Walking in Axarquia in Southern Spain
Guide to Trekking in the Stunning Andalucian Scenery East of Malaga
Sep 5, 2008
Axarquia is the easternmost department of Malaga Province in Spain. Its warm, sunny climate and spectacular scenery make it one of the most popular areas for walking tours and walking holidays in Andalucia. The landscape and culture of Axarquia capture perfectly the traditional image of Andalucia: majestic mountains, steep valleys, ancient villages and castles, fertile groves of oranges, olives and almonds, shady forests and glorious displays of spring flowers.
Geographically, Axarquia falls into four zones, each offering different trekking experiences:
- An area of high mountains to the east, the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, much of which forms a large natural park.
- A central valley running from Lake Vinuela in the north to Velez Malaga and Torre del Mar.
- A western area of lesser mountains, the Montes de Malaga, extending to the outskirts of the city of Malaga.
- A coastal zone, generally with flat open beaches in the west, but broken into a series of rock-girt coves where the mountains sweep down to the sea east of Nerja.
The Natural Park of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama
The Parque Natural is a huge tumble of rugged mountains, roughly 35 km from Otivar in the east to Alcaucin in the west and 20 km from the Border of Granada province in the north to Nerja in the south. The highest peak, Maroma, rises to 2068 m. The park is a glorious wilderness with a network of mountain trails following centuries-old mule tracks and drovers routes.The landscape is splendidly varied: peaks of barren rock, where only lichens and dainty alpine flowers find a precarious foothold, lower slopes carpeted with flowering shrubs, herbs, bulbs and orchids, extensive pine and oak forests, and steep shaded river valleys.
Where to Walk in the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama
A network of ancient mule tracks and drovers’ trails criss-cross the mountains, making this is the best area for hiking in Axarquia, competing with the Alpujarra for the best walking trails in Andalucia.
The high peaks like Maroma, Navachica(1700 m) and el Cielo (1500 m) are really challenging treks, but there are plenty of easy walks in the foothills and valleys for the less energetic walker.
The valleys of the Rio Higueron, Rio Chillar, Rio Alhama and Rio Almanchares all have a good range of easy and moderate routes, and their shaded watercourses are particularly attractive in the hotter months.
Many of the pretty white villages surrounding the Natural Park are connected by old mule tracks and make good walking bases: Frigiliana near Nerja, Canillas de Albaida near Competa, Salares, Canillas de Aceituno and Alhama de Granada (not strictly in Axarquia) are fine examples.
Walking in the Velez Malaga Area
Mostly cultivated, this is lower and less spectacular than the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama but has some pleasant walks around Lake Vinuela, Alcaucin and Periana.
Walking in Western Axarquia
The Montes de Malaga range from around 400 to 1000 metres high and are mostly cultivated: a landscape of olive and almond groves, flowering shrubs, herbs and wildflowers, and picturesque white Andalucian villages.
The area around Comares, 25km northeast of Malaga has some particularly good walks.
Coastal Walking
There are some attractive local walks around Maro and Cerro Gordo east of Nerja, but most of the coast is too heavily developed to allow good walk routes.
When to Walk in Axarquia
From mid May to mid August, it’s usually too hot for pleasant walking. The best period is January to mid May, when the weather is good and the wild flowers are building to a spectacular crescendo.
More Information on Walks in Axarquia and the Alpujarra
Full downloadable directions and maps for a walk from Acebuchal to the Puerto de Frigiliana and other walks in Axarquia.
Climbing El Fuerte in the Sierra Almijara
The Higueron trail to Nerja.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
