Hiking around Malaga: exploring the mountains of Andalusia

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the city of Malaga is much more than just a seaside destination. Just a few kilometres from its sunny coastline, spectacular mountain ranges offer the perfect playground for hikers, nature lovers and curious travellers in search of unusual places. Among pine forests, steep gorges, whitewashed villages and panoramic peaks, explore some of the places that embody Andalusia!

ESP

4/9/20253 min read

Hiking is an invitation to slow down, observe and breathe. Every step is a way to get closer to yourself, take care of your body, calm your mind and open your heart. Whether short or long, in the forest or in the mountains, walking guides us towards overall balance.

So why wait? Put on your shoes, open the door and let nature do its work.

There are many sites to visit in the region around Malaga, so take advantage of a getaway to discover Andalusia and make lots of memories.

El Torcal de Antequera: a unique karst landscape

About 40 km north of Malaga, El Torcal de Antequera is a natural park famous for its spectacular limestone rock formations. This almost lunar landscape, with its piles of flat rocks sculpted over many years, amazes hikers at every turn and delights younger visitors with climbing and fossil discoveries. The site offers several marked trails, including the green trail (1.5 km, easy) and the yellow trail (3 km, moderate), offering breathtaking views of the region. A café/restaurant allows you to end your hike in peace and quiet in a sumptuous landscape.

👉 Not to be missed: the ‘Cara del Hombre’ (the stone face) and the herds of ibex that inhabit the area and are well worth spotting!

Caminito del Rey: the vertiginous hike

Long considered one of the most dangerous trails in the world, the Caminito del Rey has been completely renovated for visitor safety. A suspended walkway, clinging to the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, winds its way 100 metres above the ground. The walk (approximately 7.7 km) along the sheer walls is accessible and spectacular — an unmissable and popular experience that requires advance booking.

👉 To experience: hike among those who are climbing, feel the power of the wind rushing between the walls, see a fossil and the remains of the first trails or vertiginous via ferrata!

The Sierra de las Nieves: for lovers of wild nature

Classified as a national park, the Sierra de las Nieves rises an hour west of Malaga. Its forests of pinsapo (endemic fir trees) and peaks rising to over 1,900 m make it a paradise for seasoned hikers. You will most likely start from a Pueblo Blanco, and some hikes take you past waterfalls or lakes where you can cool off. To get there, winding roads through olive and eucalyptus forests will open your eyes and your imagination... on a clear day, you can even see Africa.

👉 Recommended trail: In the Sierra de las Nieves, the Ruta de las Cascadas (PR-A 282) is a circular trail from Tolox that stands out for its impressive waterfalls, such as La Rejía and Charco de la Virgen. This trail, ideal in spring and early summer, offers a route of approximately 10 kilometres through ravines, streams and cultivated meadow landscapes.

Frigiliana and the Higuerón River Valley: Andalusian charm

One hour east of Malaga, Frigiliana is often cited as one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia. From there, a trail runs along the Higuerón River, passing through gorges, old sugar mills and cane plantations. Frigiliana: a delightful stop for breakfast or an aperitif in one of the many cafés/restaurants with their incomparable atmosphere.

👉 Not to be missed: the pretty kiosk at the entrance to the old town with mechanical puppets that tell you stories about Frigiliana.

La Cueva del Gato and water hikes near Ronda

For an extraordinary hike, head to the area around Ronda, 1.5 hours from Malaga. La Cueva del Gato, a cave filled with emerald-coloured cold water, is the starting point (or end point) for short walks in a wild environment.

👉 Things to do: A very popular summer activity is barranquismo (canyoning) in the Garganta Verde or the Tajo de Ronda.

One last word...

While summer is undoubtedly the time for beaches and hot weather, the other 10 months are ideal for all kinds of hiking and exploring... and you'll soon realise that the time between two summers is actually quite short! You might even encounter snow in winter...

If you want to discover a wild, authentic and often overlooked side of Andalusia, whether you're sporty or prefer leisurely strolls, the area around Malaga is full of beautiful landscapes and friendly people!

In other articles on this site, you'll discover specific places around Malaga that are waiting to be explored and will make you want to come back.