NATURAL PARK

SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES

 

Signposted trails
Todos los equipamientos
DESCRIPTION

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.


OTHER PROTECTED AREAS

DATA SHEET
  • Provinces Málaga
  • Municipalities Burgo (el), Istan, Monda, Parauta, Ronda, Tolox, Yunquera
  • Total area 20.132,00 ha.
  • Declaration Date 28 - July - 1989
  • Planning tools

MAP
 

ACTIVITIES

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 .


MAP
BRAND NATURAL PARK OF ANDALUCIA
ACEITES GIL LUNA

Aceite de oliva virgen extra ecológico

AVENTÚRATE SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES

Rutas en todo terreno, de senderismo, en bicicleta, escalada y descenso de barrancos en Sierra de las Nieves y escalada, espeleología, descenso de barrancos y rutas de senderismo en Reserva de la...

SIERRA BELLA VIVEROS

Plantas ornamentales de interior, plantas ornamentales de exterior, plantas aromáticas.

VIVIENDAS TURÍSTICAS LOS ARRAYANES

Accommodation

AGENDA

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!

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
MAPAS

OTRAS PUBLICACIONES

PUBLICACIONES DE SENDEROS

PUBLICACIONES DIDÁCTICAS

GOOD PRACTICES
PUBLICATIONS
BURGO (EL) (MÁLAGA)

Fiesta de la Sopa de los Siete Ramales 28 de febrero
Romería de la Virgen de la Nieves Primer domingo de agosto
ISTAN (MÁLAGA)

La Tomillería y Romería de San Miguel Domingo antes del 29 de septiembre
Tostonás de castañas 1 de noviembre
MONDA (MÁLAGA)

Día de la sopa mondeña Un domingo de mayo
Feria de San Roque Del 16 al 20 de agosto
PARAUTA (MÁLAGA)

Fiestas de la Virgen del Rosario Primer fin de semana de agosto
Fiestas patronales de la Inmaculada 8 de diciembre
RONDA (MÁLAGA)

Feria de Pedro Romero Primeros de septiembre
Goyescas Finales de agosto
TOLOX (MÁLAGA)

Día de las Mozas o Cencerrada 8 de diciembre
Feria de San Roque Del 14 al 18 de agosto
YUNQUERA (MÁLAGA)

Feria en honor a San Sebastián y a la Virgen del Rosario 7 de octubre
Romería de la Virgen de Porticate 15 de agosto

  • Wednesday, 22 April 2026
    27°C
    • WIND SPEED 0km/h
    • PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 75%
    • CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
  • Thursday
    Cubierto
    24° max.
    14° min.
    • WIND SPEED 10km/h
    • PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 90%
    • CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
  • Friday
    Muy nuboso con lluvia
    22° max.
    12° min.
    • WIND SPEED 10km/h
    • PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 95%
    • CHANCE OF RAIN 95%
  • Saturday
    Cubierto con lluvia
    19° max.
    11° min.
    • WIND SPEED 10km/h
    • PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 90%
    • CHANCE OF RAIN 100%
© AEMET.es Expand meteorological information
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