Sierra Blanca (Andalusia)

Sierra Blanca is a mountain range of the Penibaetic System in Málaga Province, Andalusia, Spain. Its highest point is the 1,275 m high Pico del Lastonar. It is the closest mountain to Marbella.

Sierra Blanca
View of the Sierra Blanca from Puerto Banús
Highest point
PeakPico del Lastonar
Elevation1,275 m (4,183 ft)
Coordinates36°34′0″N 04°54′0″W / 36.56667°N 4.95000°W / 36.56667; -4.95000
Geography
Sierra Blanca is located in Spain
Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca
Location in Spain
LocationMálaga Province, Andalusia
CountrySpain
Parent rangePenibaetic System
Geology
OrogenyAlpine orogeny
Rock typeKarstic

The Sierra Blanca, meaning 'White Range', is named after the lack of vegetation on its slopes which leaves the pale grey limestone rock exposed.[1]

Geography

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This karstic mountain range is part of the ranges fringing the Mediterranean coastline in the Costa del Sol area.[2] It is located between the coast and the Sierra de las Nieves in the municipal terms of Istán, Ojén, Marbella and Monda. The easiest route to reach it is from Marbella town.[3]

The Pico de la Concha (1,270 m), meaning 'Seashell Peak', resembles a seashell seen from the west and is the second highest summit of the range. Other notable peaks are the Salto del Lobo (1,225 m), Cerro de la Zarina (1,141 m) and the Cruz de Juanar (1,178 m).[4]

Ecologist organizations in the area have proposed that the Sierra Blanca be declared a protected area, in a similar manner as the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park located in the neighboring range.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Mapa de senderos y fauna de Sierra Blanca (Marbella, Málaga)
  2. ^ El karst en los mármoles alpujárrides de las sierras Blanca y Mijas
  3. ^ Senderismo Marbella
  4. ^ Mapa ornitológico y de fauna de Sierra Blanca (Marbella, Ojén, Istán), Biogea Consultores S.C. 2009 ISBN 978-8461363742
  5. ^ La Sierra de las Nieves crece mirando al mar(in Spanish)
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