Sunny Springtime Walks on the Costa del Sol’s Coastal Boardwalk and Inland Trails
In recent years, local authorities have invested millions in enhancing the Costa del Sol’s walkways. Their star projects are the Senda Litoral de Málaga (Málaga Coastal Path), a modern boardwalk that extends from Maro (Nerja) at the eastern end of the Coast to Manilva in the west, and the Gran Senda de Málaga (Great Málaga Path), a network of hiking trails in the Coast’s inland areas.
Also dotted around the hinterland are many other picturesque trekking trails and water routes that are a joy to experience at this time of the year – whether you are an intrepid hiker keen to get off the beaten track or someone who simply likes a gentle walk in the spring sunshine.
Málaga Coastal Path
The Málaga Coastal Path covers 14 coastal municipalities and, when finished, will be 180 kilometres long. Already in use in many of its 167 different stretches, the path links some existing infrastructures (about 80 per cent of the Málaga coastline was accessible as of mid-July 2017) such as promenades, bridges, lanes and trails, and it will also provide new connecting structures (the remaining 20 per cent).
Understandably, cliff areas (Nerja to Torrox, for example) are more difficult to connect than the beach line between Mijas and Elviria, which enjoy geographical continuity. More than half of the future path will be wider than four metres, and six per cent (on latest estimates) includes a bike lane.
Several areas of exceptional natural value can be viewed along the path, including the rocky stretch between Calahonda and Calaburras in Mijas.
The authorities have highlighted several reasons for enjoying a walk along this pioneering path, including taking full advantage of the Coast’s healthy lifestyle, discovering the various areas’ cultural and historical assets, savouring diverse culinary options, swimming and participating in water sports along the way, birdwatching, admiring the marine flora and fauna, and relaxing to the tranquil sounds of the sea.
Great Málaga Path
This is another one of the Andalucía region’s pioneering routes, a memorable journey that stimulates interest in nature and promotes the attractions of dozens of towns in Málaga province.
The path extends for 942 kilometres, passing through more than half of the province’s urban centres and municipalities.
It connects with existing trails, as well as other major hiking routes including the Camino Mozárabe de Santiago, Gran Senda de la Serranía de Ronda, Gran Senda de la Sierra de las Nieves, Gran Senda del Valle del Guadalhorce, Gran Senda de la Axarquía and Camino Geológico Malacitano – as well as the aforementioned Senda Litoral.
It forms part of the European Grand Tour, which crosses the Mediterranean arc and ends in Greece, and also travels through four officially-designated Natural Parks (Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, Sierra de las Nieves, Alcornocales and Sierra de Grazalema), two Nature Reserves (Laguna de Fuente de Piedra and Lagunas de Campillos) and five Natural Beauty Spots (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, Sierra de Crestellina, Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, Desembocadura del Guadalhorce and Torcal de Antequera).
In addition, sports enthusiasts can enjoy numerous activities along the path, including rafting, via ferratas, canoeing, mountain biking, climbing and canyoning; and there are many museums, monuments, cultural centres and archaeological sites, plus rustic hotels and inns, spas, wine bodegas, viewpoints, marinas and golf courses.
Scenic Water Routes
The welcome rains that fell earlier this year have revitalised the Costa del Sol’s many stunning water routes – traversing rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, waterfalls and dams – while adding verdant flushes of green to the local vegetation and landscapes.
From charming villages near the coast such as Benahavís, Ojén and Istán to the breathtaking skyline of the Ronda mountain range, high above Marbella, day-trippers can park their cars and set off along scenic riverbed tracks before unpacking their picnic baskets and enjoying a refreshing dip in crystalline waters.
Seen from the Sea
Away from terra firma, the Coast is also renowned for its Senda Azul (Blue Path). To celebrate “the best of the Costa del Sol seen from the sea”, the local tourism board is currently celebrating its annual “Senda Azul Sea Days”. The initiative includes boat rides, diving and underwater exploration sessions – in all, more than 300 free experiences along the Costa del Sol. Until October 2, these maritime experiences are being raffled through Senda Azul’s social networks.
Throughout the year, the Mediterranean offers residents and visitors alike a haven of water-based leisure pursuits and chilled-out social activities. Whether it is luxuriating on a sunbed at a chic beach club, savouring sumptuous seafood at a seaside chiringuito (bar-restaurant) or snorkelling along the shoreline, the path to happiness starts and ends on the Costa del Sol.
As always, if you need any more information about these enticing pathways, or other attractions in Marbella and further afield, contact our friendly and knowledgeable local team and we will be happy to steer you in the right direction.
