The most beautiful Andalusian mountains
When we think about Andalusia, most of us picture its charming white villages, big cities full of life and architectural gems like Seville or Granada, or even its beautiful coast. Indeed, this autonomous community stands out for its rich culture, drenched in dance and music, as well as the fascinating legacy of a distant past we can see if we look at its ancient temples and fortresses. However, today we will be looking up to admire the majestic peaks of a land that has seen the rise and fall of many a kingdom. These are some of the most beautiful Andalusian mountains to explore the stunning landscapes of the autonomous community.
There are countless gorgeous peaks in Andalusia we could include on this list, but sadly, the time we have to explore these landscapes is limited. The Andalusian mountains we are about to discuss are the ones with the highest rankings on Tripadvisor, the criterion being the travellers’ votes.
La Concha Mountain near Marbella. | Shutterstock
It is easy to guess why La Concha (“The Shell”) is the top 1 Andalusian mountain for many. This peak belongs to the mountain range of Sierra Blanca, only a few kilometres away from Marbella, in the province of Málaga. In fact, this majestic peak can be seen from the sapphire beaches of Marbella, rising over its white houses like a majestic tower.
La Concha has an altitude of 1215 metres, and it rests next to a village called Ojén, a lovely corner with whitewashed houses nestled between mountains. The views from the lookout of Juanar are just impressive, and there are different routes to enjoy the landscape and the rich flora and fauna of this natural setting. If we are lucky enough, we will be able to spot the Hispanic wild goats, eagles and royal owls that are known to inhabit this area.
The mountains of Las Alpujarras. | Shutterstock
The second place goes to one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Andalusia: Las Alpujarras. These mountains to the south of the mountain range of Sierra Nevada spread over the provinces of Granada and Almería. Its majestic peaks, with an average elevation of 1200 metres above sea level, are often covered in snow.
The region consists of a series of valleys and ravines, with steep slopes and whitewashed villages framed by beautiful forests. Thanks to the mild climate and abundant rivers coming down from Sierra Nevada, as well as the melting snow, this natural landscape is rich and full of contrasts. There are countless hiking trails to explore these beautiful Andalusian mountains, as well as the valleys and villages spreading under its magnificent peaks.
The beautiful mountainous enclave of El Chorro. | Shutterstock
The mountainous enclave of El Chorro, only an hour away from the city of Málaga by car, makes up a stunning natural area in the Gaitanes Gorge Natural Park. Apart from its unique beauty, this area has great historical and paleontological value too. For instance, the ruins of the 9th-century fortress of Bobastro are really worth visiting.
Moreover, the rocky slopes of El Chorro are perfect for those who enjoy active tourism. If you are not too afraid of heights, we suggest walking on the Caminito del Rey, the popular hanging walkway running along the Gaitanes Gorge. Besides, the reservoir of Conde del Guadalhorce is a nice natural spot to spend the day too, and there are camping sites, restaurants and accommodation nearby that make El Chorro a great tourist destination.
The snowy mountains of Sierra Nevada in Granada. | Shutterstock
Sierra Nevada, or the “snow-covered mountain range” in English, is a gorgeous mountain range with the city of Granada at its foothills. It belongs to the Baetic Mountains, a Spanish system of mountain ranges, and it hosts the highest point of continental Spain: the peak of Mulhacén, reaching an altitude of 3479 metres above sea level. Sierra Nevada was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1986.
Despite its icy peaks, the natural setting of these Andalusian mountains is green and fertile, being home to a diverse flora and fauna. It is also a land of contrasts, considering that this landscape covered in snow lies next to the warm Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, one of the main reasons why Sierra Nevada has become such a popular tourist destination is thanks to its impressive ski resort.
The mountains of the Montes de Málaga Natural Park. | Shutterstock
The Montes de Málaga Natural Park lies to the southwest of Sierra Nevada, next to the city of Málaga. The range is also called Montes de Málaga, and the natural park is crossed by the river of Guadalmedina. Regarding its beautiful landscape, the area stands out for its Mediterranean vegetation, like the forests of Aleppo pines. Birdwatchers will be able to spot different birds of prey, like eagles, black kites and tawny owls. It is perfect for hiking and it has different routes for everyone to enjoy this amazing natural setting.
J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote: “He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away”. We might not be able to walk through Middle-earth, but we can explore extraordinary lands beyond the pages, rising over a world full of wonders, full of lost corners to discover. At the end of the day, a distant peak is nothing but a story yet to be told.
