul–Aug

Who it’s for

Skill

Intermediate–Expert

Effort

Demanding

Suitable from

12+ · Teen+

Crowds

Quiet

Cost

Trekking specifics

Distance: 45 km
Total ascent: 4500 m
Max altitude: 3479 m
Accommodation: Poqueira refuge; camping at Siete Lagunas
Technical: Non-technical but high and exposed; navigation on the Tres Miles ridge

What to expect

Fierce sun, thin air and almost no shade or water on the tops; afternoon storms build fast. The Alpujarra GR7 below is the gentle, shaded counterpoint through white villages.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.
hard: Long, technical or serious — experience and the right conditions required.

GR7 through the Alpujarras
easy
White villages on the southern slope, no altitude involved
50 km2,000 m ascent4 days
Mulhacén from Hoya del Portillo
moderate
The highest point in mainland Spain
22 km1,500 m ascent9 hours
Veleta and the Carihuela
moderate
The second summit, from the old ski-road trailhead
16 km900 m ascent6 hours
Siete Lagunas from Trevélez
moderate
Glacial lake basin under Mulhacén, best as an overnight camp
18 km1,400 m ascent2 days
Los Tres Miles integral
hard
The full ridge of every 3,000 m summit in the range
45 km4,500 m ascent5 days

How to start

Drive to the Hoya del Portillo or Hoya de la Mora trailheads (both start high), or use the summer national-park bus toward Mulhacén. Start before dawn and carry all your water.