Enjoying a relaxing walk intoxicating ourselves with the sounds, smells and colors of nature is one of the pleasures that we have to give up if we want to enjoy the comforts of living in the city. But luckily, we have the option of taking little getaways from time to time to kill the bug. In this article we will tell you which are the best hiking routes in Andalusia where you can do it.
The 8 best hiking routes in Andalusia
El Torcal de Antequera (Malaga)
On previous occasions, we have talked about the varied options that the province of Malaga offers for hikers, such as the famous Caminito del Rey or the many routes through Malaga rivers, so today we have to talk about another of the most famous hiking routes in the province. : El Torcal de Antequera .
The interest of this route lies not so much in the walk itself (since it is quite simple and does not present a challenge for those who are used to hiking), but in the fascinating rocky landscape that it crosses . Located on a karst plateau, the different trails will venture us into a huge labyrinth of rocks of impossible shapes created by the erosion of the limestone rock millions of years ago. El Torcal is one of the most spectacular places on earth and its geological fame transcends our borders.
Due to this, the flora and fauna go unnoticed, but unfairly: El Torcal is home to mountain goats, wild boars, badgers, cats and wild foxes, as well as numerous species of falcons that can be seen during the tour.
As for the hike itself, there are three different route options marked with colors on the wooden posts. The green route is the shortest and easiest, 1.5 km. and lasts about 30 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, it is 2.5 km long. long and leads to “Las Ventanillas” , at 1,200 m. for panoramic views of the Malaga valley. Finally, the red route is the longest and most difficult, it is 4.5 km long , it takes about three hours and through it you reach a viewpoint at 1,339 m. high from which you can see the entire El Torcal Park; And, if you force your eyes, you will even believe (or can you?) see the African coast on the horizon.
From Zahara de la Sierra to Grazalema (Cádiz)
The path between Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema crosses an impressive section of the Sierra de Grazalema National Park, where you can see the Spanish fir, a type of fir tree exclusive to some areas of the Andalusian mountains .
This route of medium difficulty is about 18 kilometers long that meander along the banks of the extensive Zahara-El Gastor reservoir before ascending to the rugged mountains of Grazalema. The tour lasts about 5 and a half hours of ascents and descents : the highest point is at an altitude of 943 meters.
Along the route, you will be able to see several places of interest such as the Castle of Zahara de la Sierra , which dates back to the 15th century; the El Gastor reserve, where you can appreciate beautiful panoramic views; the beach , an artificial lagoon surrounded by shady trees and grassy banks, which makes it perfect to stop along the way, relax, eat something and cool off with a bath; the Parroquia de la Encarnación , built in 1614 (although it was partially destroyed during the War of Independence and the Civil War); and, finally, the Plaza de España , which you will find at the end of the route when you reach the town of Grazalema and where you can have drinks and tapas to recharge your batteries.
Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche trails (Huelva)
Another of the most popular hiking routes in Andalusia is this one in Huelva, which offers a day of crossing forest trails and wonderful views over the mountains of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park.
The route has a different length depending on your starting point: you can leave from Aracena (19.3 kilometers) or from Los Marines (15 kilometers) . It takes around 4 or 5 hours to cover it, and it is of moderate difficulty : the highest ascent is up to 780 meters above sea level.
Walking along this route you will witness beautiful landscapes of the Huelva pasture, and you may see groups of pigs in the distance grazing among the holm oaks . They are Iberian pigs from which the delicious acorn-fed Iberian ham with designation of origin will later be extracted. In the town of Aracena, you can visit the Museum of Ham to learn about the aging process of the Iberian pig, its life in the pasture, food, traditional and industrial slaughter, as well as healing.
Route of the Arroyo las Cañas (Seville)
This 3 to 4-hour route is only 12 kilometers long , so it is perfect for families. It is a circular path during which you will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape offered by the Sevillian northern mountains and the magnificent Arroyo de las Cañas. Of course: it is recommended to do it in spring , after the rainy season, to find the landscape in all its splendor.
Bailón River Trail (Córdoba)
The Bailón river path is one of the most varied and beautiful hiking trails in Andalusia. It crosses the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park in the part that falls through Córdoba. The route begins in Poljé de la Nava, located 1 kilometer from the town of Cabra , already in the mountains.
The route, which is 14.7 kilometers long and can be done in about 7 or 8 hours , follows the course of the Bailón River and ends in Zuheros. passing through holm oak forests, and passing through places of great natural beauty such as the Chorreras waterfall and the Fuente de la Fuenfría spring, as well as the Bailón river canyon . The highest point is at 1,201m, so be prepared to hike. With a bit of luck, eagles and vultures can be spotted during the hike.
Route of the source of the Borosa River (Jaén)
The Sierra de Cazorla Park, in Jaén, has a great multitude of hiking options, but the Borosa River route is, without a doubt, the most emblematic. It has a moderate to high difficulty due to its duration and its length: it is 22 kilometers (between the round trip) from the starting point to the source of the river and the unevenness accumulates on the ascent to 966 meters ( the highest point of the route is at an altitude of 1265 meters).
Along the way we will go leaving behind the different landmarks of the route (the Caracolillos bridge; the Cerrada de Elías; the Salto de los Órganos) and discovering a multitude of beautiful pools and wonderful waterfalls . We will also go through a tunnel made to channel the water and we will arrive at the beautiful Laguna de Aguas Negras ; and, later, to the very source of the Borosa that flows from under a huge limestone with abundant force and flow.
There is also the option of not doing the complete route: there are many people who prefer to stay in one of the pools in the initial part, taking a good bath.
Aguadero and Hydroelectric Trail (Almería)
This route is actually made up of two different routes, but experienced hikers can do both in one day without problem , as they are not very long on their own. In total, this circular route is 19 kilometers long and reaches a height of up to 1,662 meters, with a cumulative drop of 926 m. You will need about 9 hours to do it , counting on stopping at the key points to rest and contemplate the landscape.
The walk runs through pine forests that are repopulated with Aleppo pine that offer good shade and avoid being directly exposed to the sun , and we will find water points along the way where we can refuel and refresh ourselves. It begins at the Nacimiento Recreational Area in Laujar de Andarax, from where we will take the beautiful Aguadero Path, and later we will connect with the Hydroelectric Path.
Along the path we will find several points of natural and architectural interest , such as the Castaño del Cortijo de la Rosa (one of the points of greatest ecological interest on the route, a wonderful centennial specimen of a gigantic trunk), the Barranco de la Majada de las Vacas , the Tajos de la Umbría, the Barranco de las Navas or the Puente Chillo.
Ascent to Pico Veleta (Granada)
Granada is another province that offers countless options for mountain lovers : not in vain, they have one of the most important mountain systems in the national geography. We already talked on another occasion about one of its most popular routes, the Cahorros del Río Monachil, and now we are going to focus on the path that leads, precisely, to the place of its birth: the ascent to Pico Veleta , the last of our routes of hiking in Andalusia.
Pico Veleta is located at 3,398 meters of altitude and is the second highest in Sierra Nevada after Mulhacen. It is climbed from the Hoya de la Mora (at an altitude of 2,500 meters and easily accessible by car) in a 9-kilometer journey that can be covered in about 3 hours , with an ascent difference of 900 meters. The path is perfectly signposted and there is a closed road that leads to one of the stops along the way (the Posiciones del Veleta), so there is no risk of loss.
As this is a high mountain route, it is necessary to check the snow conditions before climbing , since in the colder months it can be somewhat dangerous. On the other hand, the possibility of seeing remains of snow makes it a very attractive route to do with children.
