Andalucia is the ideal place to enjoy an incredible walk while you delight in the smells, sounds and spectacular colours that nature offers you. Our community hides incredible natural treasures (many of them unknown) that are worth exploring. Our climate also makes this territory one of the perfect destinations for hiking enthusiasts, and although autumn and spring are the perfect seasons to carry out this activity, it is no less true that there are some places that have a special charm during winter or summer (such as river routes).

 

Routes of different levels of difficulty, which run along the sea, through the mountains and through natural areas protected for their beauty and ecological value. Hiking routes to do through the provinces of Malaga, Huelva, Cádiz. So, you don’t miss its lights, colours, smells and flavours.

It is very difficult to make a selection of hiking routes in Andalucia, so we hope that no one gets angry because, this is only a small selection and there are many that have had to be left out, but we promise to include them in the next one.

 

 

Andalucia hiking trails

 

1.     Fuente del Porrejón Route, Estepona (Málaga)

A simple and beautiful hiking trail through pine forests of the municipality of Estepona. Its round trip will take you just over an hour.

This route is part of the Estepona Natural program. This is a linear route with very little difficulty which goes through the Porrejón fountain, crossing dense forests of Maritime pine that have played an important role in the economy of Estepona, especially in the first quarter of the twentieth century, with the exploitation of these forests by the Spanish Resin Union to obtain resins and take them to a factory in the town.

The Porrejón fountain is mentioned in the diaries of naturalist Simon de Rojas Clemente Rubio who, in October 1809, visited Sierra Bermeja as part of a trip through the Kingdom of Granada (the provinces of Málaga, Granada and Almería).

An ideal to share with your family, and where your children will be able to enjoy the environment in a simple and natural way.

More info: Estepona Natural.

 

2.     Ruta de Aracena, Huelva

The Huelva municipality of Aracena has numerous trails of different lengths and difficulties between easy and moderate. You will also find other hiking trails that go beyond this municipality and that are part of the paths of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park.

This route has a high average difficulty and begings on street B from Polígono Cantagallo. The explanatory signs about the Iberian pig that grows in the area are one of the curiosities of the route. Sierra de Aracena, a mountain formation located in Sierra Morena, has become a popular area for rural tourism in recent years, as it possesses a very important natural and cultural heritage. If you finally choose this option be sure to visit the sights offered by the municipality.

More info:  Wikiloc.

 

3.     Río Chillar route, Nerja (Málaga)

You can take the Chillar River trail to the so-called Vado de los Patos or to the dam or Cortijo Imán. The last stretch, from the ford to the farmhouse, is of greater difficulty.

The first stretch is a 16 kilometres round trip. Its difficulty is medium. The time required to perform this trail will depend on the speed and number of stops you make. Approximately between 6-7 hours.

Keep in mind that the trail runs along the river. So wear shoes appropriate for water. The water will cover you to the ankle at least. You can climb more depending on the volume of the river.

Nature lovers are well aware of the route that borders the Chillar River near Nerja, where sports and contact with nature are the main attraction. Going up the river we find a large reservoir of water where the daring hikers stop to bathe in this natural pool covered with rocks. Up and almost at the end of the river, there is another reservoir with waterfalls to cool down after exercise. Do not miss this place, it will leave you lost for words.

More info:  Wikiloc

 

4.     Río Verde, Sierra de las Nieves (Málaga)

This trail goes through the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. This beautiful itinerary runs through the western slopes of Mount Albornoque, bordering the park boundaries, and goes through a well-preserved cork oak forest. The road back offers two options, the first one is to go down the crystal clear waters of the Green River, where we’ll even have to swim to cross Charco de la Chute, a small river crossing which comes useful during the summer months. The second possibility is to retrace your steps and until you find Charco de la Canaleta, together with those who preferred going down the river. Here we can have a good swim, turning this route into an extraordinary experience.

More info:  Wikiloc.

 

5.     Pinsapar route in Grazalema

This is one of the most beautiful routes through the Natural Park of Grazalema pinsapar, the largest in the world. The views are breathtaking and it is common to spot vultures and deer. The difficulty is average due to its length of 12 km, and it lasts 5 hours. This trail ends at the impressive water fountain of Benamahoma. In order to hike along this circuit, you should apply for a permit, which can be processed at the Visitor Center of El Bosque.

More info:  Wikiloc.

 

 6.     Garganta Verde Trail, Grazalema

This three- kilometre trail has a medium-high difficulty, offers a magnificent view of the canyon through which flows Bocaleones brook. This gorge is 400 metres deep with a huge cave at the base. The descent is steep and takes about 3 hours from the starting point in Zahara. It is a superb route to watch the vultures up close and photograph yourself in a superb natural setting.

More info:  Wikiloc

 

7.     Juanar to La Concha trail, Marbella (Málaga)

If you decide to walk the path from Juanar up to La Concha you’ll discover splendid views towards Marbella and the Costa del Sol on the way. The route has approximately 13 kilometres and a half round trip, as it takes about 8 hours. We find lanes between pine forests and sea views and to the other side of the near mountains ,like those found in Sierra de las Nieves natural park. Once you arrive at La Concha peak you can enjoy an amazing panoramic 360° view of the other peaks of Sierra Blanca and of Costa del Sol, while to the north you will see the splendid Istan Valley and the reservoir.

More info:  Wikiloc

 

8.     Route from Conil to Roche Lighthouse (Cádiz)

The route takes about 4 hours, including the way back, and covers about 12 kilometres. In many cases, it is possible to make the detour to the beach itself, but the first time it is advisable to do it from the top, as there you have the best view. The vast waters of Conil beach are the background of this trail and which inspire tranquillity. As you progress, you will realize that the views are improving. Once you travel the last mile you will come to Oil Creek, a small sand bank next to the harbour area that gets very crowded. At the other side, we can see Roche Lighthouse, an old tower that served as a lookout.

More info:  Wikiloc

 

9.     Pico de Los Reales trail, Estepona (Málaga)

The Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja Natural Park is one of the many protected areas of the province of Malaga. A place with several signalled trails in which you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views and its natural beauty.

Although the road goes up to the refuge of Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, or Refuge Agustín Lozano, and offers exceptional views, there is another path that leads to the highest peak of the mountain, the Andalucian local path 168, which reaches 1452 metres over sea level atits highest peak. This is an itinerary featuring typical vegetation of Sierra Bermeja, resin pines, kermes oaks, gorse, grasses and botanical gems as the trail rises, or several endemic species that provide heritage to this important peninsular enclave.

More info:  Wikiloc

 

10.  Puerta Verde de Torrox – Frigiliana – Sierra Almijara (Málaga)

Puerta Verde is located in the south-east of the province of Málaga, tracing its origins in the population of Torrox and concluding in Sierra Tejeda Natural Park, Alhama and Almijara. The route consists of a ramp that leads to the town of Frigiliana, connecting the impressive mountain range that separates them. This route lays in an area of high tourism performance ideal for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. You can choose how to do this activity and appreciate the beauty of this area of the Axarquia.

More info:  Wikiloc

 

11. Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Pathway)

The Caminito del Rey is a one-way trail. It begins in the municipality of Ardales and ends in the municipality of Álora, specifically in the area of the El Chorro Railway Station. You have to keep in mind that one thing is the estimated time to make the trail and another the time you will need to return to the starting point.

At almost 100 meters high above the gorge though which the Guadalhorce River flows, the Caminito del Rey was, in its beginnings, a small service pathway that traversed the Gaitanes Gorge.

The total length of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 km, 4.8 of which are accesses and 2.9 are footbridges. The pathway traverses the natural landscape of the Gaitanes Gorge, an impressive three-kilometers-long canyon, formed by the action of the Guadalhorce River over the limestone and dolomite, that reaches a height of 300 meters and a width of less than 10 meters.

More info: Wikiloc

 

12. Subida al Aljibe (Path up the Aljibe)

Although considerably difficult due to its length and inclination, this path runs up to the highest point of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, richly rewarding those who make the effort.

From the summit, visitors can gaze upon most of the natural park, its sierras, rivers, canyons, wetlands, crops, marshlands and towns. In addition, on clear days, the sight can reach the Strait of Gibraltar, the African coast, the Bay of Cádiz, the Sierra de las Cabras, the plains of Seville and the Ronda mountain range.

Besides the great sights, the area is known for its numerous bird species, which build their nests in the slabs and cliffs of these sierras.

More info: Wikiloc

 

13. Tore del Tajo signposted path

We are before one of the signalled trails of the La Breña and Marismas de Barbate Natural Park, in the province of Cadiz.

A brief journey that allows visitors to familiarize with some of the most emblematic values the natural park has to offer. Besides a more than nice walk along the pine forest, the end of the path shows us the Torre del Tajo (Tower of Tajo), which crowns a cliff with some walls that reach more than 100 meters high. From the nearby overlook, visitors can enjoy spectacular sights of a practically virgin coast.

The juniper trees present in this park make up for the second largest number of specimens in the Iberian Peninsula, surpassed only by the juniper tree forest of Doñana. In addition, the presence of chameleon in this area was one of the reasons why it was declared a natural park.

More info: Wikiloc

 

14. Las Quebradas signposted path

Another beautiful signalled trail of the La Breña and Marismas de Barbate Natural Park. It goes through one of the five different ecosystems of this protected area of the province of Cadiz, the pine forest.

This brief journey through the pine forest takes us from near Barbete to Vejer de la Frontera. The path, comfortable and without pronounced inclinations, allows us to experience one of Cádiz’s most representative ecosystems.

During the trip, we will find numerous aromatic plants, such as rosemary and thyme. The latter, besides being used for cooking, was used by ancient Egyptians to embalm their dead corpses, and by the Greeks for their baths and to burn it as incense in their temples. However, it was probably the Romans who disseminated its uses throughout Europe while using as a home purifier.

More info: Wikiloc

 

15. Punta del Boqueón

It is one of the signalled trails of the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park. The perfect place for those who enjoy watching the birds that migrate between Europe and Africa. It goes through the municipality of San Fernando.

On this comfortable path, along the beach of El Castillo, we will discover that we are walking on the border of a sand bar, the Punta del Boquerón. Through it, we will familiarize with two ecosystems that although very different, coexist in close connection: the sand dunes and the marshlands.

Punta del Boquerón, declared a Natural Monument, the Urrutia Battery and the nearby castle of Sancti Pietri, considered cultural interest assets, are enough to justify walking these two and a half kilometers through a comfortable footbridge or the perfectly marked path on the sand.

On one side, we will have the Sancti-Pietri stream, one of the park’s best-preserved marshlands. On the other side, the beach, an area that can be submerged or not, depending on the tides. More inland, the sand dunes, sand mountains formed by the wind.

More info: Wikiloc

 

16. Marismas del Barbate

La Breña y Marismas del Barrete Natural Park is a space full of contrasts. Within its limits there are ancient sand dunes repopulated by pine trees, the cliff and its coastal strip, and the marshlands. What is attractive of this long path is discovering an ecosystem as particular as the one of the marshland.

The marshland bring us closer to this territory of vague borders in which the sea and the land alternate spaces resulting in an ever-changing landscape, always full of life, the cause of such special conditions for its inhabitants, which find here safe shelter and abundant food. During the journey, the birds and the local flora make this a special place, a truly beautiful landscape. During fall, it is covered in shades of ochre and red.

More info: Wikiloc

 

17. Arroyo Mondragón signosted path

This path, an ancient road from Barbate to El Palomar de la Breña, goes along the northern border of the La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park. The northern direction of the path and the Mondragón Creek give the first portion of the journey a micro weather that is very different from the rest of the park’s, which is why we will find tree species such as poplar, blackberry, creeper and typical species of the cork oak forests, such as cork oaks, arbutus and ferns. On the second portion of the path, we get away from the creek until reaching the overlook, and right after a firebreak area and a fossilized dune.

This path passes in front of the dune, which, as of today, is stable due to man efforts throughout the years.

More info: Wikiloc

 

18. Nueva Umbría signposted path

This signalled trail is in the Marismas del Río Piedras and Flecha del Rompido Natural Park, in the province of Huelva. It goes through the municipality of Lepe.

The Nueva Umbria path is a lineal itinerary that passes through the Catalán marshlands and that puts visitors near the birth of the Flecha del Rompido (El Rompido Spit). The Catalán marshlands are part of the marshland complex of the Piedras River and its tributaries. Specifically, in this case, it is a marshland formed around the Arroyo del Fraile (Friar’s Creek) and the Caño de la Vera (Vera’s Stream), practically at the Piedras’s river mouth. The path begins at the intersection of the Nueva Umbría Road and the road that goes from La Antilla to Terrón. The path follows a straight line on an asphalt road. It is a new section used for read traffic.

More info: Wikiloc

 

19. La Turbera signposted path

It is another of the signalled trails of the Marismas del Rio Piedras and Flecha del Rompido Natural Park. It goes through the municipality of Cartaya, in the province of Huelva.

The path starts at the Piedras River and quickly enters a pine forest area. In front of us emerges a wide panoramic view if the last potion of the river and the port of El Terrón, the Ermita y Romería de la Bella  and, farther in the background, La Antilla.

On this side of the river, the path takes us to several Japanese clamps exploitation sites, a family activity that takes full advantage of the tide oscillation that takes place during the “live tides” to “sow” the area.

The road continues full circle to the starting point, taking us back into the pine tree forest, bordering the peatland, this time on the opposite side. On the other side of the path, we can stop to gaze upon the bustle and the activity generated by the industrial salt mines of El Rompido.

More info: Wikiloc

 

20. Laugna del Portil signposted path

This trail goes through the Laguna de El Portil Natural Reserve. It is located in the municipality of Punta Umbria, in Huelva.

The El Portil Lagoon is one of the most representative wetlands of Huelva. It is a practically circular path around the El Portil Lagoon. The journey will allow us to enjoy magnificent views of the lagoon. Here, where water is flanked by a frame of local vegetation formed by bulrushes, reeds, common reed grass and purple nutsedge.

More info: Wikiloc

 

21. Subida al Torrecilla

In the recent Sierra de las Nieves National Park and near the Malaga town of Ronda, we will find the Torrecilla peak, which is the highest point in the province of Malaga, although with some controversy, since depending on who you ask they will tell you that said privilege belongs to the peak of La Maroma; however, this route offers us a beautiful walk through an incredible Mediterranean forest, full of thorny bushes, mountain gall oaks, Spanish firs, and snow-covered wells, to culminate with the wonderful views offered by its vertex.

We advise you to take it easy in the final part of the route, that is, the top of Torrecilla, since although we have little more than 800 meters from the Pilar de Tolox, its unevenness is 200 meters, it’s tough!

More info: Wikiloc

 

22. Angosturas del Guadalmina, Benahavís (Málaga)

Another one of the hiking routes that we want to show you is located in Marbella, specifically on the Guadalmina river as it passes through Benahavís, a route that offers a very beautiful landscape to enjoy a great day of water hiking.

This aquatic route consists of a small ravine in the place known as Charco de las Mozas. It is possible to make the descent even in the rainy season, although special attention must be paid to areas that are especially narrow and where the current can be stronger. Due to its short route and lack of difficulty, it is a highly recommended route to begin canyoning.

More info: Wikiloc

 

23. Majaceite water trail, Sierra de Grazalema (Cádiz)

If go to the province of Cádiz, in the Sierra de Grazalema we will be able to find, thanks to its high rate of rainfall, abundant vegetation that can be traversed even on hot summer days. Specifically, here we find the Majaceite water trail, which connects the Cadiz towns of El Bosque and Benamahoma. This route is practically flat and runs parallel to the river under the very refreshing green shade.

More info: Wikiloc

 

24. The smuggling Route (Encinasola-Barrancos)

We go to the Huelva town of Encinasola in order to show you one of the most famous hiking routes in all of Huelva. This route is always in close contact with the deepest nature, showing us beautiful panoramic views while we will enjoy the local cattle and the route that the inhabitants of these border towns with Portugal had to travel, in order to find the food that on this side of the border couldn’t find. Do not miss this route because you will enjoy a beautiful day among holm oaks, rockrose and olive groves.

More info: Wikiloc

 

25.  The coastal greenway (Ayamonte – Cartaya)

The well-known coastal greenway connects some of the most important municipalities in the province of Huelva. It runs along an old railway line, which was closed in 1987, after being in service for more than five years. If you chose this route, you will travel next to the wonderful Natural Sites of the Ayamonte and Isla Cristina Marshlands, and the incredible Marshlands of Río Piedras and Flecha del Rompido. What more could you want?

More info: Wikiloc

 

Hiking: basic tips

 

Choose the Right Season

When planning a hiking route in Andalusia, it’s important to consider the time of year, as summer heat can be intense, particularly in areas like Sierra Nevada and the mountain ranges of Cazorla, Grazalema, and Alhama. To avoid extreme temperatures, start your hike early in the morning or around sunset. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for hiking, as the weather is milder and the vegetation is at its most vibrant.

Route preparation

It is very important when doing a hiking route to find out about the conditions of the route. We must know exactly where it starts and where it ends, how many kilometres it is and how long it takes to finish it, as well as knowing the level of difficulty.

 

Weather information

It is very important to know if the weather will be on our side, since there are meteorological conditions that prevent the performance of this practice and others that, although they complicate it, are salvageable if we take the measures.

 

Hiking shoes and clothing

When it comes to hiking, the equipment we carry is very important and within it, footwear and clothing are essential, because not just any footwear is worth, the ideal is to have something suitable for the mountains, which is quite thick soles and above all something that holds the ankle correctly and if it is also waterproof, the better. In the same way, you must wear very comfortable clothing that favours the natural movement of the body. Also, it never hurts to wear something warm in case a change in weather surprises us.

 

 

Food and hydration during hiking

During the course of the route, it is very important that we eat correctly, and above all that we constantly drink water since dehydration produces disorientation, fainting and in very extreme cases death, so do not play it and hydrate a lot and well.

 

Use Hiking Apps and Maps

For better navigation and a safer experience, it’s highly recommended to download a map or use apps like Wikiloc or AllTrails, which work offline. Some areas may have limited signal, and having a digital or physical map can be a big help in avoiding getting lost or delayed along the route.

 

Respect the Environment

Andalusia boasts an impressive yet fragile natural heritage. It’s essential to be careful on the trails: avoid littering, always stay on marked paths, and respect the local flora and fauna. Certain routes, such as the Caminito del Rey, have strict rules to protect the environment, so it’s vital to follow these guidelines and help preserve these unique spaces.

 

Keep Your Pets Under Control

If you bring a dog, it’s important to keep it close and under control to avoid disturbing local wildlife or straying from the trail. On many routes, it’s mandatory to keep pets on a leash, so be sure to follow regulations for a safe and respectful experience.

 

 

Use Designated Rest Areas

Take advantage of designated areas for resting, eating, or enjoying the view. Stopping or sitting outside these zones can damage vegetation and contribute to soil erosion. Respecting marked areas helps conserve the surroundings.

 

If You Go Alone, Inform Someone of Your Route

If you plan to hike solo, it’s essential that someone knows your plans, the route you’re taking, and your estimated return time. In less-traveled areas, it may be hard to get help in case of emergency, so it’s wise to leave notice.

 

Portable Charger or Battery Pack

Bringing an extra charger or a portable battery pack is highly recommended. On many trails, network coverage is limited, which can cause your device’s battery to drain more quickly while searching for a signal. Additionally, on long routes, having an extra battery will give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ll have enough charge for emergencies, taking photos, and using navigation without worries.

 

Travel to Andalucia and enjoy it by practicing sports. For this, nothing better than signing up for its hiking routes where you can experience its natural wealth up close.

 

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The best hiking trails in Alpujarra Granadina

 

Where to stay

If you want to discover these trails and be one with nature, do not hesitate to stay at Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has facilities which are very close to these hiking routes we propose. Hotels and apartments with excellent service, quality leaders according to TripAdvisor and supported by over 60 years’ experience, they are the best choice for experiencing these routes. Marbella, Conil, Grazalema, El Rompido or Torrox are some of the spots where you can find these great establishments.