One of the saddest news stories of the summer of 2021 was, without a doubt, the major wildfire in Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, in the province of M\u00e1laga. More than 9,500 hectares were burned across the municipalities of Estepona, Jubrique, and Genalguacil, mainly. And it sparked a fear that has raised awareness among nature lovers: the risk of causing irreparable damage to the area\u2019s pinsapo forests, of incalculable ecological value. <\/p>\n\n
Fortunately, none of the main pinsapo forests were seriously affected, but we have written this post to raise awareness of the uniqueness of this local species and to show which routes can be taken by anyone interested in getting to know it.<\/p>\n\n
The pinsapo (Abies pinsapo) is a true natural treasure of Andalusia. And this is not merely a figure of speech, but a reality: it is a fir species that is only found naturally in a few areas of the provinces of M\u00e1laga and C\u00e1diz. <\/p>\n\n
It is a tree that, thousands of years ago, was widespread across Europe from the beginning of the Tertiary period (65 million years ago), but it came close to extinction as a result of the glaciations. In fact, after the last glacial period, which ended some 10,000 years ago, the pinsapo was reduced to its current areas: the Sierra de las Nieves and Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, in M\u00e1laga, and the Sierra de Grazalema, in C\u00e1diz. <\/p>\n\n
Pinsapo forests are woodland areas formed almost exclusively by these firs, although they can also be found scattered in other places. They are distinguished by their great height, which can reach 30 metres, by their downward-sloping branches in several arms like a candelabrum, and by their thick, rigid, pointed leaves. They prefer northern slopes, shaded areas, and higher altitudes, to protect themselves from sunlight and moisture loss. <\/p>\n\n The main routes through Andalusia\u2019s pinsapo forests coincide with the three areas where these trees are naturally distributed. First, in the Sierra de las Nieves, recently declared a National Park. The proposal<\/a> starts at Puerto Saucillo and ends at the Los Quejigales Recreation Area, which means a hike of around 9 hours and a high level of difficulty. <\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/andaluciaexclusiva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/pinsapar-de-los-bermejales-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Which routes can be taken among pinsapos<\/h2>\n\n