There are few better ways to connect with nature, to become a part of the stunning landscapes in inland Costa del Sol than going camping. But before you pull out your tent or pack your backpack, you should be aware that wild camping is only allowed in certain camping areas and with prior consent. Alternatively, you can pitch your tent in one of the many and beautiful rural campsites on the Costa del Sol. Keep reading to discover some of the best places to camp in the province of Malaga and some tips to make the most out of the experience.
Área recreativa Los Sauces – Sierra de las Nieves
Surrounded by the pine trees in the very heart of Sierra de las Nieves natural park sits Área Recreativa Los Sauces, one of the best camping spots in Malaga (permission to camp here must be sought in advance). Located nine kilometres from El Burgo, its facilities include wooden tables and benches, basins with running water and toilet blocks. Tempting, right?
Source: Junta de Andalucía
Fábrica de la Luz camping area – Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda y Alhama
Something more accessible but just as welcoming is La Fábrica de la Luz, a camping area that you can either drive or walk to from the municipality of Canillas de Albaida. This is doubtlessly one of the most beautiful parts of Axarquía. And once you’re here, you can breathe in the picture-postcard outlook over Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama and relax to the sound of bubbling streams.
Source: Junta de Andalucía
El Robledal camping area - Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda y Alhama
Also located in Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama natural park is another of the best wild camping areas in Malaga: El Robledal. A forest of pine trees, holm oaks, gall oaks and chestnut trees define the scenery of the camping ground which provides a range of facilities to make your stay more enjoyable, namely barbecues, a kitchen block, toilets and water fountains. A big draw to El Robledal is that it is located at the start of a beautiful hiking trail that will take you up to the summit of Sierra Tejeda, known as La Maroma (the highest peak in the province of Malaga).
Source: Junta de Andalucía
Núcleo de Torrijos – Montes de Málaga
Sitting in the capital of the Costa del Sol, in the heart of Montes de Malaga, is Núcleo de Torrijos, one of the best wild camping areas in the province of Malaga (prior authorisation required). Beyond the area dedicated to tents, there is a recreational space with water fountains and toilets immersed in a landscape of pine trees and typical river plantlife.
Source: Junta de Andalucía
Rural campsites
If you prefer the comfort and convenience of a campsite while still being immersed in the natural landscape, you’re in luck, as inland Malaga has a wide range to choose from. You can decide to pitch your tent in a variety of types of landscapes during your next camping holiday in Malaga. If the mountains are your thing, you’ll love camping Sierra de las Nieves, located in the natural park of the same name. It has different accommodation options, namely cabins, bungalows and plots for tents or caravans.
Other campsites in the Costa del Sol are nestled in the extraordinary landscape of Axarquía. This is the case of Camping Presa de la Viñuela, where you can pitch your tent facing the reservoir and enjoy all sorts of outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and mountain biking. The reservoir is also the perfect playground if you’re into watersports or fishing.
If you’d prefer to spend the night by the sea, you can enjoy one of the many coastal campsites in the province of Malaga. A great example is camping Parque Tropical, located in Estepona, sitting amid extraordinary tropical plants and just five minutes from the beach. The campsite offers a selection of accommodation options and many facilities, such as washing machines, driers, showers with hot water, pool, a small supermarket, as well as a bar and restaurant. The perfect place to relax immersed in nature.
Whether you’re after the sea, mountains, rivers, lakes or charming villages, there are plenty of incredible places to camp in the province of Malaga. Pull your tent and sleeping bag out of the cupboard, pack your backpack and enjoy an incredible experience in the midst of nature.
