The warm climate with very little rainfall in the province of Málaga results in a wide variety of landscapes of particular interest for climbing lovers. With natural settings by the sea or in the heart of the mountains, there are numerous options to practice this sport and other active tourism activities and there are more and more specialised companies offering high-quality services.
Physical and mental strength are essential in the sport of climbing. It is important to adapt the challenge to physical preparation, to trust certified companies, to use protective equipment and to never climb alone.
Vias ferratas, perfect for beginners
For beginners, the best option is to use the available vias ferratas, vertical and horizontal routes equipped with materials such as chains, hanging bridges and zip-lines, enabling amateur adventurers to safely reach areas which are of difficult access for hikers and those who are unfamiliar with climbing.
These routes make climbing accessible to the general public and can be found in several areas on the Costa del Sol. They can be found, for example, in Tajo de Ronda, Benalauría, Atajate, Gaucín, Montejaque, Benaoján, Benadalid, Torcal de Antequera and Comares.
El Chorro
If there is a natural area on the Costa del Sol which is perfect for climbing then it has to be the internationally renowned area known as El Chorro, in Álora, where you can chose between more than 500 routes of medium to high difficulty. Álora has views of the Guadalhorce Valley and is known for three mountain passes: Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, Sierra de Aguas and Sierra de Huma, which is the highest mountain (1,119 m).
Sierra de Mijas
Another climbing area can be found at Sierra de Mijas, whose peak measures 1,150 metres. The vast majority of the municipality of Mijas is a mountainous area, rich in pine groves, oak forests, olive trees and typical Mediterranean vegetation.
Serranía de Ronda
You can also climb at Serranía de Ronda in huge canyons and deep gorges, with drops of over 100 metres. It is an ideal place to start with limestone rocks including many caves and crevices: the Torrecilla peak is the highest (1,919 m). Take into account that there may be snow in winter.
Torcal de Antequera
Furthermore, Antequera, which stands at around 550 metres above sea level and looks over a fertile valley, is home to Sierra del Torcal to the south, a collection of limestone rocks which have created incredible shapes. The highest peak, Camorra de las Siete Mesas, reaches 1,336 metres.
