Mulhacén is mainland Spain’s highest peak — a 3,479-metre giant in the Sierra Nevada range of Andalusia — and remarkably, one of the most accessible major summits in Europe. Unlike the technical climbs of the Alps, Mulhacén can be hiked in a single (long) day by any reasonably fit walker, with the reward of panoramic views stretching across the Mediterranean to the mountains of North Africa on clear days.

Quick Facts

• Best time to climb: June–September (snow-free trails); winter mountaineering requires ice axe and crampons
• Height: 3,479 metres (11,414 feet) — the highest point in peninsular Spain
• How to get there: ~2.5 hours from Malaga by car to Capileira in the Alpujarras; national park shuttle bus available in summer
• Climbing difficulty: Moderate — no technical climbing required, but altitude and long distance (16–22km round trip) demand good fitness
• Permit required: No permit needed for the standard route

Climbing Mulhacén

The most popular route starts from the Alpujarras village of Capileira (1,436m). Most hikers take the national park shuttle bus to the Mirador de Trevélez (2,700m) to save energy, leaving a 779m ascent over about 5km to the summit. The total round trip from the mirador is roughly 6–7 hours for a fit walker.

For the ambitious: the full route from Capileira is a 2,000m+ ascent over 22km — a very demanding day hike that should only be attempted by experienced mountain walkers. Many opt to break it into two days, bivouacking at the Poqueira refuge (2,500m) overnight.

The mountain is named after Muley Hacén, the 15th-century penultimate Moorish king of Granada, who was said to be buried on the summit. On exceptionally clear days, you can see the Rif Mountains of Morocco shimmering across the Mediterranean Sea — one of the most extraordinary summit views in Europe.

Climb Mulhacen is the highest mountain in Spain and the whole Iberian Peninsula (3478m above the sea level). It is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the region of provinces of Granada and Almería. On the northern slope of Climb Mulhacen you can see the southernmost glacier in Europe.

You can hike Climb Mulhacen in a single day from the villages of Capileira or Trevélez, but it is recommended to stay for a night either at the mountain refuge at Poqueira, or in the bare shelter at Caldera to the west.

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Have you visited Climb Mulhacen in Sierra Nevada – the highest peak in Spain? I’d love to hear about your experience and any travel tips in the comments below!

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