The province of Malaga hides unique places. Places that go far beyond the sun and the beach. Its natural landscapes and mountainous areas are an invitation to change sedentary lifestyles for hiking, the beach for the mountains, the hustle and bustle for calm, and espetos for migas (fried breadcrumbs).
Malaga is, in fact, one of the provinces richest in hiking trails, offering the best plan for nature lovers thanks to the fact that, among other things, 50% of Malaga’s territory is covered by Natural Parks and Landscapes.
The Costa del Sol is almost a utopia precisely because, in just a few minutes, we can leave the sand behind to start walking through some of the most marvellous forests in Spain. El Caminito del Rey, the Malaga Mountains, the Torcal de Antequera... It’s time to get to know the other Malaga!
The best hiking routes in Malaga
Malaga is known for its sea… but little by little it is gaining a great reputation for its mountains.
The thousand and one hiking routes in Malaga are another of the great attractions of the province, which is becoming more and more popular among nature and sport lovers. There is physical exercise for all tastes, routes of all sizes and difficulty, breathtaking flora and fauna?
If you fancy hiking in Malaga and explore this beautiful area of Andalusia, Yellowcar has prepared this introductory guide to the best hiking routes in Malaga.
Adaptable routes, for all ages and perfect for strolling by the sea, walking trails through fascinating landscapes, great waterfalls, unique trees in the world, peaks of more than 2,000 meters high… Here is our list:
El Caminito del Rey
A path that seems to be born from a dream, a particular work of engineering like few others, a unique place in the world.
El Caminito del Rey, in El Chorro, is a footbridge suspended over the cliffs of the Sierra Huma, hanging from the vertical rocks of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, which has achieved worldwide fame since its reconstruction. It is a path that millions of people pass through every year in search of what was once the most dangerous path in the world. Today, however, there is no need to worry: it is suitable for everyone, from children to adults.
And be careful, because in Malaga you can visit the Caminito del Rey… and the Caminito del Príncipe! Also known as the Caminito del Rey de la Axarquía, the Saltillo de Canillas de Aceituno is famous for its suspension bridge in the middle of nature. Another place that is well worth a visit within the wide range of hiking trails in Malaga with which to enjoy the most of our land.
Here we explain you how to go to the caminito del rey.
Concha Peak
In the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park overlooking the Mediterranean, just a few kilometres from Marbella, rises the Pico de la Concha.
An angular giant that looks down from high above the gentle shapes of the Costa del Sol. In this case, the route consists of ascending the Pico La Concha (1,215 m.), for example starting from the Hotel Refugio de Juanar.
A spectacular place in an idyllic area where, of course, we’d be much better off in an SUV over mountain passes and curves that take in some of the best mountains in Malaga.
Peñón de los enamorados – Yunquera
We are still immersed in the astonishing as yet unknown Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves.
In this case, the trail “Caucón, Peñón de los Enamorados” has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and interesting routes in Malaga. Here, we can observe a forest that contains one of the most important botanical jewels not only in Andalusia but also in the whole of Spain: the Spanish fir.
A tree, the Spanish fir, more than 10 million years old, which constitutes, within the Natural Park of Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, a true natural oasis that can only be visited in this essential spot in Malaga.
In short, viewpoints, breathtaking panoramic views and the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline in the background while we delight in the shapes and forms of the landscape.
Ascent to the Maroma
La Maroma, at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, is the summit of the province of Malaga, as well as a challenge for many hikers.
The guardian of the Axarquia is the closest thing to the high mountain that exists in Malaga.
Covered in snow for a few weeks in winter, spring and autumn is the perfect time to climb its peak, a route that can be done from different points: Alcaucín, Canillas de Aceituno, Sedella or El Robledal (Alhama de Granada).
To get to the starting points, it is very interesting to have an SUV to take you to the respective starting points, especially in Los Alcázares, the recreational area of Alcaucín, as the previous 2-3 kilometres are on a forest track.
Cueva del gato trail
This route, which is not very steep, takes place in the valley of the river Guadiaro, on the border of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
The final objective is the Natural Monument of the Cueva del Gato, which can be combined with the path that runs parallel to the river Guadiaro, joining the stations of Benaoján and Jimera de Líbar. It is undoubtedly a privileged spot, of exceptional beauty and popular in summer, as we can cool off in the waters of Charco Frío.
The chestnut route
When autumn arrives, the chestnut route in Malaga becomes a point of pilgrimage for thousands of hikers and nature lovers.
The so-called “copper forest” is located in the Genal Valley, those forests that shelter charming villages such as Parauta, Igualeja or Cartajima. The chestnut route of Igualeja is perhaps the most popular, as there we can visit the source of the Genal River and enjoy the ochre, green and reddish colours of the vegetation, and the golden and coppery leaves of the chestnut tree that completely cover the ground.
Ruta de las Contadoras
Welcome to the Montes de Málaga. 5,000 hectares of reforested pine forest full of secrets, natural enclaves, gastronomy and historical heritage.
One of the most common, simple and attractive trails, perfect for an excursion from Malaga city, is the circular route that starts next to the Aula de Las Contadoras until you reach the Lagar de Torrijos and, from there, back to the beginning.
The Torcal of Antequera
One of the favourite places for hiking with children in Malaga, for its simplicity and perfect signposting, and for the incredible landscapes it offers, is the Torcal de Antequera.
Caves and labyrinths of limestone rock sculpted by old sea beds, water and wind are a real delight for the senses.