Hiking in Malaga: a walk for each season

If you like to be in contact with nature, surely you already know that in the province of Malaga there are numerous pathways that go through its natural spaces. In this article, we propose you a route for each season of the year, so that you can enjoy nature in all its splendour. Refresh yourself in summer, admire the colours of autumn or contemplate the splendour of spring. Here are our proposals.

 

SUMMER: Route of the Chillar River

For the summer we propose you the route of the river Chillar, in Nerja. It is a trail that runs through the water and where you can enjoy a spectacular landscape with gorges and waterfalls.

It is a pleasant route and easy to do. During most of the trail, you have to walk with your feet in the water, but wearing sports shoes is essential as there are stones and other footwear such as flip-flops or aqua shoes will not be adequate.

Along the path, you will find some deeper pools in which you can take a refreshing bath and enjoy these crystal clear waters surrounded by a beautiful natural environment.

• Circular route: yes
• Distance: 16 km
• Duration: 6 – 7 hours
• Level of difficulty: medium
• More info

 

AUTUMN – Route of the chestnut trees in Parauta

With the autumn season comes changes in the colour of the leaves and the reddish tones flood the countryside. That is why, for this time of year, we propose you to follow the route of the chestnut trees in Parauta.

The path runs through centenary trees with dark trunks and yellow, orange and reddish leaves.  A visual spectacle that will delight nature lovers in general and photography lovers in particular.

The route takes us from Parauta to the village of Igualeja and then back to the starting town. We recommend that you try the typical products of the area in one of the bars that you will find in the villages of the route.

• Circular route: yes
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3 hours
• Level of difficulty: easy
• More info

 

WINTER – Torrijos Path in the Málaga Mountains

For the winter season, we suggest a tour of the Montes de Málaga, a natural park located about 5km from the city. This route starts at the Lagar de Torrijos ecomuseum, a traditional place where wines were made, now a museum that shows visitors how wine, bread and oil were made in the past.

Along the path, we will see old “lagares” and farmhouses as well as the typical vegetation of the area. A pleasant walk to know one of the main lungs of Malaga.

An obligatory stop before returning to the city will be in one of the “ventas” (restaurants) that are on the road of the Mountains. For example, the venta del Mirador from which you can contemplate the bay of Malaga while tasting a sweet wine or taste the dish of the Montes near the heat of the fireplace.

• Circular route: yes
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 2 – 3 hours
• Level of difficulty: easy
• More info

 

SPRING – Lake of Fuente de Piedra

For the spring season, we suggest you visit the Lake of Fuente de Piedra where you will be able to contemplate one of the largest colonies of flamingos in Europe. This is the best time of the year to observe them, especially in the early hours of the morning.

Along the lagoon, there are several observatories of public use and points of sighting as the viewpoint of La Vicaría from which it is possible to see the pairs of flamingos but also many other species of aquatic waters that live in this natural space.

In the same town of Fuente de Piedra you can also visit the Refugio del burrito, a cortijo converted into a refuge for almost 100 donkeys by the non-profit organization The Donkey Sanctuary.

• Circular route: yes
• Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Level of difficulty: easy
• More info

Did you already know these routes? Have you walked them? Tell us in the comments your favourite hiking trails in Malaga for each season!