The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Olula De Castro

The Sierra de los Filabres, the largest mountain range in Almería Province, offers several significant peaks. Among them are Calar Alto, the highest at 2,168 meters, known for its observatory; Tetica de Bacares Summit, the second highest at 2,086 meters; and Calar Gallinero at 2,049 meters. For stunning panoramas, Mirador La Merendera offers views of the Campo de Tabernas.

Calar Alto is home to the Calar Alto Observatory, which houses the largest telescope in continental Western Europe. Visitors can often take guided tours to learn about astronomy and experience the clear night skies, ideal for stargazing. The plateau itself is at 2,168 meters, offering expansive views.

Yes, a walking trail connects Calar Alto and Tetica de Bacares, providing hikers with far-reaching vistas from both summits. Additionally, Mirador La Merendera serves as a starting point for an easy circular trail that heads towards Calar Alto.

Mirador La Merendera offers stunning panoramas of the Campo de Tabernas, a vast, desert-like basin known for its golden and ochre tones. It provides a different perspective of Almería, away from the coast, with views stretching to the horizon over bare, stony hills, contrasted by reforested pine trees in the immediate area.

The region around Olula de Castro and the Sierra de los Filabres is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, cycling routes, and traffic-free bike rides, many of which involve challenging climbs to peaks like Calar Alto and Alto de Velefique.

The Sierra de los Filabres experiences a semi-desert climate, ensuring it hardly rains. While specific best times can vary, the clear skies are particularly noted for stargazing at Calar Alto. Be prepared for chilly descents at night due to the high altitude.

The Sierra de los Filabres has a rich history as a crossroads of cultures. Its legacy includes remains of Roman aqueducts and Arab castles. Notably, Tetica de Bacares Summit played an important role in the geodetic connection between Europe and Africa in 1878.

The landscape of the Sierra de los Filabres is diverse and dramatic. You'll encounter reforested woodlands of holm oaks and pine trees, transitioning from almond and olive groves in lower valleys to rugged, high-altitude environments. The region also borders the unique desert-like terrain of the Campo de Tabernas.

Collado de Conde, at 1,870 meters above sea level, marks a significant change in the Almería landscape. It transitions from the arid, Western film-like environment to a cooler setting of mountains and pine forests. It also serves as a crossroads for various roads, trails, and gravel tracks.

Yes, the region offers several challenging climbs. For instance, the Ascent to Calar Alto from the Tabernas Desert via Gérgal is a long, steep, and spectacular climb exceeding 37 kilometers with an average gradient of 5.3%. Many routes in the area, including those to Alto de Velefique, are rated as difficult.

The Sierra de los Filabres is unique for being the largest mountain range in Almería Province, featuring peaks over 2,000 meters. It's known for its remote, isolated areas, its historical significance as a cultural crossroads, and the presence of the Calar Alto Observatory, making it a blend of natural beauty, scientific importance, and historical depth.