Seven ideal routes to do with children this December in Málaga

December offers a perfect opportunity in Málaga for families to go out into the countryside and discover together some of the most ... surprising corners of the province. From magical forests where carved eucalyptus trees seem to come to life to colorful viewpoints overlooking the province; from the coolness of the bridges and walkways of the Ventilla stream to the geological formations of the Tajo del Abanico, which seem to be taken from a film set. There are also intimate sanctuaries by the river, forests of gall oaks and holm oaks in Alfarnate, and, of course, the magic of the pinsapar forest in Yunquera. Seven easy, varied, and stimulating routes for children to fall in love with hiking without even realizing it.

1. 1

   Montes de Málaga

   Sendero del Mirador de la Unidad

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This easy and very popular route in the Montes de Málaga is perfect for families. It starts from the area of El Detalle and gently ascends towards Cerro Matanza on a narrow trail, marked with stone cairns and surrounded by pines, junipers, and strawberry trees. The route, barely 1.8 kilometers each way, soon offers great views over the bay of Málaga. The most special moment arrives at the Mirador de la Unidad, a space built by volunteers with a compass rose, a wish mailbox, and several natural balconies ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets. A few meters further, you reach the geodesic vertex, another excellent viewpoint before returning the same way.

Recommended age: From 7 years old*.

More information: Sendero del mirador de la Unidad: a place to see Málaga in a different way

1. 2

   Riogordo

   Paseo de los Ríos

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The Paseo de los Ríos is a very accessible circular route for families to discover the natural surroundings of Riogordo without straying too far from the urban center. The well-marked trail combines stretches along the Cueva River and the Morenas stream, ensuring shade, coolness, and a very varied landscape. One of the most special moments comes upon reaching the small sanctuary of the Virgin of Belén, linked to the legend of the painting that appeared after a flood in 1907. Then, the path gently ascends among orchards and olive groves to return to the village from its upper part. The final stretch, along a pleasant walkway by the river, leads back to the Olivos bridge and the starting point.

Recommended age: From 8 years old*.

More information: Paseo de los Ríos: the circular route that takes you to the secluded sanctuary of the Virgin of Belén

1. 3

   Arriate

   Sendero del Arroyo de la Ventilla

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This circular route, perfect for hiking with children, allows you to discover one of the most surprising riverside enclaves in Andalusia without straying from the urban center of Arriate. The trail enters a lush gallery forest where poplars, ash trees, and willows create a cool atmosphere even in summer. Soon you reach the narrow gorge of the Ventilla stream, where water has shaped the limestone rock and small cavities like the Druid's cave appear. Wooden walkways and bridges facilitate progress on both banks, allowing for a circular itinerary. The route can be extended to the Giant Bench, a unique viewpoint with views of the entire surroundings. The return, among springs and old mills, completes an ideal walk for families.

Recommended age: From 7 years old*.

More information: Trail of the Ventilla Stream, one of the most unique riverside enclaves in Andalusia

1. 4

   Yunquera

   Ruta de la Cueva del Agua

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This brief route within the Sierra de las Nieves National Park connects two essential corners of the pinsapar forest in Yunquera: the viewpoint of Puerto del Saucillo and the Cueva del Agua. It is a short and very accessible route for families, ideal for introducing the little ones to a pinsapo forest. The path starts at the viewpoint, one of the most spectacular natural balconies of the mountain range, and enters a narrow trail where the famous Candelabra Pinsapo soon appears. After a perfectly marked crossing, the path descends among pines and historical springs, like the Chaparrera, until reaching the grotto, which usually accumulates water after the rains. The return is made by the same trail, always surrounded by a magical forest.

Recommended age: From 7 years old*.

More information: Hiking route of the Cueva del Agua.

1. 5

   Alfarnate

   Sendero del Bosque de las Morillas

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This circular route, ideal for families, allows you to discover some of the most unique landscapes of Alfarnate. The route begins with a gentle climb to the south of the village, from where you get a nice view of the urban center. After reaching the high area, the path enters a rocky trail that descends to the old Olmedo press, one of the landmarks of the route. From there, the trail connects with the Gran Senda de Málaga and continues through the narrow pass of the Puerto del Malinfierno, always with the Sabar river as a companion. The final part runs through the Morillas Forest, where holm oaks and gall oaks create a lush grove before returning to Alfarnate through its quieter streets.

Recommended age: From 9 years old*.

More information: Trail of the Morillas Forest: A family route in Alfarnate where you can see a great variety of botanical species

1. 6

   Málaga

   Climb to Monte Victoria through the Magic Forest

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This short and very original route allows you to enjoy one of the most curious corners of Málaga capital: the Magic Forest, where several eucalyptus trunks have been carved by a local resident, becoming an outdoor artistic attraction. The path starts on Amargura Street and gently ascends along a wide lane to a small playground, ideal for a break if you are with children. Then, the itinerary continues along a paved stretch before taking a narrow trail that climbs among pines towards the summit of Monte Victoria. At the top, the viewpoint "A pleasure to meet me" awaits, with wide views of the center, Gibralfaro, the Mediterranean, and much of Málaga. The return is made by the same path.

Recommended age: From 7 years old*.

More information: Climb to Monte Victoria through the Magic Forest

1. 7

   Ronda

   Ruta del Tajo del Abanico

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This linear route, ideal for those traveling with children accustomed to walking, allows you to discover one of the most unique geological sets in the Serranía de Ronda: the Tajo del Abanico. The trail starts from the San Francisco neighborhood and advances along a comfortable paved lane before descending by the Camino de Sijuela, always with views of the olive groves and the first limestone formations. The most spectacular part comes when entering the shade of the Sijuela stream, where the eroded cliffs rise a few meters from the hiker. A gate marks the start of the final path, narrower and accompanied by the sound of water. The ensemble resembles the Tajo de Ronda and was the scene for the filming of the opera Carmen. The return is made by the same path.

Recommended age: From 9 years old*.

More information: Hiking| Route of the Tajo del Abanico

*Recommendations for children of that age, provided they are accustomed to physical activities or hiking routes.

**Other equally recommendable options may be the Ruta de las Fuentes, in Cuevas del Becerro, the Lagar de Torrijos trail, or a circular walk through the Bosque del Morlaco. Outside the province, but not too far away, good alternatives await on the Sendero de Colores (Zafarraya, Granada) and the Majaceite river route (Sierra de Grazalema natural park).