A very bumpy, grueling road to Villavientos Refuge in Andalucia
Refugio Villavientos is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 3,094m (10,150ft) above sea level, located in the province of Granada, in Spain. It’s one of the highest roads in Europe.
Where is Villavientos Refuge?
The mountain cabin, also known as Refugio Pillavientos and Refugio de Villa Vientos, is located in the region of Andalucia, in the southern part of the country.
Why is it called Refugio Villavientos?
Villavientos Refuge is a former Forest House, restored for that purpose, and used by Forest Rangers when the area was accessible by car via the track. It is an open, unstaffed refuge. It cannot be reserved for overnight stays. Due to its location and its name, it would be surprising to find a day without wind. That is why the main characteristic of this refuge is the frequent presence of strong gusts and wind. It is also known as Casa Forestal de Loma Pelá, especially in earlier times when it was used as a ranger station. In more recent publications, it also appears as Refugio Pillavientos, in reference to the previously mentioned wind-related feature.
How is Refugio Villavientos?
We are looking at an old but well-preserved refuge. It is a single-story rectangular building with a sloped roof. It has a split door that can be opened separately, as well as a small window that still has its glass in the inner frame. Inside, there is a large table with bench seating, an area to set up camp stoves right under the window, and a sleeping area with two wooden platforms, one above the other, which can comfortably sleep about 12 people. There is no chimney, but at this altitude, there is nothing to burn, so it's logical. It also lacks good access to running water; in winter, snow can be melted. The best feature is its westward view, which at sunset offers one of the best views in all of Sierra Nevada.
How long is the road to Villavientos Refuge?
The road to the mountain refuge is totally unpaved. It’s called Camino de los Franceses (also known as Camino del Mulhacén), and links the Veleta peak and a small town called Capileira. It’s 23.3km (14.47 miles) long. It's closed to private motor vehicles. The road provides stunning views of many alpine lakes.
Is the road to Villavientos Refuge open in winter?
Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, at this elevation the road is totally impassable in winters. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Pic: Ramón Carlos Válor López