Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Mountains Nature Reserve
Between La Axarquía and the western part of Granada
The mountains of Alhama, Tejeda, and Almijara follow one another from north to south, forming a natural border between Malaga's region of La Axarquía, and Granada's western region of Alhama. Sharp peaks, steep slopes, and breathtaking defiles render this rough landscape, whose most prominent feature is the Maroma peak, standing at 2,068 metres of altitude.
In the geologic composition of this massif we notice the remarkable predominance of dolomitic marbles, which lend it an unwonted appearance, marked by grey and white tones. This mountainous massif shelters a very diverse flora, including some endemic plant species. Some pine varieties (aleppo pine, Scotch pine, stone pine, etc.) alternate with numerous shrub species, like boxwood, Melojo oak, dwarf palm, laurestinus, and Lycium intricatum. As a remnant from its past, a small yew forest is preserved, the southernmost one in the Iberian Peninsula. The Nerja cave, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, constitutes one of the most attractive spots in the park for visitors.
Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Mountains Nature Reserve
Andalusia
Granada (Andalusia):
- Alhama de Granada
- Arenas del Rey
- Jayena
- Otívar
- Alcaucín
- Canillas de Aceituno
- Canillas de Albaida
- Cómpeta
- Frigiliana
- Nerja
- Salares
- Sedella
Malaga (Andalusia):
What you need to know
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Cultural information
In the vicinity of the park we find several towns of long Moorish tradition, and rich Mudejar architecture. We should mention towns like Alcaucín, Cómpeta, Frigiliana, Salares, and Alhama de Granada.
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Environmental information
Numerous bird species inhabit this protected space; some of the most remarkable ones are the eagle, the goshawk, the peregrine falcon, the wheatear, the blue rock thrush, and the hedge sparrow. As for mammals, the most emblematic one in the park is the mountain goat. These mountains have become its most important refuge in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Information for visits
Unlimited access. To get to this park from Seville, take the A-92 motorway until you reach the Zafarraya detour, which leads to Sierra Tejeda. From Granada, take Motril road, which leads to Otívar and Almuñécar. By taking this detour, and staying on it for a few kilometres, you reach some of the western towns of Granada, such as Jayena, Fornes, and Alhama de Granada. Coming from Málaga, follow the coastal road until the Algarrobo exit, which leads to Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida, which mark the entrance to the park.
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