Málaga is not just sun and beaches. Its mountains, gorges, and forests hide hiking trails for all levels, allowing you to connect with nature, discover unique wildlife and flora, and enjoy landscapes that seem from another world. Below we show you different routes you can enjoy in the province:
2. Montes de Málaga: a green refuge and a place of stories
Just 20 minutes from the city center, the Montes de Málaga are perfect for a half-day escape. The trails cross pine forests, streams, and old farmhouses where wine and olive oil were once produced. These routes were used by merchants and, in the past, also by bandits who hid in the woods or watched the roads into the city.
Here you can find more than 500 species of plants and animals such as foxes, wild boars, and owls, as well as ruins of old mills and wineries that recall the area’s rural economy. Scenic viewpoints offer spectacular views of the city and bay.
The Montes de Málaga Natural Park has 4 marked trails: El Cerrado, Pocopán, Torrijos, and Umbría de Contadoras.
-El Cerrado Trail: circular, 3 km, medium difficulty. Starts and ends at the El Cerrado recreational area, circling the slope of the hill. Highlight: the Mirador del Cochino viewpoint.
-Pocopán Trail: linear, 2.5 km, medium difficulty. Starts at Llano de las Contadoras and ascends to the Pocopán viewpoint, the best in the park. Ideal at sunrise or sunset.
-Torrijos Trail: linear, 1 km, easy. Starts at the Torrijos farmhouse and eco-museum, following along the Chaperas stream.
-Umbría de Contadoras Trail: linear, 1 km, easy. Starts at Llano de las Contadoras, descending to the Francisco Vázquez Sell viewpoint.
How to get there and start the route:
From Málaga city, take the A-7000 road (old Colmenar road). After 15–20 minutes by car, you’ll find signs to the El Cerrado and Torrijos recreational areas, as well as Llano de las Contadoras. There is no direct public transport, so a private vehicle is recommended.
Tips for the route:
Bring a picnic or enjoy the restaurants in nearby villages like Colmenar or Comares.
These are easy, safe routes, suitable for children and families.
Essentials, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, and a light windbreaker in winter.
3. El Torcal de Antequera: otherworldly landscapes and traces of history
El Torcal impresses with its karst rock formations that look as if carved by a giant. Each rock has a popular name—“The Screw,” “The Turtle,” or “The Camel”—making the hike a fun exploration game.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Torcal’s formations date back more than 150 million years. Over time, caves and crevices became shelters for shepherds and, according to stories, bandits. You’ll also find local flora like thyme, juniper, and savin, as well as birds of prey and small mammals living among the rocks.
How to get there and start the route:
The main access is from Antequera (13 km away) via the A-7075 road to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center, where the signposted routes start (Green, Yellow, and Orange trails, ranging from 1 to 4.5 km). Parking is available, and during high season a shuttle bus runs from the lower parking lot to the center.
Tips for the route:
Bring water and snacks; there are no cafés inside the park, though you’ll find many in Antequera.
Hiking boots recommended; some areas are uneven.
Minimum age 8 years old. Not recommended for people with mobility issues.
4. Sierra de las Nieves: adventure, nature, and legends
Declared a National Park in 2021, this mountain range combines natural beauty with challenges for experienced hikers. Its forests of pinsapo firs (endemic to the region) and peaks above 2,000 meters offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Sierra Nevada. La Torrecilla, at 1,919 meters, is the highest peak in the province.
Besides its natural value, the Sierra was historically a setting for bandits and smugglers, who used its peaks and ravines to move undetected. The park is home to protected species such as the Iberian ibex and the imperial eagle, along with numerous natural viewpoints with 360° panoramas.
How to get there and start the route:
There are several main access points,
-From Tolox, via the track to the Conejeras recreation area, starting point for the ascent to La Torrecilla.
-From Yunquera, through Puerto Saucillo, where a marked trail also leads to the summit.
-From Ronda, along the road to San Pedro, connecting with forest tracks to places like Quejigales.
Tips for the route:
Bring food and plenty of water; the starting villages (Tolox, Yunquera, Ronda) are some distance from the trails.
Recommended technical hiking clothes and good boots.
Avoid summer due to extreme heat.
Adults
Free
Children (3-7years)
Free
-2 years
Free
Address
Málaga
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