Málaga is located in Andalusia – at the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. But beside breathtaking views on the deep blue, the province of Málaga offers a montainous landscape to explore. Various hiking and trekking routes lie just an hour away from the city’s center. One of them is the mystical El Torcal de Antequera.
Frolicking through the Jurassic age
The small mountain range between the two cities Málaga and Antequera contains of 150 million years old limestone. Over time, it was formed to its unique shape by water, wind and weather. In 1929, the karst region El Torcal de Antequera was declared a nature reserve.
Hiking through these stones, feels like trekking along raw, mystical nature. While passing the enormous rocks, one may recognize that – upon a closer inspection – these rock fragments look like giant faces and strange figures.
But visitors of the reserve need to come prepared. In a height between 1100 and 1400 meters, the weather is quite unpredictable and very different from the sunny conditions in Málaga. Therfore, a walk through El Torcal might get way more foggy and muddy as expected.
More spectacular hiking routes near Málaga
- Caminito del Rey is a protected climbing route near Álora in the province of Málaga. This popular route goes along 200-meter-deep gorges in a height around 100 meters. For this hike, you should not be afraid of heights.
- Río Chillar is only about 50 kilometers away from Málaga. People need to wade for miles through the riverbed of Chillar that flows through a tight canyon. During the hike, people walk in ankle-deep and partly even in knee-deep water, hop from stone to stone and huddle under trees. After one and a half kilometer, the route takes you between meter-high, very tight cliff walls that create a mystical vibe.
- Acequia del Guadalmina is a beginner-friendly five-kilometer-long hiking route in the north of Marbella. You will walk along a small stream and overcross slim bridges. This easy hike is for everyone who wants to enjoy nature, while not being too exhausted and challenged. Also, it is great for families with little children or for a nice run in nature.
- El Saltillo en Canillas del Aceituno is a hiking route peaking at a summit called Maroma. This hike is often compared to Caminito del Rey, as you have to be just as steady on your feed and do not mind great altitudes. Once arrived at the Maroma, you can overwatch the whole region of Sierra Tejeda.
This is just a small collection of the various opportunities, people can use to get to know the nature of Andalusia. Each of these hiking routes can easily be reached by car or an organised transport, without taking too much time travelling there from Málaga. Stunning views overlooking whole regions and cities, mountains, rivers and canyons – all that provides Andalusia’s multifaceted nature.
So, go ahead and start to explore, what else Málaga has to offer besides the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
