When autumn arrives, the interior of the Costa del Sol changes colour. The greens of summer give way to ochre, yellow, reddish and brown tones that transform the chestnut groves of the Serranía de Ronda. This is when one of the Costa del Sol's most distinctive landscapes appears: the Copper Forest.
Taking a route through the Copper Forest is an opportunity to discover this natural spectacle while exploring some of the province's most charming white villages. Nature, hiking, small mountain roads, local cuisine and viewpoints come together in a perfect autumn getaway.
Where is the Copper Forest and which villages are part of it?
Those wondering where the Copper Forest is should head towards the Serranía de Ronda, particularly the Genal Valley. Here, extensive chestnut groves take on the characteristic copper colour that gives this landscape its name when autumn arrives.
Also known as the Golden Forest of Málaga, it stretches around villages such as Alpandeire, Benadalid, Benalauría, Cartajima, Faraján, Genalguacil, Igualeja, Jubrique, Júzcar, Parauta and Pujerra, as well as reaching the area around Yunquera.
There is therefore no single road or trail called the Copper Forest; rather, it is an entire territory covered with chestnut trees and small villages, allowing you to design different itineraries depending on how much time you have.
Where should you start the route through the Copper Forest?
The answer to where to start the route depends on your starting point and the places you want to visit. One good option is to approach from Ronda towards the Upper Genal, starting with villages such as Igualeja, Pujerra or Parauta.
From there, you can continue towards Cartajima, Júzcar and Faraján, gradually venturing into some of the valley's most representative landscapes.
Another possibility is to start the journey in the southern part of the Genal Valley, visiting villages such as Jubrique and Genalguacil. It is advisable to set aside at least a full day, although a weekend will allow you to explore the area at a much more leisurely pace.
Pujerra, Parauta and the heart of the chestnut groves
Pujerra is one of the municipalities most closely associated with chestnut cultivation. In autumn, its surroundings offer some of the most characteristic views of the Genal Valley, with leaf-covered paths and mountains tinged with golden hues.
Parauta is very close by. In addition to its landscapes, the Enchanted Forest,
awaits here, a trail located along the Camino del Molino, between Parauta and Cartajima, where wooden figures inspired by gnomes, fairies and other fantastical characters can be found. It is an especially appealing stop if you are travelling with family.
Cartajima, Júzcar and Faraján
The next part of the route through the white villages can continue through Cartajima, set in a privileged position for taking in the valley's mountains.
From here, you can head to Júzcar, easily recognisable by the blue colour of its façades, before continuing towards Faraján. In the surroundings of the latter village, hiking enthusiasts can look for trails such as Las Chorreras, another example of the natural richness of this area of Málaga.
Alpandeire: nature and history in the Genal Valley
Alpandeire is another worthwhile stop. Surrounded by the mountainous landscape of the Genal, its town centre retains the essence of the small villages of the Serranía de Ronda.
Among its best-known landmarks is the church of San Antonio de Padua, popularly known as the Cathedral of the Serranía, as well as various viewpoints from which to admire the valley. Alpandeire is also known as the birthplace of Fray Leopoldo.
Genalguacil, art among the mountains
Continuing towards the Lower Genal, you come to Genalguacil, one of the route's most distinctive villages. Surrounded by chestnut groves and forests, its streets function as a genuine open-air museum thanks to the numerous contemporary artworks scattered throughout the town centre.
Genalguacil can be combined with Jubrique via different trails that cross the valley landscape, making this area an interesting alternative for those who prefer to explore the Copper Forest on foot.
What are the routes through the Copper Forest?
If you are wondering what the routes are, there are several ways to organise your visit.
One option is to take a driving route linking Pujerra, Parauta, Cartajima, Júzcar, Faraján, Alpandeire, Jubrique and Genalguacil, stopping at villages and viewpoints.
Hiking enthusiasts can choose routes between municipalities, country paths and trails that cross the chestnut groves. The area around the Genal River, the natural backbone of the valley and one of the elements that account for the area's rich landscape and vegetation, is also particularly interesting.
It is worth remembering that some of the chestnut groves are privately owned, so it is important to use signposted paths and respect properties, crops and harvesting areas.
Visit the Copper Forest this autumn
Autumn is the most special time to take the Copper Forest Route, when the chestnut trees cover the slopes of the Genal Valley in ochre and golden hues. However, exploring these villages at any time of year allows you to discover another side of the Costa del Sol: a Málaga of mountains, nature, traditions and small communities where it is worth stopping and enjoying the journey.
30 September 2026
