This is the best hiking route you can do this January in Malaga

The month of January offers a unique spectacle in the province of Málaga: the almond blossom in the Guadalhorce Valley. This natural phenomenon, along with the mild microclimate characteristic of the area, makes the Almond Route one of the best options for enjoying rural and scenic tourism at this time of the year. This itinerary, which covers the municipalities of Almogía and Cártama, invites you to immerse yourself in a vibrant landscape where flowering almond trees blend with native species such as carob trees, cork oaks, and local manzanilla olive trees. Ideal for hikers, cyclists, or those looking for a peaceful getaway, this hiking route is undoubtedly the best option for January.

The journey begins in Málaga city, from where you take the MA-423 road towards Almogía. Throughout its 23 kilometers, the route winds through the Hoya de Málaga, a fertile plain irrigated by the Guadalhorce River. From various points along the way, you can view hills that resemble living canvases, painted with the white and pink of almond blossoms, contrasting with the black of their trunks, the red of the soil, and the green of the crops.

Upon arriving in Almogía, the traveler is welcomed by a charming white village, crowned by the historic Torre de la Vela, an Arab relic located on the Cerro del Villar. The old town of Almogía retains its Moorish essence with narrow, winding streets, ideal for a peaceful stroll that ends with a visit to the town's entrance, from where one of the most impressive views of the almond fields can be seen.

The next point on the itinerary takes the traveler towards the MA-421 road, heading to the ancient Noria, an 18th-century construction that served as a meeting place for the village women in the past. Just four kilometers later, you find the beginning of the Santi Petri trail, originally designed for cycling or horseback riding, though also accessible by car. This well-maintained rural road offers spectacular views of the valley and, on clear days, of the city of Málaga and nearby coasts.

The highlight of this route is Monte Santi Petri, an elevation of 797 meters that acts as a natural viewpoint from which, on clear days, even the coasts of Africa are visible. Here, a marked hiking trail, of low to medium difficulty and two hours duration, allows visitors to enjoy a unique natural environment, where species such as broom, rosemary, thyme, and dwarf palm can be found.

Resuming the journey, the Ermita de las Tres Cruces marks a key point on the route. This site, located on the boundary between Álora, Cártama, and Almogía, offers an exceptional panoramic view of much of the province. The itinerary continues descending to the Estación de Cártama, where Almensur, a local factory specializing in almond products such as nougats, shortbreads, and fried almonds, is located. This is the ideal place to take a sweet souvenir of the experience.