Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park (Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves) is located at the heart of the natural Serrania de Ronda region, in the province of Malaga. This mountainous area is punctuated by deep ravines and spectacular cliffs, such as La Caina, with a drop of over 100 metres. Furthermore, the limestone nature of the earth has created a number of potholes, such as the G.E.S.M., the world’s third deepest at 1,100 metres The highest peak is Torrecilla (1,919 metres) in the Sierra Blanca de Tolox. Its greatest treasure are its conifer forests dating back to the tertiary period, featuring the Spanish fir, the most unusual species of fir in the world.

Its relief is extremely rugged, with the deep ravines, high cliffs and gorges characteristic of Alpine folding.

Flora
In the mountain peaks, where precipitation and fog are common, large numbers of gall oaks and Spanish firs are to be found. At lower altitudes the holm oak and cork oak thrive. There are also small collections of madronnos, chestnut trees, yews, maples and ashes.

Fauna

The area is home to one of Andalusia’s largest communities of mountain goat, one of only two wild species of large hoofed mammal native to the Park, the other being the deer. Other species such as the stag and mountain ox have been brought in, the Park providing them with an excellent habitat. Also to be found here are certain animal species protected by law, such as the wild cat, golden eagle and otter, the latter having practically disappeared from the River Verde. The Pecho Venus Centre for the Recuperation of Protected Species in Tolox cares for animals which have been harmed.
Nearby places of particular interest

G.E.S.M. pothole (third deepest in the world).

Fuente Amargosa Spa (Balneanio).

The immense cultural and monumental importance of all of the area’s villages.

Los Quejigales.
El Sabinal.
El Cuervo Gully (Cañada del Cuervo).
Pilones Pass (Puerto de Pilones).
Torrecilla.