Twelve simple yet spectacular routes to get started with hiking in Malaga

It's not always necessary to travel long distances and exert a lot of effort to enjoy a hiking trail. Sometimes, you just need to prepare for trails of low or medium difficulty, with itineraries that have little slope and can be completed in a short time. These paths are most suitable for those who want to start practicing hiking. Thanks to them, they can get hooked on this healthy outdoor activity that offers very direct contact with nature.

Although it has a considerable slope in the first part of the path and a narrow trail just after to descend, this circular route that starts from the village of Alfarnate can be considered of medium difficulty for those who want to start this outdoor sport. The Malinfierno pass and the Bosque de las Morillas that gives its name to this route are two incentives to prepare an excursion. It can easily be done in one morning.

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Much shorter than the previous one, but with a linear layout, this path is ideal for those looking for spectacular views of the city of Málaga. But beyond that panorama, the place where this route ends will surprise you, with symbolic elements that invite reflection and enjoyment of nature.

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It is one of the routes that is not season-dependent, although it is usually done between spring and autumn, as winter tends to be much colder. The path starts from the San Juan bridge, that is, the place on the Genal river where the municipal terms of Jubrique and Algatocín meet. From there, a thrilling path is proposed to the Prado de las Escribanas (between Genalguacil and Benalauría). Downstream, some sections of the river course will be crossed thanks to the walkways that give the route its name. It is not advisable to go with dogs due to the metal surface of the walkways. It is also not recommended for small children. Sometimes, the walkways have deteriorated and it has been necessary to close the itinerary. It is advisable to consult the website of the Gran Senda de Málaga for the status of it, as it is part of the stage that connects Benalauría with Genalguacil.

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Not everything has to be about nature on a route. Another incentive to enjoy hiking can be archaeology or history. Both are part of one of the most interesting itineraries in the environment of the Guadalteba, Guadalhorce, and Conde del Guadalhorce reservoirs. This route, which is done in the municipality of Campillos, but next to the dams, allows passing through prehistoric necropolises of great archaeological value that even served as trenches during the Civil War.

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Although it is advisable to wait for the first rains to see the stream in its fullness, this fluvial itinerary that starts from the village of Arriate is always recommendable. It has a circular route and allows passing through bridges and walkways that serve to save the Ventilla stream. The riparian forest and the unique geology of this gorge are other incentives for an excursion. It is a circular route with some slopes at the beginning and in the last section.

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The city of Málaga also has several hiking routes possible for almost the entire year. Among them, one of the most original is the one that leads to Monte Victoria. Its start is already very unique, the so-called Magic Forest, with carved eucalyptus trunks. Then it goes up through a lush pine forest until reaching a spectacular viewpoint of Málaga. Little more can be asked of this route.

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Among pines and Spanish firs runs the path that goes from the Saucillo port to the emblematic Cueva del Agua, in the municipality of Yunquera and in the natural and national park of the Sierra de las Nieves. Those who have done this linear itinerary with little slope often highlight especially the beauty of the route and the spectacular nature of the cave where it ends. To reach the starting point, it should be noted that in the summer period and even the first days of autumn, access to vehicles may be cut off a few kilometers further down. This would considerably lengthen the route.

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Although it is advisable to wait for the first rains of the season to do it, the trail that starts from Archidona and enters the valley of the Arroyo Marín is always spectacular. The most spectacular part awaits in the Hoz, a gorge of great beauty crossed by this tributary of the Guadalhorce. The biodiversity in the area is another point in favor of opting for this route this season.

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From the village of Parauta, there is a notable section of the trail that connects with Cartajima. This has been known for three years as the Enchanted Forest, as along the way you can see sculptures by the artist Diego Guerrero, who has brought much life to the route with mythological characters associated with the forest: from trees that have life to elves or fairies. It is especially suitable for doing with small children. However, it should be noted that on the way there is a descent, but the return is by the same path.

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The spectacular geology of the Sierra de Álora is the main attraction for making this circular route. To this must be added both the panoramic views and the biodiversity of the area. You can have a spectacular perspective of Álora as well as other surrounding villages. There are few slopes, but you must be very attentive to the signage to not miss any detour.

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Like the previous trail, here too the geology stands out as an incentive. The well-known Tajo del Abanico is the place where this linear trail arrives, which goes from less to more, with a most original route between steep walls and great beauty.

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Another trail that can be done from the city of Málaga is the ascent to the Cruz de San Antón. It is a simple path, where there is a significant but very gradual ascent, making it ideal for those who are starting in hiking. The views of Málaga and its Bay are spectacular. You can also enjoy nature. The presence of the Iberian ibex, which usually roams the highest part of these mountains, is surprising.

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