Sierra de las Nieves National Park

Declared a national park in July 2021, the Sierra de las Nieves rises behind Marbella and Ronda to La Torrecilla, at 1,919 m the highest point in western Andalusia. Its hallmark is the pinsapo, a relict Spanish fir that survives here in the largest stands anywhere, together with ibex, griffon vultures and some of the deepest sinkholes in Europe. The classic ascent of Torrecilla starts at the Los Quejigales recreation area off the Ronda road; gentler trails begin at Yunquera, Tolox and El Burgo. Go between October and May; summer heat and fire-risk closures limit access.