PEAK TIME

It may come as a surprise to the millions of visitors who come for the beaches, but Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland

Aneto 3,404 metres

THE highest mountain in mainland Spain, and Western Europe if you exclude the Alps, Mulhacen is located in the Sierra Nevada, and is 3,479 metres. It is named for the penultimate Muslim king of Granada who was allegedly buried on the summit of the mountain in the 15th century. If true, it was an inconvenient spot to choose, but not a prohibitively challenging one.

Three trails to the summit start in the Alpujarras, the most popular being from Capileira, and most people break the hike with an overnight stay at the Refugio Poqueira. Otherwise wait until summer when you can buy a ticket from the Capileira tourist office for a bus which will drop you off at Posiciones del Veleta, just half a day’s walk from the top.

Alcazaba

3,371 metres

VISIBLE from Granada, Alcazaba (3,371 metres) is the third highest peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains after neighbouring Mulhacen and Veleta. As for Mulhacen, the preferred route leaves the Refugio de Poqueira above Capileira, before veering off. It may not be the highest, but the hike to Alcazaba is more isolated, steep and challenging, and the views more dramatic as a reward.

AT 3,404 metres, this is not only the highest mountain in Aragon, but in the whole of the Pyrenees. The largest remaining glacier in the Pyrenees lies on its north face, although it is disappearing fast: In 2005, the glacier covered almost 80 hectares, but studies show that half the surface area has been lost in the last 100 years, and there are indications it might be gone altogether by 2050.

Traversing rock and snow and what’s left of the glacier makes this a more technically difficult hike, but it’s suitable for both experienced hikers and beginner mountaineers.

It’s usual to spend the night before the push to the summit at Refugio Renclusa, high above the town of La Besurta, in the province of Huesca. Unless you are supremely confident, go with a guide.

Peñalara 2,428 metres

PEÑALARA (2,428 metres) is inside the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park which straddles the provinces of Madrid and Segovia. The region is heavily forested with pine and oak, rich with wildlife, and an important habitat for eagles and vultures. Many routes are available, but the higher altitude circular trail, running through a stunning landscape of lagoons and glacial formations to the peak and back, is the star attraction. While a moderately easy fullday hike during most of the year, wintry conditions can change that. The Peñalara Visitor Centre in Puerto de Cotos, packed with information, should be your first port of call.

ITS 13 mountain systems cover almost half of the land, and almost a quarter of Spain lies above 1000m. The best-known ranges include the Pyrenees, the Picos de Europa, the Sierra de Guadarrama just north of Madrid, and the Sierra Nevada in the south. Within each range, there are thousands of mountain trails, some the domain of serious climbers, but others accessible to hardy day-trippers.

We put on sturdy shoes and multiple layers, and set off to select our pick of the peaks. Bear in mind that good physical fitness is not enough to guarantee safety. Plan ahead by researching the route, checking the best months to visit and route classifications, and be prepared to ditch your plans if the weather turns nasty. When you do go, dress appropriately, stick to the trails, take plenty of water, and always let someone know your proposed route and estimated return time. Alternatively, go with an accredited guide and enjoy the benefit of their expertise.