Routes and hiking
- Nerja, Málaga
To the Fuente del Esparto
Fuente del Esparto is one of the most popular starting points for exploring the natural surroundings of Nerja and the Sierra de Almijara. It is located around 6 km inland from the main road.
From the N-340, take the turn-off towards the famous Nerja Caves. After approximately 500 metres, just before reaching the cave car park, follow the track on the left beside a small pine grove.
The route climbs gently through Mediterranean scrubland and reforested pine trees, offering beautiful views of the countryside and the surrounding hills.
Less than 2 km beyond the La Civila junction, and after passing the former landfill area, you will reach El Pinarillo, a popular recreational area with drinking water and barbecue facilities. Continue along the track, keeping El Pinarillo on your left, and you will soon arrive at Fuente del Esparto.
The name Fuente del Esparto comes from the abundance of esparto grass that once grew in the area. For centuries, this plant was used by local artisans to make ropes, baskets, traditional espadrilles and other handcrafted products. The spring also provided drinking water and, during the mining era in the Sierra de Almijara, was important enough for an ore-washing facility to be built nearby. Fuente del Esparto is located approximately 6 km from the N-340 road.
A pleasant alternative route is to follow the bottom of the Coladilla Ravine on foot. To reach it, take the road from the N-340 towards the former San Joaquín Sugar Factory, passing through the greenhouse area, and then follow the track that starts behind the factory.
Nearby, visitors can admire the impressive Eagle Aqueduct (Acueducto del Águila), built in the 19th century to supply water to the old sugar mill. The track continues with the ravine on the right-hand side and passes an old quarry, which was later used as a clay pigeon shooting range.
A little further on, the path descends into the ravine itself. Walking along the stream bed, you can enjoy the unique experience of being surrounded by its steep rocky walls while discovering one of the most scenic natural areas around Nerja.
- Nerja, Málaga
Navachica
At 1,832 metres above sea level, Navachica Peak is the highest point in the Sierra de Almijara and one of the most rewarding destinations for experienced hikers. Along the route, visitors can enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, remote natural landscapes and panoramic views stretching across the mountains and the Mediterranean coast.
The route begins along the track located on the right-hand side, just a few metres before reaching Fuente del Esparto. The track descends into the heart of the ravine, where hikers can leave their vehicle and continue on foot between impressive limestone cliffs. The landscape is dotted with cracks, rock shelters and small caves, some of which were traditionally used as goat pens, temporary shelters and even homes.
As the gorge narrows, the route becomes a trail that climbs through a steep scree slope, locally known as a chorrera. The path winds its way upwards in a series of switchbacks before levelling out at around 1,000 metres above sea level. It then follows a gentler section until reaching the stream bed once again, where the ravine appears to end at a sheer rock wall.
To overcome this obstacle, the trail climbs steeply up the side of the gorge before descending back to the ravine floor. Here hikers reach the first mining remains along the route, including the historic Mina del Uno and La Furia mines.
For safety reasons, it is important to remain on the established paths, as several old mine ventilation shafts remain open and partially hidden by vegetation, with little or no warning signage.
From the mines, continue along the bottom of the ravine until reaching a fork. At this point, take the branch on the left, leaving the Barranco de Cazadores route, which continues to the right towards Loma de la Encina. Around 300 metres further on, a second junction appears. Continue along the right-hand branch.
As the ascent continues, hikers encounter a series of rocky steps between two and three metres high. These are relatively easy to negotiate, although the slope gradually becomes steeper until the ravine closes and can no longer be followed.
At this point, take the very steep path climbing to the right through a grove of holm oaks. Along the way, you will pass the caves known as Los Caños del Rey, where pools of water can often be found throughout much of the year.
Reaching the top of this climb brings you to Ranchillo del Viento, a mountain pass that offers the perfect place to rest and admire the scenery. From here, the views over the Barranco de Cazadores are truly spectacular. You can already see Navachica Peak, the ridge of El Almendrón, and to the right the impressive Pinar de Lomas Llanas, a vast forest of mature pine and holm oak trees that appears like a green oasis surrounded by rugged mountain ranges.
From this point, reaching Navachica Peak is relatively straightforward. Simply continue uphill along the ridge towards the summit. Although there is little visible trail, the lack of dense vegetation makes navigation easy, and the gradient becomes gentler again.
By the time you reach the summit, you will have walked approximately 18 kilometres, with a similar distance still to cover on the return journey. For this reason, it is advisable to start early in the morning and undertake the route during the longer days of the year.
- Nerja, Málaga
Cuesta del Cielo Trail via La Civila
Beyond the farmhouses, the route must be continued on foot to Cuesta del Cielo, a striking pyramid-shaped peak rising to 1,505 metres above sea level. The climb is steep and demanding, but the effort is richly rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
The walk begins along a rough track that starts beside Camping Nerja. The track passes through a pine forest and should be left when you reach a ruined farmhouse on your left, standing in the middle of an open plain.
From here, continue uphill through olive groves, keeping a stone wall on your right-hand side at all times. This area is known as Las Viñas de Maro, a beautiful rural landscape that preserves the agricultural character of the region and offers an attractive introduction to one of the most rewarding hiking routes in the Sierra de Almijara.
The trail initially follows the mountainside before gradually climbing towards the farmhouse, from where hikers can enjoy magnificent views of Nerja, Maro and the Torrox Lighthouse. The path then crosses a pine forest and eventually joins the final section of the track that connects the Nerja Caves with La Civila.
La Civila is a small group of traditional rural houses nestled at the foot of a hillside surrounded by prickly pear cacti and almond trees. From here, it takes approximately two more hours to reach Cuesta del Cielo.
Continue along the path that climbs the hillside known as La Cuesta del Cielo. Upon reaching the mountain pass, the eastern side of the range comes into view, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast. From this vantage point, you can clearly see Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo, which frame the beautiful La Herradura Bay, as well as the fertile Río de la Miel Valley. Directly ahead rises the distinctive peak known as La Cabeza del Caballo.
A little further on, beside a dead tree, the path splits into two. Take the left-hand branch and continue along the mountain ridge. When the trail becomes less visible, continue cross-country towards the summit, using the reflective cross that crowns Cuesta del Cielo as a landmark.
The final stretch is both rewarding and memorable, leading to one of the most outstanding viewpoints in the Sierra de Almijara, with breathtaking views across the mountains, valleys and the Mediterranean coastline.
Peñón de los Castillejos Trail
Shortly after leaving the N-340 at kilometre 298, visitors are greeted by the lush greenery and fresh atmosphere of the valley, a striking contrast to the more rugged mountain scenery found elsewhere in the Sierra de Almijara. Whitewashed farmhouses scattered across the hillsides are a reminder of the area’s long history of human settlement, dating back to Roman times and continuing to the present day. The upper slopes of the surrounding mountains remain covered in natural vegetation.
Continue along the road until reaching a track on the left, close to a sign indicating that the paved road comes to an end.
For those interested in riverside habitats and wildlife, an alternative option is to continue along the road to a roundabout and then follow the track leading towards the river. It is possible to explore parts of the river valley on foot, although reaching the actual source is considerably more challenging. Along the way, hikers will find small waterfalls, narrow gorges and areas of particularly lush vegetation. This beautiful environment is also home to the increasingly rare Mediterranean pond turtle.
The remaining part of the route, approximately 9 km, can also be completed on foot. Many visitors choose to leave their vehicle near the roundabout and continue along the track previously mentioned. Although the surface is rough in places, it remains accessible to vehicles. The track passes several private access roads before reaching Los Cortijos del Nacimiento, a group of traditional farmhouses located close to the source of the river, from which they take their name.
The first option follows a path that begins as a track on the left-hand side. From here, the summit can be reached in approximately 45 minutes. Along the ascent, visitors can observe how the local vegetation is gradually recovering from a recent wildfire.
The second option continues along the main track until reaching the mountain ridge. From there, turn left and approach the base of the rock formation from its eastern side. The final ascent to the summit is not waymarked, so hikers must rely on basic navigation and follow the most accessible terrain to reach the top.
The reward is well worth the effort. From the summit, visitors are treated to magnificent panoramic views over the Río de la Miel Valley, the mountains of Granada Province, and the Mediterranean coastline.
Local residents tell an interesting story connected to this place. According to legend, a bell of considerable size was once discovered here. Believing it to be old and of little value due to its deteriorated condition, it was exchanged with a travelling trader for a few small goods. It was only later discovered that the bell was actually made of silver.
The return journey to the N-340 can be completed by following the 9-kilometre dirt track that leads towards the Cantarriján area, allowing hikers to enjoy more of the beautiful scenery of the eastern Sierra de Almijara before returning to the coast.
- Nerja, Málaga
Golf in Nerja
Thanks to its proximity to some of the finest golf courses on the Costa del Sol, Nerja is a privileged destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you are an experienced golfer or simply looking to enjoy a round in spectacular surroundings, you’ll find excellent facilities within easy reach of the town.
Discover the two golf courses located near Nerja and enjoy a unique golfing getaway on the Costa del Sol, combining world-class fairways, stunning Mediterranean views and the comfort of staying at Hotel Plaza Cavana.
- Vélez, Málaga
Baviera Golf
Located just 24 km from Nerja, in Vélez-Málaga, Baviera Golf is one of the most attractive golf courses in the eastern Costa del Sol. This 18-hole course, designed by former Ryder Cup player José María Cañizares, opened in 2001 and was expanded in 2002 with an additional nine holes that offer a more technical and challenging experience.
One of Baviera Golf’s unique features is that its two sets of nine holes have distinct characteristics, giving players the feeling of experiencing two different courses in a single round. Water hazards, including lakes and streams, come into play on several holes, adding both beauty and strategy to the course.
The modern clubhouse offers excellent facilities, including a spacious restaurant overlooking the course and a snack bar located next to the driving range. Golfers can also take advantage of a golf academy, which includes programmes adapted for players with disabilities, as well as a sauna, jacuzzi, golf shop and even a custom club-fitting service.
Whether you are an experienced golfer or simply looking to enjoy a round in beautiful surroundings, Baviera Golf is an excellent option during your stay in Nerja.
- Rincón de la Victoria, Málaga
Añoreta Golf
Opened in 1990, Añoreta Golf is located in Rincón de la Victoria, approximately 37 km from Nerja. Designed by renowned Spanish golfer José María Cañizares, this attractive 18-hole course stretches over 5,833 metres and features five lakes strategically integrated into the layout.
Both the lakes and the greens have multiple levels and platforms, creating a varied and enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities while allowing different pin positions throughout the year.
Añoreta Golf is suitable for players of every level thanks to its diverse design and welcoming atmosphere. One of its greatest attractions is its location: just one kilometre from the Mediterranean Sea, offering spectacular sea views from many parts of the course.
The club also provides excellent facilities, including:
A restaurant with stunning views
A golf shop
A practice area and golf academy
Four padel courts
Private parking
Combining challenging golf, Mediterranean scenery and first-class facilities, Añoreta Golf is an excellent choice for guests staying in Nerja who wish to enjoy a memorable golfing experience on the Costa del Sol.
Combine world-class golf with the charm of Nerja and enjoy an unforgettable golfing break on the Costa del Sol.
The largest and most spectacular horse show on the Costa del Sol since 1992
- Nerja, Málaga
Diving - Kayak Routes
in Nerja
Diving in Nerja
Our reception team can help you book scuba diving lessons and unforgettable diving experiences, allowing you to discover the rich marine life and crystal-clear waters of the Costa del Sol.
Kayaking routes
Discover the stunning cliffs of Nerja and Maro from a unique perspective. Our reception team can help you book guided kayak tours along this spectacular section of the Costa del Sol coastline.
