SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES - Ventana del Visitante
Whitish limestone mountains with rugged relief are juxtaposed to undulating, reddish hills in the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park, located to the east of the city of Ronda (Malaga province).
Mountaineers coming to the park make a beeline for Pico Torrecilla, at 1919 metres, while caving enthusiasts prefer caverns such as the GESM which reaches 1101 metres in depth. Both on the surface and underground there are weird and wonderful karst formations created by the erosion and subsequent precipitation of limestone. At lower altitudes peridotite rocks give the landscape a reddish hue. This rock is far more impermeable than limestone, and its special composition favours the appearance of interesting species of flora.
The name of the park hints at the presence of snow ("nieve" in Spanish) on the peaks, which was once present all year round. Local people would store snow in these areas and bring it down at night on mules to distribute to the villages, towns and cities of the region.
Another attraction of these mountains are the Spanish fir forests to be found here. This Mediterranean fir species can be found in cool, moist shady areas, a botanical relic of the glacial period on the Iberian Peninsula. Nowadays this species can only be found in these mountains, and in the Sierra de Grazalema and the Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja Mountains, with Sierra de las Nieves being home to the largest areas. Some of these trees are around 500 years old, such as the one called La Escalereta, which is a designated Natural Monument. Heading down to lower areas, forests of holm oak and cork trees predominate on the hills of Istán and Monda, along with some areas of carob and chestnut trees on those of Tolox and Parauta. A pleasant way to explore all this forest is to do one of the cycling routes such as that of Monda-Istán. The nature park is home to mammals such as the mountain goat, easy to see in the higher areas. Other interesting species are deer and otters, that can be seen on the rivers. Bird life includes major birds of prey such as golden and Bonelli's eagles, as well as the Eurasian eagle owl. There are also forest birds such as goshawks and sparrow hawks.
This area was settled by many cultures. However, it was definitely the Moors who left the greatest legacy here. The castles and defensive walls in Monda, El Burgo, Istán and Tolox are an example of this. Moorish influence is also present in its gastronomy; flour porridge with honey, almond cheese, and "siete ramales" soup. Another recommended visit in this area is to the town of Ronda, famous for its gorge and being the site of Spain's oldest bullring.
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NATURAL MONUMENT PINSAPO DE LAS ESCALERETAS
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NATURAL MONUMENT MIRADOR CUENCA DEL RIO TURON-MIRADOR DEL GUARDA FORESTAL
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NATIONAL PARK DE LA SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES
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SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC) ES6170006 SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES
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SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA FOR BIRDS (SPA) SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES
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SITE OF COMMUNITY INTEREST (SCI) SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES
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BIOSPHERE RESERVE SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES
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BIOSPHERE RESERVE INTERCONTINENTAL DEL MEDITERRANEO ANDALUCIA (ESPAÑA) - MARRUECOS
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Provinces Málaga
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Municipalities Burgo (el), Istan, Monda, Parauta, Ronda, Tolox, Yunquera
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Total area 20.132,00 ha.
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Declaration Date 28 - July - 1989
The natural park boasts a wide range of routes in a setting of extraordinary natural wealth, all very well equipped for hiking. Among the ten signposted trails, the Caucón-Peña de los Enamorados is renowned for being one of the most beautiful and impressive. The Las Escaleretas trail, leads us to the Spanish fir of the same name; a tree with more than 300 years of age.
The spoils of this mountain range attract many a mountaineer, so don´t miss the opportunity to venture up to Torrecilla, Malaga´s highest peak. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views.
Cycling is also popular in Sierra de las Nieves. One of the most interesting routes is one that passes through the Puerto de la Mujer. The 17 kilometre ride passes a large part of the Turón river basin and areas once frequented by the notorious bandit, “Pasos Largos”. Another activity made possible in Sierra de las Nieves is caving. The challenge of entering caves such as the spectacular GESM *, a natural well 1101 metres deep, will also be rewarded.
(*) Activities require authorisation from the natural park.
This natural protected area is affiliated with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism , whose associated projects can be consulted by clicking here .
Aceite de oliva virgen extra ecológico
C/ Del Río, 6 Bajo.
29420 - El Burgo (Málaga)
647887688
aceitesgilluna@hotmail.com
Plantas ornamentales de interior, plantas ornamentales de exterior, plantas aromáticas.
Paraje Cuesta del gallo, polígono 4, parcelas 122, 124, 125, 128.
29109 - Tolox (Málaga)
675962727, 696863485
noemisierrabella@gmail.com
Alojamiento en hotel, categoría 1 estrella, modalidad rural “Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas”
Carretera M-8403, Km. 0,5, (Partido Los Arenosos, 8)
29400-Ronda (Málaga)
605080295
info@cortijolaspiletas.com
RUTAS DE SENDERISMO: “De charco en charco”; “El bosque encantado”; “Pinsapar de Yunquera - Tajo dela Caina”; “De las Cascadas”; “Ascensión al pico Torrecilla desde Tolox”; “Ascensión al pico Torrecilla desde Ronda”; “Paco Romero y Paco Arjona”; “Pico Valdivia”; “Las Caleras”; “Cruz de Juanar”; “Pico Valdivia”. RUTAS EN BICICLETA DE MONTAÑA: “Saborea Sierra de las Nieves a pedal” (Tolox); “Descubre Sierra de las Nieves” (Tolox); (Ronda); (El Burgo). RUTAS EN TODOTERRENO CON MOTOR: “Iniciación al PN Sierra de las Nieves”; “Monumentos Naturales”. DESCENSO DE BARRANCOS: “Zarzalones”; “Jorox”; “Guadalmina”; “Aventurate” (Tolox); “La Rejia” (Tolox); ESCALADA: “La Cunita”; “Vía ferrata Tajo de Ronda”; “Vía ferrata Benaoján”; “Vía ferrata el Nacimiento”; ESPELEOLOGÍA: “Cueva de la Murcielaguna” ; “Cueva Excéntrica”.
C/ Encina, 47 – bajo
29109 - Tolox (Málaga)
634 854 641
info@aventuratesierradelasnieves.es
Accommodation
Plaza de la Oscuridad,6/8
Ronda (Málaga)
619559096
los_arrayanes@jahoo.es
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
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Sunday, 22 September 202428°C
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Monday29° max.16° min.
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Tuesday28° max.14° min.
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Wednesday30° max.16° min.
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