The roof of the Peninsula in a day: minibus up to 2,700 metres, the summit at 3,482 and an Alpujarran dinner on the way down.

Mulhacén, at 3,482 metres, is the highest summit on the Iberian Peninsula, and from the Alpujarra you climb it by its friendliest side. You don't need to sleep in a refuge or set off in the dark: a Sierra Nevada National Park minibus climbs from Capileira to Alto del Chorrillo, at about 2,700 metres, and from there the summit is a morning's walk up the south slope, with no technical sections. With the guides from Nevadensis, who have worked in the range since 1989 from their information point in Pampaneira, you go as a group and don't have to worry about the route.

What the day is like

The guided outing starts at the high peaks minibus stop, beside the park information point in Capileira. The minibus climbs the mountain track with a stop at Puerto Molina, a viewpoint over the Poqueira gorge, and drops you at Alto del Chorrillo. From there, the climb of Mulhacén goes straight to the summit by the south face. The descent on the Nevadensis itinerary changes slope: it goes down the west side and passes the Caldera lagoon, at 3,050 metres, before returning to the minibus. In all, between five and six hours of walking.

The company rates it easy-to-medium: there is no scrambling and no technical equipment is needed in summer. What counts is the altitude. Above 3,000 metres you walk more slowly and feel the thin air; at the top it is usually windy and cold even if it is 35 degrees in Granada.

What it costs

The guided outing is from €80 per person, with a minimum of four; if that isn't reached, Nevadensis proposes another date or a private outing with a supplement. It includes the mountain guides and third-party liability and assistance insurance. The minibus is paid separately: its price is not published and is given when you book on 671 56 44 06 or at [email protected]. They recommend holding a mountaineering federation licence. With dinner, the day comes to about €120 to €150 per person, not counting petrol.

The afternoon in Capileira

When you get off the minibus you are in the highest village of the Poqueira gorge, at almost 1,500 metres. Capileira can be walked in an hour downhill, among whitewashed houses with flat terrao roofs and the tinaos, the covered passages that serve as streets under the houses. The folk museum closes at 14:30, so at this hour it is the village and the viewpoint. For dinner, the Restaurante Gloria, at the Hotel Finca Los Llanos, at the entrance to the village, with traditional cooking and zero-mile produce; call ahead to confirm opening hours and a table.