7th November 2025 
Leave a commentDiscover with us some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Malaga. The province boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes on the entire peninsula. If you love nature and hiking, take a look at our suggestions; we’re sure you’ll love them.
Natural landscapes, natural parks and the National Park of Malaga
We are writing this article in early November. Average temperatures for this month range from 21-22°C during the day to 14-16°C at night.
In case you didn’t know: Malaga is a natural paradise that’s ideal to discover during autumn, winter and spring. Winter literally doesn’t exist here. You can discover the wonders of nature under an almost always blue and sunny sky, but with perfect temperatures for walking.
The natural landscapes we present below are not only perfect for a stroll or admiring their flora and fauna. Many of these natural spaces are ideal for outdoor activities with family or friends. Enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, climbing or even speleology.
Sierra de las Nieves National Park
We begin with the jewel in the crown. This Sierra de las Nieves Biosphere Reserve was elevated in 2021 to become the first National Park in the province of Malaga. As such, it enjoys the highest level of environmental protection.
Being part of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, this national park is special for many reasons.
Crowned by Pico Torrecilla, at 1919 metres above sea level, this natural area is aptly named. Here, winter precipitation accumulates as snow. In the past, villagers used snow pits to store the snow during the winter. Then it was distributed to the villages during the summer using mules.
Pinsapo forests
The territory is characterized by a “botanical relic”. The Pinsapo forests, with large areas covered by this majestic conifer that seems to have been taken from a Tolkien story.
Caves
For mountain and caving enthusiasts, the Sierra de las Nieves National Park is one of the most interesting options. The National Park is known for its important caves and sinkholes, such as Sima GESM or Sistema de la Luz. It is the largest and deepest cave in Andalusia and one of the deepest in the world, reaching depths of over 1,100 metres.
There are companies that offer guided tours to the most accessible and beautiful caves in the area, in Tolox, Yunquera, Jorox, Ronda and Igualeja.
- Here’s a link for more information and to book a tour.
Cycling and hiking
Sierra de las Nieves is an ideal place for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. One of the most impressive and varied routes leads from Istán to Charco del Canalón, a spectacular pool with a small waterfall.
The villages that partially belong to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park are: El Burgo, Istán, Monda, Parauta, Tolox, and Yunquera. They are small white villages of Arab origin, nestled among the hills like little jewels.
You can plan a day trip, but a whole weekend getaway and overnight stay would be much better. There are many cottages in the area that you can rent, as well as some small country hotels.
Gaitanes Gorge Natural Area
This natural area is one of the most scenic and impressive in Malaga. You might recognize it as the location of the famous Caminito del Rey.
The Gaitanes Gorge is a canyon carved by the Guadalhorce River with impressive vertical walls over 400 metres high.
Caminito del Rey (The King´s Pathway)
Along these walls, a narrow, suspended walkway was built at a height of about 100 metres. It runs for approximately 3 km from the reservoir to El Chorro, a hydroelectric masterpiece from the early 20th century. It was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1921, hence its name “the King´s Pathway”.
The path deteriorated over the decades, which never deterred intrepid climbers. After several fatal accidents, access to the area was sealed off.
The most popular natural attraction in Malaga
Then Malaga Provincial Council launched a comprehensive rehabilitation project for the Caminito del Rey. It culminated in 2015 with its reopening. Now, visitors in normal physical condition can safely walk the spectacular path. In fact, since its opening, the Caminito del Rey has become the most popular natural attraction in Malaga, with a large number of tourists throughout the year.
Access is controlled and you have to purchase tickets in advance on the official website.
Birds of Prey
Although the Caminito del Rey is the highlight of the area, there is much more to discover. It is a region of mountains and cool pine forests where its three reservoirs of spectacularly turquoise water stand out.
The high cliffs are home to eagles and vultures that majestically soar through the skies.
There is a campsite next to the Guadalhorce reservoir. And the whole area is dotted with charming country houses and small rural hotels where you can stay.
Climbing
The area is one of the most popular for climbing, as it offers many beautiful routes of varying difficulty. It is ideal both in summer, thanks to the coolness of the canyon, and in winter, thanks to the sunshine the area receives.
Montes de Malaga Natural Park
The Montes de Malaga Natural Park is a great option if you don’t want to drive far to enjoy nature. This natural area begins just 5 km from Malaga city. From there, the extensive pine forest stretches northward.
The area is ideal for cycling, hiking, and nature lovers in general.
Wildlife
Among the wildlife of the Natural Park, its birds of prey stand out. You can see eagles soaring through the skies. It is also one of the few places where chameleons can still be found. Other inhabitants include the European polecat, fox, weasel, wildcat, beech marten, wild boar, and even the eagle owl.
Recreational areas
The Natural Park has two recreational areas with tables, benches and barbecues, parking and public restrooms:
Hiking
The Montes de Malaga Natural Park has over 100 kilometres of tracks and forest paths freely accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. There are four marked trails.
Sendero El Cerrado: A circular route of 2.9 kilometres, it has a medium difficulty, it starts and ends in the recreational area of the same name, running along the foot of Mount El Cerrado.
Sendero Pocopán: A linear route of 2.7 kilometres and medium difficulty. It runs from Llano de las Contadoras to the Pocopán viewpoint.
Sendero Torrijos: Linear route of 0.7 kilometres, of low difficulty, which runs from the Lagar de Torrijos Ecomuseum to the Chaperas stream.
Sendero Umbría de Contadoras: Linear route of 0.9 kilometres and low difficulty, up to the Francisco Vázquez Sell viewpoint.
Cycle paths
There are marked cycle paths such as “Picapedreros-Boticario”. With a distance of 6.7 kilometres, it is easily accessible from the city through the San Telmo Mill area, one of the entrances to the Natural Park.
Guadalhorce River Estuary Natural Area
The Guadalhorce River Estuary Natural Area is located between Malaga and Torremolinos, at the mouth of the Guadalhorce River as it flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s the ideal option for enjoying nature between the sea and the river, just a short distance from both cities.
A beautiful wooden bridge was recently built over the river, which is now part of the Costa del Sol coastal path and has transformed the natural area into a popular local recreation spot.
Hiking trails & bike paths
The area is flat and therefore ideal for enjoying a walk or a bike ride without getting tired. There are two short, easy routes along the points of greatest interest throughout the Natural Area.
Fauna
This green space boasts exceptional environmental richness, featuring lagoons, riverbanks, sandy areas by the sea, and terrains with diverse habitats perfect for various species.
Birdwatching
Did you know? Malaga is one of the main routes between Europe and Africa for migratory birds, especially in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
If you love birdwatching, you can find lots of specific information on the Birding Malaga website.
El Juanar – Marbella
From the beach in Marbella, you can see the beautiful Sierra Blanca mountain range as a backdrop against a blue sky. El Juanar is a recreational area with a footpath.
This path leads through pine trees to a lovely viewpoint from where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Marbella coastline, just a few kilometres from the city.
Viewpoint
The path between chestnut, cherry, fern, olive and pine trees is flat and easy and is less than 1500 meters to the viewpoint with a sculpture of a mountain goat that are abundant in this area.
In addition, you can see golden eagles, peregrine falcons or griffon vultures soaring through the sky.
Pico de la Concha
La Concha is the highest peak in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, at 1,215 meters above sea level. It belongs to the Sierra de las Nieves Biosphere Reserve, although Sierra Blanca itself is not part of the National Park.
This route, which starts from El Juanar, is for experienced hikers in good physical condition. The trail is quite steep and will take you about 5 hours, including a break.
You’ll be rewarded with exceptional views from the peak. On clear days, you can see not only the Costa del Sol but also Gibraltar, the coast of Africa, and the Atlas Mountains.
Route to Pico La Concha from El Juanar in Sierra Blanca on Wikiloc.
