Sistema Central, Mountain range in central Iberian Peninsula, Spain and Portugal
The Sistema Central is a mountain range extending across multiple Spanish regions and Portuguese areas, composed primarily of limestone and sandstone formations. The highest peak, Pico Almanzor, rises to approximately 2,600 meters and forms a clear ridge that divides the central plateau into distinct zones.
The range formed approximately 25 million years ago during the Alpine orogeny, fundamentally shaping the geological structure of the Iberian Peninsula. This mountain-building episode created the varied rock types and elevation changes that define the landscape today.
Communities living in the valleys and foothills have developed traditions deeply tied to mountain life, from livestock herding to regional festivals celebrated at different times of year. These practices remain visible in how people use the land and organize their celebrations around the seasons.
Many marked hiking trails connect different peaks and are accessible from Madrid, the surrounding Spanish regions, and Portuguese border areas. The warmer months offer the best conditions for trekking, as snow cover is minimal or absent at lower elevations.
The range acts as a natural water divide between two major river systems, the Tagus and the Douro, shaping water distribution across the entire Iberian Peninsula. This hydrological role makes it a critical area for water management in both countries.
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