HIKING IN MARBELLA
March into Spring! With the rains come green fields and flower blooms, which make it ideal for beautiful walks in nature!
Marbella is surrounded by amazing trails, from easy flat strolls to more challenging high gradient treks, there is a route for everyone!
Here are some of the top favorite routes around Marbella that locals and visitors alike venture out to!
La Concha
Level: Challenging
Every city boasts its own iconic monument or building and Marbella is no exception. The majestic mountain peak of "La Concha" towers tall giving it its picturesque views from all over the coast. Locally known as the "Queen and Protector of Marbella", it plays a crucial role in the region's unique microclimate, which ensures numerous sunny days year round.
The journey starts from Marbella driving up the road of Ojen, driving up the windy roads past the village. You will then turn left at the sign that reads "Refugio de Juanar" and continue through the narrower road through the mountain. Once you arrive to the junction in the forest, you will find the Refugio Hotel to the right and a large parking lot straight ahead, where the trail begins.
The route is approx. 8 miles and takes up to 6 hours total to complete, depending on your fitness level and experience. The trail is rocky and strenuous, steep in some sections that is not for the faint of heart. As your climb, the vegetation changes and once at the top, you will be stunned by the 360º views and feel a blissful sense of accomplishment for all your hard work.
Be cautious of the weather before starting this adventure as it can change dramatically with altitude. Avoid the summer months, unless you begin at the crack of dawn. Be prepared with plenty of water, snacks and sturdy footwear. Most importantly, consider going with a companion or a guided group for added safety.
Juanar Cross
Level: Difficult
The Juanar cross is located on the same mountain range as the La Concha peak but can get there from a different route. Not as challenging as La Concha but just as stunning of views from the top!
Legends say that a sailor was once lost at sea and what saved him was the peak of Juanar and to help guide and save other sailors, he placed a cross at the summit.
The journey starts from Marbella driving up the road of Ojen, driving up the windy roads past the village. You will then turn left at the sign that reads "Refugio de Juanar" and continue through the narrower road through the mountain. Once you arrive to the junction in the forest, you will find the Refugio Hotel to the right and a large parking lot straight ahead, where the trail begins.
This nearly 7KM route takes approx. 3 hours total. There are two trail options to reach the cross,. However, it is recommended to go clockwise as advised by many hikers. Albite a bit exhausting to climb, the views once arrived are breathtaking and give you a blissful sense of accomplishment!
Istan Lake
Level: Moderate
The La Concepción reservoir aka "Istan Lake" receives water from the Guadaiza, Guadalmina, and Guadalmansa rivers, which supplies water to several municipalities on the Costa del Sol.
This family friendly 6K trail begins at the end of the road of Urbanización La Biznaga in a designated parking area called "Ruta - Puerta Verde de Marbella." The trail crosses the APT via a viaduct offering spectacular views of the Turtle Lake below located within the Aloha urbanization, and panoramic sea views where you can spot Gibraltar and Africa on a clear day!
As you ascend the the small gradient hill, the expansive lake comes into view, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the Concha Mountain with the town of Istan at its base.
Continue down a path to the left where the road forks, leading you down a curved declining trail towards a highpoint marked by a distinctive tree, perfect area for an idyllic picturesque rest stop.
Mina de Buenavista
Level: Easy-Moderate
Go on a historical walk to the lead mines of Marbella! Tucked in the hills above Sierra Blanca near Starlight, this walk has a small gradient hill making it a more moderate level.
Spain was the world leader in lead production from 1869 to 1881. The lead mines of Marbella were the most productive in Malaga in the second half of the 19th century. The Buenavista mine remains as a witness to this mining episode.
The path to reach the remains of this historical spendor is located next to Nagüeles Park. There is a main dirt path that goes up through the pine forest and leaves other lanes to the right and left. Halfway up you will find a signpost with the sign for the Buenavista Mine. In the area you can see numerous wells and galleries that bear witness to its mining past.
Parking is at the entrance of the trail on calle Albinoni.
Acequia trail Guadalmina
Level: Easy
Located on the Benahavis Road, this easy tranquil trail is perfect for a zen walk along a canal of water under a canopy of trees giving a cool shady hideout from the warm sun.
The route begins at the large wooden suspension bridge, located next to the access road to Benahavís, 1.5 km before reaching the town. From the suspension bridge, there are impressive views of the canyon below through which this river has made its way, which originates in the Serranía de Ronda to flow into the Marbella coast.
Continue onto the trail which is approximatly 5 km long and runs alongside an ancient irrigation ditch where more than ten centuries ago the Arabs channeled part of the waters of the Guadalmina River to use it to irrigate their orchards and farmhouses. Once you have crossed the bridge, a small 200-metre ascending path begins, which takes you to the irrigation ditch that gives this hiking route its name. From here on, the route becomes practically flat, as it maintains the level of the irrigation canal itself.
Parking can be found at the "Ermita Virgen del Rosario" located approximately a 7 minute walk before the bridge.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir
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