In the mood for a different kind of family trip? Head to the interior of Costa del Sol and see Valle del Guadiaro: a unique natural treasure where you can relax, see impressive natural landscapes and even try adventurous activities, if that’s what you crave. Read below to find out all the places you need to see while you’re there. Let’s go!
Cueva del Gato
Declared both a Natural Monument and an Asset of Cultural Interest, Cueva del Gato (Benaoján) sits right next to the Guadiaro River. Formed by the river itself (part of which is underground), this cave is a mecca of chasms, siphons, canyons and interior caverns of up to 70 metres high. Adding to its allure, the river runs through the cave for a length of over four kilometres.
Cueva del Hundidero
On the other side of Cueva del Gato is Cueva del Hundidero, also recognized as an official Natural Monument. The height of its cavity is important; it stretches more than 50 metres in length, making anyone who enters feel small, by comparison. The underground portion of the Guadiaro River also runs through part of the cave.
Angosturas del río Guadiaro (Narrows of the Guadiaro River)
Sitting between Benaoján and Jimera de Líbar, the Narrows of the Guadiaro River lead the way to a limestone gorge that has become one of the most spectacular natural sites in all of Costa del Sol. Today, it’s even marked as Stage 13 of the Gran Senda de Málaga. Walk through these narrows and see all the stunning viewpoints it has to offer.
Cueva de la Pileta
Moving on to the municipality of Benaoján, Cueva de la Pileta mixes nature and culture in a way that the whole family is sure to love! This famous cave is home to extraordinary cave paintings from the Upper Paleolithic period, and taking your kids to see it is a great way to get them interested in history. Be sure to book your visit in advance or else you won’t be able to enter the cave.
Cañón de las Buitreras
Also listed as a Natural Monument, the spectacular Cañón de las Buitreras (Cortes de la Frontera) is an unusual gorge that, after river erosion, became a unique vertical formation of 100 metres high and only one metre wide. This karst landscape is very valuable from a geological perspective, as one of its vertical walls originated millions of years ago, during the Jurassic period. Animals here include griffon vultures and otters that live in the waters of Valle del Guadiaro.
Alcornocales Natural Park
The icing on the cake of your visit to Valle del Guadiaro is no doubt Alcornocales Natural Park, which is home to some of the most impressive landscapes in southern Europe. In fact, this place has one of the most lush cork oak forests in the world. On top of that, its irregular landscape is formed by a rock relief, rivers, streams, reservoirs and hiking trails, giving families plenty of opportunities for recreational fun.
When you visit Valle del Guadiaro, you can do everything from adventurous activities like hiking, kayaking, caving and biking to exploring impressive landscapes, seeing plants and animals, discovering the sounds of the forest or simply gazing at the starry night sky. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Here, in nature, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your family. Book your accommodations today, and get ready to disconnect in paradise!
