In Andalucia, between the provinces of Malaga and Granada, there is a natural enclave of deep valleys and three mountain ranges that reach their highest peak in La Maroma with 2065 meters in altitude. Featuring deep ravines and unforgettable memories to photograph.
This Natural Park covers an area up to the coast and has attractions like the Nerja Caves or Maro Cliffs, both are very recommended to visit.
The area has been inhabited since Prehistory but it was only the Muslims who brought an important influence into the culture of the villages from the area, any of them are a very recommended visit.
Flora and fauna
The mountains are predominantly grey and white tone because the presence of marble, a mineral that barely manages to retain rain water, this cause the presence of deep ravines which is a characteristic of this Natural Park.
There is abundance of pine trees, they overtake the importance of other present species like the endangered yew, in spanish called ‘tejo’ and from Sierra Tejeda got its name because the abundance of yew forests in the past.
Among the fauna you can find the common squirrel who have made of this Natural Park a home in recent years. The ibex and the deer are quite common animals to see in these mountains, even without getting outside of the car it is possible if you have some luck to sight any of them.
Meeting Sierra de Tejeda – Almijara and Alhama
If you like hiking you will find many trails that offer stunning views of the province, especially if you follow any of the routes to ‘La Maroma’, the highest peak at 2065 meters above the sea level.
The ascent to La Maroma
This route has medium-hight difficulty and the reason is the almost constant trail rise over 14,74 kilometers and the presence of ice which will make the floor slippery and dangerous.
This route is recommended for people in good physical shape who want to find a great reward after summit the peak. The views from Malaga and the Natural Park area are amazing, definitely a good way to have a bird’s view of the area. You can see on clear days the Rock of Gibraltar, African coast and the bay of Malaga.
You can begin this route from Canillas de Aceituno or ‘El Robledal’, there is available parking near the camping area.
Difficulty: High, recommended for those in good shape because the length and slope of this route.
Estimated time: 8 hours
Distance: 15 kilometers the round trip.
Slope height: 950 meters
We recommend to avoid this route during the summer because the excessive heat.
Rio Verde hiking trail
Circular route where meeting with a beautiful area of this Natural Park and where there is an important population of ibex.
The begining of this route is at Collado de los Chortales, a mountain road in the way from Granada to Almuñecar passing by Otivar. There are a few access points to the hiking trails, you can park your vehicle at any of the bumps next to the road and continue on foot. Rio Verde trail is right before arriving the abandoned hostel-gas station, at kilometer 28.7.
This trail begins with some stone stairs. During the trip you will meed with some beautiful natural pools.
Note: We do not recommend to park next to the road, there have been thefs and broken car glasses, it is advisable to park in a nearby town or not getting too far from the vehicle.
Difficulty: Low
Estimated time: 3 hours
Distance: 7,35 km
Towns and villages
From Malaga.us we recommend always to visit the white villages from this beautiful natural areas, to enjoy the gastronomy and walk (that’s why we always recommend one or two hiking trails). If you are coming to Malaga we recommend to hire a car if you don’t have your own vehicle.
For getting there if driving from Granada, you must follow the ‘Suspiro del Moro’ sign and drive through the mountain road in direction to Otivar and Motril.
From Malaga you must head to Motril until taking the road to Alhama de Granada, driving this road you will also be able to get to Canillas de Aceituno, Sedella and Alcaucin.
Malaga: Alcaucin, Canillas de Aceituno, Canillas de Albaida, Competa, Frigiliana, Nerja, Salares, Sedella.
Granada: Alhama de Granada, Arenas del Rey, Jayena and Otivar
