Nature reserves in Andalusia

El Torcal, Caminito del Rey, Nerja Caves and more

Andalusia is dotted with nature reserves and mountains such as the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, El Torcal de Antequera and El Chorro with its famous hiking trail the Caminito del Rey. Even underground there is a lot of nature to see, e.g. the Nerja Caves.

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El Torcal de Antequera

Geological nature park with limestone formations

El Torcal nature park is close to the village of Villanueva de la Concepción. You can choose from 3 trails from 1.5 to 4.5 kilometers. The park does not only have very special limestone formations but also a wide variety of flora and fauna, such as birds of prey and izards. From 'Mirador Las Ventanillas' viewpoint you can enjoy fantastic views over the countryside and on a clear day also the Mediterranean sea and even Africa.

For more information you can visit the website of El Torcal.

Caminito del Rey

The King's Path

Along the walls of the Garganta del Chorro gorge lies the famous Caminito del Rey at altitudes up to 100 meters. This used to be one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world, but after its restoration in 2015 the paths are about a meter wide and equipped with fencing and therefore completely safe!

Tickets
The path is accessible to children from 8 years of age. Tickets can be booked through the official website. Just remember to book well in advance! The walk is 7.7 kilometers long and a beautiful experience for everyone without fear of heights.

Walking is also a possibility
For those who do not like these kinds of adventures there is plenty of other natural beauty to enjoy. Around El Chorro there are ample opportunities for walking that are worthwhile. At the surrounding reservoirs you can picnic along the shore, rent a small boat or have lunch at one of the restaurants and enjoy the ambiance and the view.

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Nerja Caves

Important point of interest

The Nerja Caves, ' Las Cuevas de Nerja ', are just a few kilometres away from the centre of Nerja, in the village of Maro. The beautiful cave with its strange shaped stalagmites and stalactites is also called "the Cathedral of the Palaeolithic". Because of the beautiful acoustics a large dance and music festival is being held here annually in July. 

Accidental discovery
In 1959 five local boys from the village of Maro discovered by chance the cave when they were hunting for bats at a mine shaft. Studies by archaeologists and geologists show that the cave was used for habitation, as a shelter and cemetery from prehistoric times, about 30,000 years ago in the Paleolithic period. E.g. rock paintings of fish and horses as well as tools and skeletons have been found.

Important point of interest
A year after discovery the caves were open to the public and they are in the top 5 of major sights in Spain. In one of the caves one can find a stalactite of no less than 32 meters high, one of the largest in Europe. The caves are so large that to this day one knows only 15%. The corridors have a length of no less than 5 km.

For more information you can visit the website of Cueva de Nerja.

Río Chillar

River walk, fun for young and old

The starting point of the Río Chillar river walk is between Nerja and Frigiliana. The route runs right through the nature park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. A fun activity, especially with children, on a hot summer day: walking through the cool water and there is plenty of shade. Along the way you can swim in crystal clear water and you will come across waterfalls, which offer a natural massage! As this is a linear route you can return at any time along the way you have walked.

Wat do you bring?

  • a pair of shoes to get wet, e.g. old sports shoes (please also wear socks to avoid blisters) or river shoes. Most important is that they fit comfortably and that you do not slip because some rocks can be slippery.
  • a picnic and sufficient drinking water.
  • sunscreen, sunglasses, cap or hat.
  • a stick that offers support during the walk can also be useful.
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