2. Mulhacén, 3479m

Mulhacén is the tallest mountain on mainland Spain and the second tallest Spanish mountain overall, with a summit 3479 metres above sea level. It’s sometimes considered to be the highest mountain in Western Europe outside of the Alps, as geographically speaking the Canary Islands (home to Teide, the highest Spanish mountain) are far closer to Africa. 

Mainland Spain’s highest peak is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This southern coastal region is home to a handful of other summits that feature on our list here. It’s unknown exactly when Mulhacén was first summited, but it’s estimated that it was before the 16th century (absolutely ages ago, in other words). Over the years, tourists have found easy routes to the peak that don’t present much of a technical challenge. A whole ascent and descent can be done in a day with the right equipment, but it’s common to stay the night at a mountain refuge point at Poqueira . Make a weekend out of climbing the second highest mountain in Spain.

3. Pico Aneto, 3404m

Coming in at a very close third on this list is Pico Aneto. Standing tall at 3404m, it’s the highest mountain in the Pyrenees mountain range. Being just six kilometres south of the French-Spanish border, summiting Spain’s third tallest mountain can give you a glimpse of both countries at once. Aneto belongs to the Maladeta Massif, a site of interest that’s sparked curiosity amongst explorers and geographers for nearly two centuries.

Aneto was first summited in 1842 by Platon Chikhachyov (a vacationing Russian officer on a pretty far-out excursion) and Albert de Franqueville. The pair were accompanied by their guides Pierre Sanio de Luz, Luchonnais Bernard Arrazau, Pierre Redonnet, and Jean Sors. On the expedition the group explored various routes, avoiding Aneto’s enormous glacier on its northern side and pausing at naturally forming spots such as La Renclusa (now the site of an official mountain refuge stop for anyone climbing Aneto).

6. Alcazaba, 3371m

Not to be mistaken for a certain fictional prison in the wizarding world, Alcazaba is the sixth highest mountain in Spain. Standing tall at 3371m, its northern face is visible from the city of Granada and makes for a picturesque backdrop to the classic Spanish region. Like a handful of other mountains on this list, you’ll find Alcazaba in the Sierra Nevada. It’s one of the most prominent mountains in the region.

This peak’s considered to be one of the most isolated points in the mountain range, so unless you’re a little bit superhuman climbing Alcazaba will require an overnight stay. Check out Refugio de Poqueira if you’re looking for shelter here (you’ll need to book in advance). You’ll find this hut on the western face, to its east you’ll spot the Lagunas de la Calderetas; a collection of picturesque lakes. The mountain’s northern face might be a sight to behold, but it’s also a climb to be wary of and, with that in mind, we recommend the southern face for your way up. It’s a lot easier. 

7. Monte Perdido, 3355m

The seventh highest Spanish mountain, and third highest in the Pyrenees, is Monte Perdido. It’s a 3355m-tall spectacle, with a giant north-facing glacier really elevating its sense of grandeur. Despite being just 3km from the Spanish-French border, the mountain is hidden from the view of its friends in the north. Translating into English as Lost Mountain, the peak more than lives up to its name with the mountains of the Cirques of Gavarnie blocking any French view of the Spanish summit.

The mountain’s glacier, the Monte Perdido Glacier, is under threat from the effects of climate change; visible decay is occurring here on an annual basis. There’s been a reported 48 hectares of surface area lost to global warming since 1981. Add this to your endless list of reasons why we need to do more to protect our planet.

8. Pico Maldito, 3350m

The fourth highest mountain in the Pyrenees, and eighth highest peak in Spain, is Pico Maldito. Situated in the Posets–Maladeta Natural Park, it’s another astonishing bit of terrain in amongst the Pyrenees; poking its head out at 3350m above sea level. There’s no easy way of climbing Pico Maldito, but some ace scrambling spots mean that it should make for a fun climb for those experienced enough to take it on.

The dawn of the 19th century marked the start of various attempts to reach the peaks of the Pyrenees, and the first recorded successful summit of Pico Maldito was completed by a German explorer called Johann Jacob Friedrich Wilhelm Parrot in 1817 (what a name, by the way). His guide Pierre Barrau (still a cool name, but no JJFWP) accompanied him on the ascent. At the time it happened, they reportedly thought they’d reached the tallest point in the region. Oh, how wrong they were.

9. Espadas Peak, 3332m

Sitting nice-and-close to Pico Posets, which is number five on this list and also situated in the Pyrenees, is the Espadas Peak (or Pico Espadas). Its summit sits up at a height of 3332m above sea level, and blends magnificently into the skyline of the Posets Massif. The Espadas-Posets ridge joins the Espadas Peak to Pico Posets and makes for a spectacular route – so long as you don’t go weak at the knees at the thought of a (quite literally) mountainous drop. Tightrope Walker’s Pass is a famously narrow 10-metre section that requires a steady heart, level head, and ice in the veins.

10. Cilindro de Marboré, 3328m

The tenth highest mountain in Spain is Cilindro de Marboré. It pokes its head out of the Monte Perdido Massif, and has an official summit height of 3328m. Along with Monte Perdido and Soum de Ramond, Cilindro de Marboré makes up a famous trio of mountains in the Pyrenees known as Las Tres Sorores (the three sisters).

The first recorded successful summit was completed in 1864 by the Irishman Henry Russell and his guide, Emilien Frossard, during their expedition of the Pyrenees. After taking on Monte Perdido, the pair decided to take on Cilindro de Marboré. Writing about the view from the summit, Russell said “The view is of an indescribable brilliance, more beautiful than that of the Monte Perdido.” See, sometimes bigger isn’t always better.

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