Andalusia is a wonderful community that has it all: culture, history, gastronomy, cosmopolitan cities, lost villages in the mountains, snow, beaches, mountains, rivers… and, in summer, very, very hot. For this reason, one of the favorite pastimes during the spring and summer months are the hiking trails that run along rivers, since you can take the opportunity to see new landscapes while you cool off in the middle of nature . In this article we show you which are the best hiking routes along the rivers in Andalusia. Are you coming?
The 7 best hiking trails along rivers in Andalusia
Angosturas del Guadalmina, Benahavís (Málaga)
The first of our river hiking routes in Andalusia is in Malaga, specifically in the Marbella area. The Guadalmina River runs through the municipality of Benahavís and offers a beautiful landscape for water trekking full of waterfalls and narrow passages .
To get there, you can start your route from the town of Benahavís itself or leave your car in any of the service areas near the Guadalmina river. The route begins in the so-called “Charco de las Mozas” , which is a natural heritage site for swimming and taking a dip in this natural pool. It is so pleasant that many visitors decide to stay there for the day and cool off instead of walking, especially the little ones.
After this pool, the descent of the Guadalmina river begins. This is a 2-3 hour route and ends at the so-called “Charca de los Tubos” . Along it, you will find sections in which the water covers almost up to the neck and areas that can only be crossed by swimming, as well as rocks two and three meters high from which you can jump to release adrenaline.
Río Verde, Otívar (Granada)
The second of our river hiking routes in Andalusia is accessed from the A-4050 between Granada and Almuñécar, north of the municipality of Otívar . You have to go through a private estate to enter, which is why there is a charge of € 5 per person to enter, but its beauty is worth it.
This route that runs through a gorge of singular beauty that alternates natural pools, waterfalls, rapids and hanging bridges , so it has parts where you have to cross the water and others where you will walk on land. Good sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet or thick-soled booties are the perfect footwear for this route.
Before reaching the river gorge, the walk descends through a landscape of pine trees and wild herbs, passing a fascinating waterfall with calcified tree trunks. There are many other interesting rock formations along the way , and you can detour to a nice reservoir that has some amazing views.
Padrón River, Estepona (Malaga)
Along the Padrón River we find various pools where bathers come to enjoy a refreshing summer day, and each of them is a good excuse to stop along the way on our route. The source of the Padrón is located about 13 kilometers from the Estepona coast, on the southern slope of Sierra Bermeja .
The route begins at an immense pool of crystalline waters that must be crossed by swimming, and then the river course runs between small waterfalls and pools surrounded by dense pine and cork oak forests . The course of the river is rough during the year, but in summer the channel carries less water and is perfectly passable, although there are areas that must be crossed by swimming.
As for the duration and difficulty of the route, it varies depending on the option we choose, since it has three possibilities: two routes of medium difficulty that are covered between 2 and 4 hours, and a third route for more experienced hikers in which takes approximately 7 hours.
Majaceite water trail, Sierra de Grazalema (Cádiz)
In the province of Cádiz we find the Sierra de Grazalema, one of the places in Spain with the highest rate of rainfall. This gives rise to an abundant and dense vegetation that can be visited even on hot summer days , and the experience is even more refreshing if we cross the Majaceite River route.
The Majaceite Aquatic Trail connects the towns of El Bosque and Benamahoma, and is one of the most beautiful and simple river hiking routes in Andalusia that can be done. To get to the starting point, follow a path that appears in front of the El Bosque bullring , next to the Las Truchas hotel. At 600 meters we find the sign that symbolizes the beginning of the route.
The road, practically flat, runs parallel to the river under the pleasant shade of the riverside vegetation . Among other trees, you can see elm, willow and ash. The water of the river that accompanies it is crystal clear and invites you to take advantage of these last hot days to take a dip in the many waterfalls and pools – shallow, yes – that are in its path.
Chíllar River, Nerja (Málaga)
As we are seeing, there are several hiking trails around Malaga, and one of the most popular is the Chillar River, near the city of Nerja.
It is a hike of medium difficulty that is done almost entirely along the course of the river, since you cannot walk along the shore, which hardly exists: almost everything is rock gorges, so be prepared to get wet . The water usually covers your ankles, but in the small pools along the way it can reach the knees or hips.
The route is 8 km one way and 8 km back, and it takes around 6 hours to complete. It begins on an esplanade and ends at La Poza de Los Patos, which is a beautiful natural pool with a small waterfall . Along the way you can enjoy the surrounding nature, the water and the relaxing sounds of the birds in the area.
As it has hardly any deep areas, this route is perfect to do as a family with small children, and even with dogs (those who like water, yes).
Route of the Huéznar Waterfalls, Cazalla de la Sierra (Seville)
The waterfalls are located approximately 2 km away. from the town of San Nicolás del Puerto, and you will not find a more idyllic setting – with crystal clear waters and abundant vegetation – in all of Seville.
The Huéznar Waterfalls were declared a Monument of Natural Interest in 2001, but they are not as well known as other of the river hiking routes in Andalusia that we have mentioned.
The series of small waterfalls, “Las Chorreras”, have been formed on peculiar 30,000-year-old limestone formations known as “travertines” and which form pools (some surprisingly deep) in which you can bathe. along the way. The route is approximately 7 kilometers long and you can do it in about three and a half hours .
Genal River, Jubrique (Malaga)
This route begins at El Charco de San Juan, located next to the restaurant of Camping El Genal, in the valley below the town of Genalguacil. It is a simple walk that is practically done entirely through the river (although there are parts that you can do by walking along the shore), which generally covers only up to the calves.
Along it there are various puddles or pools in which it covers up to the hips and where you can stop to bathe , swim or rest. You will also find small natural and artificial waterfalls through which children can slide, as well as rocks from which the most intrepid jump (although it is not recommended, since the depth is not great).
