Peaks of Spain – Mulhacén, Our First Summit
- Mucca Moon
- May 15
- 2 min read
On November 5, 2021, we kicked off our mission to climb the highest peak in each of Spain’s 50 provinces with Mulhacén, mainland Spain’s tallest summit at 3,479m in Granada’s Sierra Nevada. Traveling in our Mobilvetta motorhome, we camped under starry skies, the journey was a blend of rugged trails and breathtaking views. This climb set the tone for our “Peaks of Spain” adventure, combining van life and hiking into a lifestyle we love sharing. Join us as we recount our Mulhacén experience, from motorhome campsite picks to trail tips, and follow our quest to conquer all 50 peaks!
Route Overview:
Peak: Mulhacén (3,479m), Granada province
Distance: ~15km round-trip (from Hoya del Portillo trailhead)
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep sections, high altitude)
Campsite: Camping for free near Campo de Fútbol Sala Capileira - Alpujarra (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jMvLGBmSNUpYhsFR9)
Wikiloc: https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/capileira-mulhacen-capileira-20514343
We parked our Mobilvetta in Capileira, a charming village in the Alpujarras. The crisp November air was perfect for our adventure. The 15km hike to Mulhacén was a challenge—steep switchbacks and rocky paths tested our legs, but the Sierra Nevada’s panoramic views kept us going. At the summit, we stood in awe, gazing over Granada’s peaks and the distant Mediterranean. Back at the motorhome, we celebrated with a cozy meal, reflecting on our first peak. Mulhacén wasn’t just a climb; it was the start of our dream to conquer Spain’s summits, blending van life, hiking, and tandem biking into unforgettable memories.
Hiking: Start early (6 AM) to avoid afternoon winds. Bring trekking poles for steep descents.
Weather: Weather was dry but very cold, at the bottom of the climb it was 5°C but at the top it was -10°C.
Gear: We packed a lot of food, 2 boccadillo's, a few energy bars, few cans of coca cola and 2 litres of water. We had quite a thick jacket, gloves, winter hat and good sunglasses, the sun was very bright.
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