Marbella - Puerto Banús: Ocean front stroll
About a seven kilometre trip.
The walk starts at Marbella´s promenade, leaving the hustle and bustle of the shops and restaurants behind as we move away from the city centre. Keep in mind that Puerto Banús is about seven kilometres away. You can soak up the view on this walk with the sierra marbellí mountains on one side and the sea on the other. If you go on a Saturday you'll find one of the Costa del Sol's most popular markets when you get to Puerto Banús.
From Benalmádena's butterfly house to Puerto de Aresa
There are plenty of walks you can do when going past the town of Benalmádena Pueblo. Whilst there why not stop over and visit Europe's largest butterfly house, with about 2000 different types of butterflies from 150 different species. Just next door don't miss out on taking a picture in front of the biggest Buddhist temple in Europe. Activities associated with meditation and mindfulness are organised in this pagoda.
If you feel like taking a break on your path to seclusion, a bit further on you’ll come across the Gruta de Lourdes. The highest point is at Puerto de Artesa, which is also where this trail ends. The path to this peak is well signposted, as is the case for the Castillejo and Cerro del Moro peaks (walk R6). It’s a pleasant stroll across some quite level terrain. The reward: the amazing views.
Hiking in the Sierra de las Nieves Mountains
Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park offers an array of easy to challenging walks. A walk that would be great to try out with the kids is the one that starts at the Quejigales recreational area. You can get there by taking the exit at kilometre 136 on the A397 motorway (which connects San Pedro de Alcántara with Ronda). For the next 10 kilometres you’ll pass right through the middle of a forest in a natural reserve. From Quejigales you move on up to Puerto de los Pilones. If you're lucky and enough snow has gathered, you'll be able to slide down the slopes in the Cañada del Cuervo pine forest.
Another interesting walk starts at the mirador Luis Ceballos viewpoint. There you will find an information board with all the information you need to set out on this easy 5 kilometre walk. Our final destination is the striking Tajo de Caina, which has some unbelievably majestic views of the mountains (with cliffs of up to 75 metres high). The best times of year to visit the Sierra de las Nieves are spring and autumn, although winter is also nice (unless there´s been some heavy snowfall).
Hiking in Torcal de Antequera
700 animal species, a city of stone carved from the passing of the ages, viewpoints… Torcal de Antequera is a place of dreams, a beautiful setting in nature. We start our visit at the Visitor Centre, where various hiking trails start, taking us through different areas of the park. From some of the Natural Park´s viewpoints you can see out across a good part of the province of Málaga and on very clear days, the north of Africa. A natural reserve you won´t be able to take your eyes off.
Hiking in Frigiliana
Its moderate temperatures and agreeable climate make this an ideal walk for the winter months. You´ll walk from Frigiliana along the Higuerón riverbed up to Cruz de Pinto passing alongside the Lizar canal. Get your camera ready because you’re about to come across some worthy scenery. Cruz de Pinto is a small 17th century sanctuary which, legend has it, was built by a ship Captain thanking God for answering his prayers and saving his crew from his sinking boat.
Some helpful tips:
- Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes to avoid slipping. Bring a bathing suit because you never know when you might want to take a dip.
- Plan your walk ahead of time. At the starting point of each trail there is an information board with a map and general information.
- In Benalmádena don't forget to visit the butterfly house and the Buddhist temple.
- If travelling with children make sure to stop at the Quejigales recreational area.
- In Frigiliana take a picture of yourself at the Cruz de Pinto sanctuary.
