Top 10 highest mountains in Spain

Although tourist advertising tends to reduce our peninsula to the sun and the beach, we live in a country full of pleasant mountain surprises. Half of the territory is covered by mountain systems, with Spain beingone of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Among so much geographical accident, and despite never exceeding 4,000 meters, we come across imposing peaks that challenge us to touch the sky. We have idyllic getaways, snowy or wooded, ranging from the most remote corner of the Huesca Pyrenees to our warm African islands. So today we explore our relief, like a squirrel jumping from branch to branch, discovering the 10 highest mountains in Spain.

The 10 highest mountains in Spain

From lowest to highest altitude, they are as follows:

1. Vignemale (3,299m)

Also known as Viñamala, this peak is located in a most strategic point to offer delicious panoramic views: the Hautes Pyrenees (France) and the Pyrenees of Huesca. It is also part of, for many, the most beautiful place in the Pyrenees: the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

The Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve, which has the honor of being one of the first two biosphere reserves declared in Spain, is one of the best representations of the mountain ecosystems of the Pyrenees.

2. Maladeta (3,308 m)

We continue in the Aragonese Pyrenees, on a peak that, for a long time, was considered the highest mountain in the mountain range. The first ascent took place in 1817 by Friedrich Parrot. When this German mountaineer and naturalist stepped on the summit, he realized that Aneto rose higher. Still, La Maladeta He appropriated the toponym that alluded to the entire massif, also called Montes Malditos.

The territory was declared Posets-Maladet Natural Park in 1994, thanks to its enormous natural and geological wealth.

3. Marboré Cylinder (3,328m)

Its characteristic geometric shape has determined the name of this spectacular peak of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. In general Access is easy for experienced mountaineers, but it has steps that require climbing the terminal tower on the south face. Of course, a complete and attractive challenge for the most adventurous.

4. Monte Perdido (3,355m)

This is a very popular peak among mountaineers, thanks to the relative ease of accessing it for a 3,000 peak. Monte Perdido is another of the 10 highest mountains in Spain. In fact, we are facing the highest limestone massif in Europe. This characteristic gives it a very unique flora prized by biologists from all over the world.

On the north face of the Monte Perdido is one of the few glaciers that still exist in the Pyrenees. It is part of the National Park that bears the same name. Pyrenees-Monte Perdido has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997.

5. The Alcazaba (3,366m)

We move from mountain range to reach the fifth highest peak in Spain. We are in the beautiful community of Granada, within Sierra Nevada, in the Penibetic mountain range. In its vicinity is the Cañada de Siete Lagunas, one of the most beautiful places in the Sierra Nevada. The Alcazaba peak together with the Mulhacén peak and the Puntal de la Caldera, form on their northern faces a magnificent amphitheater where the Genil river is born, offering views that every mountaineer should enjoy at least once in the life.

6. Posets (3,371 m)

We return to the north and reach the second highest peak in the Pyrenees, after Aneto. The Posets is famous for the incredible views it offers from its summit. Its height, its privileged location and its unique silhouette make it an easy mountain to identify. It is surrounded by the Great Bachimala, the Gourgs Blancs and the Pico del Perdiguero.

7. Weather vane (3,398 m)

We return to Granada and stop at the second highest peak in Sierra Nevada. Its name comes from Arabic and means ‘cut’. It refers to the dizzying pits that outline its characteristic silhouette, some of which are close to 500 meters in elevation. It is one of the most photographed peaks in the world, being behind the Alhambra.

Under its shadow, at the foot of its northern pit, there is an area withfossil ice estimated to be from the last ice age, 13,000 years ago. It shows that the Sierra Nevada was an active glacial area until it completely melted in 1913.

8. Aneto (3,404 m)

And we arrive at the most popular peak in the Pyrenees because it is the highest in the mountain range. The Aneto is located in the Benasque Valley and within the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. Its summit offers the most spectacular views of the entire Pyrenees.

The 2 most common routes to get there are the northern route, starting from Besurta and passing through the Refugio de la Renclusa and the southern route, starting from the Puente de Corones passing through the Aneto Glacier . Both routes exceed 1,500 m of elevation gain,ideal for the most passionate mountaineers.

9. Mulhacén (3,482 m)

10. Teaide (3718​ m), the highest mountain in Spain.

And we finally reach the roof of Spain! Located in Tenerife, this fascinating inactive volcano makes the island that hosts it the tenth highest in the world. The Teide National Park was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 and is a protected natural space in the category of Natural Monument.

An indisputable attraction with landscapes that seem from another planet and remains of volcanic lava. The hundreds of cones, lava flows or caves that it has enrich its scientific and landscape interest. Added to this are its richness of fauna and flora, with a large number of endemic species.