The Area
The Chillar River trail is located between two gorgeous natural landscapes, Las Sierras de Tejeda, in Almijara, and the Alhama Natural Park, home to some of the most beautiful fauna in the Costa del Sol region. Furthermore, the river mouth is situated between the Navachica, Peñón del Cuervo and Piedra Sellada peaks.
The Trail
Before you start out on the trail, you'll need to make sure that you have the right equipment since this is a trail heading upstream.
To hike as comfortably as possible, you'll need to wear appropriate footwear, such as trainers, to be able to walk among the rocks and stone which are often wet and can cause you to fall. This way, you'll also prevent any unwanted blisters from developing on your feet.
It's important to keep in mind that there are sections where the water level is up to your knees, so make sure you're prepared. Remember to also be prepared for the heat. The best time to do this hike is during the spring, when it's not too hot.
While hiking, you'll pass by small streams and natural rock formations and as you climb higher, you'll find waterfalls where you can enjoy a natural massage. What's more, the hike is full of crystal clear rivers and pools where you can take a dip.
The whole hike (there and back) is a total of 8 kilometres. If you decide to only do a section of the hike, it's fairly easy to go back to the start without any problems.
How to get there
To get to this gorgeous natural enclave, the most comfortable way is by car. If not, you can also arrive by taking the bus from Nerja. If you're driving, take the old highway N-340 towards Almeria, then cross the bridge towards the Chillar River, and continue on until the turn-off for the Camino de los Almanchares. You'll find lots of parking spots and then you can continue on foot to the entrance of the river.
The Chillar River trail is a must-do when visiting inland Málaga. Make a note of it in your diary and enjoy!
