Spanish Mountains That Will Leave You Breathless
Yes, it's a deliberate pun. Getting to the top of any of these mountains will certainly leave you gasping, but just to view them from nearby will also take your breath away. Some of these peaks are accessible for fit and healthy hikers while others must remain the domain of real mountaineers. And while the popular perception of Spain is of a hot country, altitude must play a part so many of Spain's mountainous areas are readily walkable in summer and many places are routinely snow-covered in winter.
Naranjo de Bulnes
The Picos de Europa is a range of mountains in Asturias (northern Spain) notable for the steep, jagged peaks that stretch skywards. Of all of them, one of the most spectacular is the Naranjo de Bulnes (or Picu Urriellu in the local dialect) in the Cabrales region. Climbing this one is definitely best left to the experts as it is renowned for its 550m vertical walls, and was only climbed for the first time in 1904.
Places to stay:
Palacio de Cutre, Infiesto
Quinta de Villanueva, Colombres
Hotel Rural Valleoscuru, Tresgrandas
Montserrat
Montserrat is the most symbolic massif in Catalonia, due to its whimsical shapes and the spirituality and legends linked to it. Only an hour's drive or train journey from Barcelona it is readily accessible and is well-blessed with facilities as well as spectacular views. Most famous is the Benedictine Monastery perched on the side of the mountain which is open for visitors. This is the place to here the famous Montserrat Boys Choir sing, wonder at the works of art in the museum, gaze up in awe at vast basilica, or even pop along to the holy grotto to see if the Virgin Mary is visiting. There are numerous walking trails on the moutain or take the funicular railway to the summit if Sant Joan.
Places to stay:
Cal Mestre, Les Gunyoles d'Avinyonet
El Palauet, Barcelona
The 8 Boutique B&B, Barcelona
Hotel Neri, Barcelona
Duquesa de Cardona, Barcelona
Sierra Cabrera
Rising to a modest 962m, the Sierra Cabrera is not a particularly high mountain, but being close to the Mediterranean it makes a great day trip for visitors to Mojácar and the Almería coast. It is readily accessible by car and provides wonderful views and opportunities for short mountain walks without the need to be a dedicated hiker. The climb up from Mojácar takes you through the village of Cabrera passing under the typical Moorish-style arch and climbing past terracotta-coloured mountain villas until you finally pop out onto the hilltop close to the Cerro de la Mezquita, the highest point on the sierra. A split in the road offers two ways down, either left towards the coast near Carboneras or right, inland, eventually meeting up with the coastal motorway. On the way you'll pass tiny hamlets and abandoned farms that are a throwback to life many decades ago. Expect narrow roads and some steep inclines.
Places to stay:
Cortijo El Sarmiento, Mojácar
La Joya de Cabo de Gata, Agua Amarga
La Almendra y El Gitano, Agua Amarga
Cortijo Los Malenos, Agua Amarga
Mount Teide
Teide on the island of Tenerife is the highest peak in the Canaries standing at 3715m above sea level and 7500m above the ocean floor. It stands in the Teide National Park and much of it is readily accesible for visitors. The road across the park will take you up to 2356m where there is a cable car that can carry you almost to the summit. A permit is required to go all the way to the summit but 200 are issued for each day so anyone with the fitness and desire to do it should not find that an obstacle. The clear pure air of the mountain and the stability of the land have made it an ideal spot for astronomical observations so there is an important observatory on the flank of Teide housing radio, microwave and optical telescopes.
Places to stay:
Hotel Spa Villalba, Vilaflor
Senderos de Abona, Granadilla
Hotel Rural Finca Salamanca, Güimar
Casa Rural Morrocatana, Masca
All this is just scratching the surface, of course. There is a chain of mountains running all the way along the north coast, and Madrid itself is the highest capital in Europe, and surrounded by mountains. Spain is separated from France by the Pyrenees while in the south the famed Sierra Nevada blends away into many other ranges. Each Canary Island is a volcanic mountain rising up from the ocean floor so every island has a mountain peak that is ripe for exploration.
5 Jul 2024, 12:07