The Great Path of Malaga is well known as one of the main tourist attractions on the Costa del Sol. This extensive network of trails offers 942 km where we can find 35 stages and 6 variants, 9 regions, 54 urban centers (which represents 54% of the province), 61 municipalities (60% of the province) and endless possibilities to explore nature in all its forms. During the winter months, the route becomes an ideal option for hiking lovers, as it allows you to enjoy the mountainous landscape, which can sometimes be covered in snow, the most beautiful villages in the province of Malaga in winter and the tranquillity of the enclaves in the mountains.
If you are one of those who prefer to take advantage of the winter to hike and discover new corners, here are three perfect itineraries for this season. Don't miss them!
1. Rincón de la Victoria - Vélez Málaga: coastline and mountains
This stage is one of the most complete on the Great Path. Here we start on the coast, in the municipality of Rincón de la Victoria and soon we enter the mountains of the Axarquía, an area that is characterized by its imposing landscapes and rock formations. The route spans from the coast to the high hills, providing the possibility of enjoying spectacular views. In winter, the mountains can show a blanket of snow, creating a stunning contrast to the sea.
In addition, the tour goes into the Vega del Río Vélez, where the contrast between the fertile orchards and the nearby mountains becomes even more amazing during the winter season. As the cold weather sets in, towns like Velez-Malaga offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy traditional Andalusian architecture while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
2. Villanueva de Tapia - Villanueva de Algaidas: between olive trees and mountains
In the north of the province, we can enter the vast expanse of olive groves and Mediterranean forests, an especially beautiful sight during the winter months. The low temperatures allow the white blanket of snow or frost to cover the summits, adding a magical touch to the natural environment.
On this itinerary we can also visit the picturesque village of Villanueva de Algaidas, where the cave church excavated in sandstone is one of the main attractions, outside the town centre, next to the ruins of the Convent of La Consolación. The contrast between the white buildings of the village and the winter landscape is simply spectacular. In addition, if you like hiking trails and cycling routes through the trails in the area, they are perfect for walking or cycling during the winter, as the Mediterranean vegetation is shown at its best.
3. Cómpeta - Canillas de Aceituno: mountains and white villages of the Axarquía
The region of Axarquía is one of the most sought-after destinations during the winter, especially for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the coast and enter the tranquility of the mountains. This stage of the Great Path connects two charming villages, Cómpeta and Canillas de Aceituno, through a route that crosses the mountains of the Sierra Tejeda.
For those who want to escape to the mountains, the snow-capped peaks of the sierra become one of the main attractions of the route, providing a breathtaking view of the mountains covered in white. During the tour, hikers enjoy a mix of landscapes, from forests and rivers to picturesque Andalusian villages. Competa, with its traditional architecture and cobbled streets, is one of the most charming villages in the province and in winter, its welcoming atmosphere and its offer of local products, such as wine and typical sweets, invite you to take a break.
Why is the Great Path of Malaga ideal for winter?
During the winter months, many of the routes of the Great Path of Malaga become a paradise for lovers of hiking and cycling routes. The low temperatures without being extreme and the possibilities of snow in Malaga in the mountainous areas of the province offer a unique experience of contact with nature. In addition, the beautiful villages of Malaga in winter that dot the routes, such as those included in the aforementioned proposals: Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, Villanueva de Tapia, Cómpeta and Canillas de Aceituno, offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a winter getaway.
The hiking trails allow you to enjoy the diversity of landscapes that the province has to offer, from the coast to the snow-capped mountains, passing through olive groves and traditional orchards. Each stage is an opportunity to breathe fresh air, discover new corners of the province and enjoy the mountainous landscape at its best.
If you are looking for a different experience in winter, with a perfect combination of nature, culture and landscape, do not hesitate to explore the routes of the Great Path of Malaga.
