To the north of Vista Lago Residences, the view of a stunning mountainous backdrop is the UNESCO biosphere reserve known as Sierra de Las Nieves, a national park which is considered one of Andalucía’s most beautiful areas. The park contains 93,930 hectares (362.7 square miles) of protected land within its boundaries, the southern portion of which is close to the coastline of the Costa del Sol.
Article by Sophie Gatward-Wicks
The Sierra de Las Nieves encompasses a mountain range within the Penibaetic System, which is home to several subranges, including the Sierra del Pinar, and Sierra de Tolox. The park’s rivers, the Guadalevín and Río Grande, have their origins here, which throughout time have carved spectacular canyons, and provide vital water sources to the surrounding areas.
From soaring peaks like La Torrecilla, reaching heights of nearly 2,000 meters, to intricate cave systems, including the GESM cave, the third deepest cave in the world with a 1,100-meter freefall, the park certainly boasts a thrill-seeking edge. Limestone and peridotite mountains in the eastern sector of the Ronda hills feature steep slopes that give way to very deep valleys and a profusion of gullies, ravines and precipices.
Animals such as Roe Deer, Iberian Ibex, Wild Boar, Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrine Hawk, Booted Eagle, Royal Eagle and Griffon Vultures reside here and are often seen, alongside many other species. On a good day, you can even find otters by the rivers that flow through the park, commonly the Guadalevín River, El Burgo River, Alfaguara River, and the Río Grande.
Discovering A Tapestry of Culture and Adventure
For any hikers who have yet to blaze the trail, La Torreccilla is known as one of the park’s most rewarding, with a peak of 1919m. It also happens to be the very centre of the park. The 360-degree panoramic views from the top make the 15.7km climb well worth its while. To discover more on La Torrecilla and how to get to the top, read about our ascent here.
Beyond its natural splendor, the Sierra de Las Nieves offers a wealth of cultural experiences, with 14 charming white villages dotted throughout the area, each with its own unique character and heritage. Among the tranquil whitewashed villages – Tolox, Monda, El Burgo, Yunquera, Istán – you’ll find crumbling fortresses and other historical remnants dating as far back as Phoenician times.
Other than immersing yourself in the rich heritage following ethnographic routes or exploring the regions agrotourism, some of the more high intensity activities you can enjoy include canyoning, canoeing, horse riding, cycling and swimming. It goes without saying that the park’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty is an entire adventure in and of itself.
Last November our team hiked through the park’s nearby chestnut groves, to fully appreciate the turning of the leaves that time of year. The Autumnal day trip took us through 3 white villages and an ‘enchanted’ forest. We also met a 300 year old chestnut tree along the road known as the Camino del Molino Real, outside the village of Cartajima. It was such a success that we will be keeping this a yearly tradition. See more on that walk here.
A National Park for All
Established as a protected area in 1989, the Sierra de Las Nieves Natural Park has been a beacon for conservation efforts. In January 2021, it was formally declared a National Park, cementing its status as one of Andalucía’s natural jewels. Home to an estimated 60% of the world’s Spanish fir forest, one of these fir trees has even been declared a Natural Monument. This famous tree is called The Pinsapo de Las Escaleretas, and is estimated to be between 350-550 years old. The impressive fir tree gets its name from the appearance of the surrounding terrain, as the position of the slabs of limestone rock formations look like stairs (escaleras in Spanish).
Experts consider that the elderly tree is already in its last years of life, so time is of the essence if you want to see this natural legend! Located in the foothills of El Cerro Alcojona, you will find The Pinsapo de Las Escaleretas next to the road to Las Lajas, near the municipality of Parauta. Just 20 minutes by car from Ronda.
Embracing Responsible Tourism
As efforts to develop infrastructure and promote responsible tourism unfold, the Sierra de Las Nieves National Park is poised to become a haven for sustainable travel. With initiatives aimed at preserving its natural beauty while supporting local communities, the park invites visitors to explore its tranquil towns and historic sites. Whether tracing the footsteps of ancient civilisations, summiting the towering peaks or meandering through ancient pinsapo forests, the Sierra de Las Nieves promises an enriching experience for all who venture into its embrace.
Living close to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park
Vista Lago Residences is located in the 200-hectare estate of Real de la Quinta. The estate borders the protected UNESCO biosphere reserve area surrounding the national park. Being so close to a National Park is great for home owners in Vista Lago, not only for the obvious attraction of a national park within very easy driving distance, and all that means for hikers, explorers and general nature lovers, but for those for whom increased investment value is important. Quite simply, the closer a property is to a national park anywhere in the world, the more valuable it becomes.
For more information on Vista Lago Residences, visit our information page. You can call our Sales Team on (+34) 682 10 50 02 or email them on: info@by-bright.com
