Information on Málaga, Spain

There is more to the Costa del Sol than just beaches alone. As we head inland to the hills and mountain ranges of the interior, the vegetation opens up to reveal kilometre after kilometre of hiking routes ideal for the walking enthusiast. And there is a wide variety to choose from. On the one hand, there are climbs of medium difficulty in mountainous areas, routes that require a whole day to complete and which be followed with caution, such as the ascent of La Maroma in the Axarquía range or Navalchica, in Nerja. A similar route runs from El Chorro reservoir to it Guadalhorce counterpart and includes the famous narrow walkway known as the King’s Path, definitely not recommended for vertigo sufferers. El Torcal de Antequera, which offers a number of routes of varying difficulty, is another interesting option and one of the most popular, as it is also one of the finest examples of a kartisc landscape to be found anywhere in Europe. Those looking for a more relaxing (though equally scenic) jaunt should try the refreshing route along the river Chíllar, in Nerja, whose entire course is flanked by pastoral settings filled with pools and small waterfalls.

When the rocky surface becomes steep and craggy, the more dare climber can put his courage to the test on the rock faces of La Araña beach, near Rincon de la Victoria. In an area of just 20 km., the latter contains one of the finest examples of a karstic landscape to be found in Europe. This can be divided in four separated zones:
1. Sierra Pelada, on the eastern side, with a highest peak of 1,198 metres.

2. El Torcal Alto, the highest zone and the zone and home to the finest area of karstic relief, to be found in the whole massif. Located in the south east, its highlights are the rocky crests of Las Vilaneras, which separates it from the lower Torcal Bajo. Numerous narrow corridors are to be found here.
3. El Torcal Bajo, very similar to the previous zone, though less spectacular.
4. Slopes and Cliffs. Of particular relevance on the southern face, these shape the whole landscape.

This, however, is nothing compared to the opportunity of descending into one of the many canyons to be found in the province. Beginners are advised to try El Chorro canyon, while those in search of more excitement should pit themselves against La Sima del Diablo (the Devil’s Pothole) in the Genal Valley, a location teeming with waterfalls and pools which is ideal for jumping and rappelling. Another route highly recommended for the more intrepid is Las Buitreras canyon, which should be undertaken with extreme care and by experienced climbers only. And for those eager to reach the very heart of the rocks, there are a number of caves favoured by potholes, such as El Gato and La Pileta.