Mulhacén, at 3,479 m, is the highest mountain on the Spanish mainland and the main summit of the Sierra Nevada National Park, in the Alpujarras area of the province of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The usual walking route starts above the white village of Capileira at the Hoya del Portillo, reached in summer by a national park minibus from the village, and climbs steadily through open mountain pasture and stony slopes to the summit ridge. The round trip is roughly 16–20 km and takes 7–9 hours, which makes it a challenging day because of length and altitude, though it is non-technical in summer. There is no shade, little water and strong sun, so walkers carry all they need. Snow remains on the summit into June and returns from October. Afternoon storms can build quickly in July and August. Capileira is reached by the Alsa coach from Granada in about 2.5 hours (check alsa.com), and guesthouses in the village allow an overnight stay the night before. The Poqueira mountain refuge was closed for refurbishment as of 2024, so its status should be checked before relying on it. Mobile signal is intermittent, so a downloaded map is advised.
| Distance | Roughly 16–20 km round trip from Hoya del Portillo |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7–9 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | challenging |
| Best season | Late June to September |
| Address | Capileira, 18413 Granada, Spain (village start; the trail begins at the Hoya del Portillo area) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Sierra Nevada National Park above Capileira, Alpujarras (about 70 km south-east of Granada)
What to bring
Hiking boots, 2–3 L of water, sun protection, warm and windproof layers, map or offline GPS
Location
Capileira, 18413 Granada, Spain (village start; the trail begins at the Hoya del Portillo area)
37.0536, -3.3112 View on map
Highlights
- Highest summit on mainland Spain at 3,479 m
- Glacial valley and lakes viewed from the ridge
- Starts from Capileira, one of the Alpujarras white villages
- Non-technical route in summer
Tips for visiting
- Start by 07:00 to finish before afternoon storms
- Confirm the national park minibus summer timetable beforehand
- Sleep in Capileira the night before; the last coach back to Granada leaves in the afternoon
- Take 3 L of water because the route has no reliable source
- Check the refuge status before planning an overnight
- Turn back if cloud builds above the ridge
When to visit
July to mid-September mornings; check forecasts for storms.
Accessibility
The route is steep and stony; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How high is Mulhacén?
3,479 m, the highest peak in mainland Spain.
How do I reach Capileira from Granada?
Alsa coaches run from Granada bus station to Capileira in roughly 2.5 hours, with a few departures a day; check alsa.com.
How long is the walk?
Roughly 7–9 hours round trip from the Hoya del Portillo area.
Do I need a guide?
Not in snow-free summer conditions, but a downloaded map and a good weather forecast are essential.