Hiking and day trips around Nerja

 I parked my rental car, a compact Seat Ibiza for €25 a day, on the edge of Frigiliana and started my first solo walk. The sun was already pretty strong, even early in the morning. Ideal walking weather for April, especially if you look for the shade. Now that Labour Day is approaching, we're noticing it's getting a bit busier here. Lots of local folk head out then, and that means the popular spots fill up quickly. That's why I'm giving you some options this time, so you can always find a nice route or day trip, even if one place is too crowded. ### Río Chíllar – water walk I've done this walk several times and each time I realize how unique it is. You're actually walking through the riverbed, so your shoes will get wet. It's about 8 kilometers there and back, but time just flies by when you're splashing through the water like that.  To start, you drive to the car park at the river entrance, just outside Nerja. Google Maps recognizes 'Río Chíllar Parking'. Make sure you're wearing water shoes, ones with good grip. Regular sandals or flip-flops are just asking for trouble on the slippery stones. I wear "Merrell" brand shoes myself, bought them online for €120 – definitely worth the money if you do these kinds of walks often. The route's safest from June to September (sometimes October). [In spring](/en/blog/rio-chillar-hiking-spring), like now in April, the water level can be too high. Always check the local weather forecasts and if there's been rain in the mountains. The authorities close the route if the water's dangerously high, and they wouldn't do that for nothing, would they? Take plenty of water and some snacks, because there's nothing for sale along the way. This really is a place to dive into nature and disconnect a bit. ### El Acebuchal – the lost village I heard about El Acebuchal years ago, but only recently did I go on a day trip there. It's a 'lost village' that's come back to life after years of being deserted. It's hidden away in the Las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama natural park, a short drive inland from Nerja.  The drive there, over narrow, winding roads, is an adventure in itself. You can park on the edge of the village; usually there are spots available. The village itself is small, whitewashed, and full of flowers. The peace and quiet is what really strikes you; you hear the birds singing and an occasional breeze through the trees. I had a typical Spanish lunch there in the only restaurant, Restaurante El Acebuchal. The goat cheese salad with honey was surprisingly good. Next to the restaurant is a small shop where they sell local honey and artisan products. They also bake their own bread there, which is delicious with lunch. Several hiking trails start from El Acebuchal. I myself did a shorter route of about 5 kilometers, a loop through the hills with views over the park. You don't need to be an experienced hiker for this, but sturdy shoes are definitely recommended. And take plenty of water, because there are no drinking points on the paths. ### Coastal walk Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo This walk along the cliffs is easier to reach from Nerja and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The natural area of Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo stretches between Maro and La Herradura.  A good starting point is the Torre de Maro, an old watchtower. From there you can choose from different paths. I took a route of about 6 kilometers there and back, which takes you along small, secluded coves and beaches, such as Cala del Cañuelo. Along the way, you'll come across several viewpoints where you can enjoy the scenery and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins. The path is well-maintained, but there are some elevation changes. Don't forget your swimwear, because you can take a nice dip at some of the coves. At Cala del Cañuelo, there's a small restaurant, Chiringuito Mauricio, where they serve fresh fish. Perfect for a lunch stop after the walk. I ordered the *espetos de sardinas* – a typical specialty here – for about €9, and they were delicious. ### Vía Ferrata Zafarraya – for the adventurers For those who are looking for a bit more of a challenge than a standard walk, there's the Vía Ferrata Zafarraya. This is a kind of 'vertical walk' where you work your way up a rock face using steel handholds, chains, and sometimes suspension bridges. It's a bit further inland, towards Zafarraya, and it's a day trip from Nerja.  You do need special equipment for this, like a climbing harness and a helmet, and it's advisable to go with a guide. There are several providers near Nerja that offer organized tours. I haven't done it myself yet, but I do know a few people who found it a great experience. They spoke about incredible views over the mountains and the sense of satisfaction when you reach the top. The route has different difficulty levels, so you can choose what suits you. It's important that you don't have a fear of heights and that you're reasonably fit. This isn't a relaxed walk, but a real adrenaline rush. You can find local providers of this activity through the chatbot Maria, if you like. ### Golf at Baviera Golf – Caleta de Vélez Although this isn't a hiking trail in the traditional sense, a round of golf at Baviera Golf near Caleta de Vélez is also a lovely way to spend a day outdoors. I've mentioned this golf course before. It's a peaceful and accessible course, ideal for both beginners and experienced players. It's about a twenty-minute drive from Nerja.  The course itself isn't really difficult anywhere, which makes it a nice place to practice your swing without too much frustration. A round here costs only €60, which is reasonable compared to other courses in the area. The surroundings are green and well-maintained, with views of the mountains and sometimes even a glimpse of the sea. I love coming here to relax for a few hours and clear my head. The 19th hole, the clubhouse, has a great terrace for a coffee or a snack afterwards. That coffee costs me €1.80 every time, a bargain for such a view. ### Water sports at Torrox Costa If you'd rather be active on or in the water than alongside or through it, you could consider heading towards Torrox Costa. There are various water sports options there. The larger beaches, like Playa Ferrara, often have rental points for jet skis and other activities.  I've rented a jet ski myself once for an hour, which cost me €150. It's a quick and fun way to explore the coastline. You can take routes that lead you past the cliffs of Maro, which gives a completely different perspective than from land. Parasailing is also an option, where you're pulled across the sea by a speedboat with a parachute. You'll fly for about 15 minutes at altitude, with a great view of the coastline and the mountains. I've never done it myself, but I hear from others that it's a spectacular experience. For Labour Day, I'd recommend going early or booking in advance if you want to do a specific activity. It can get pretty busy on the water then, and providers are quickly fully booked. ### Boat trip to see dolphins A calmer option on the water is a boat excursion. Especially between June and October, trips are offered from Nerja and Torrox. I've done this several times, and it's always fun to see the Costa del Sol from the sea. !Dolphins jumping out of the water near a boat The trips usually last a few hours, and the chance of seeing dolphins is quite high, though of course, there's no guarantee. You'll cruise along the beautiful coastline and the cliffs you've already admired from land. Sometimes they also make a stop so you can take a dip in the crystal-clear water. There are various providers; pay attention to the duration of the trip and whether drinks are included. I usually book the shorter trips, which last two to three hours. That's long enough to relax and enjoy the view, without it getting too tedious. For families with children, this is often a big hit. My tip? Go early in the morning; the sea's often calmer then. ### Snorkeling and diving at the Maro cliffs The underwater world near the cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo is just as impressive as what you see above it. It's a protected natural area, and the waters are clear and rich in marine life. Snorkeling and diving are therefore popular activities here. There are dive centers in Torrox and Nerja that organize snorkeling trips and diving excursions. I've been snorkeling here myself a few times. You'll see schools of fish, sea anemones, and sometimes even an octopus if you look closely. The seabed is rocky with underwater caves, which makes it extra interesting. For beginners, there are introductory dives under the guidance of an instructor. One of the best places to snorkel is at Playa de Molino de Papel. You can get there by car, park, and then walk a short path to the beach. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent it from one of the local providers. Make sure you have a waterproof bag for your valuables, because you wouldn't want those to get wet. ### Jeep tour in Sierra de Almijara For those who want to explore the inland and the wilder nature of the [Axarquía](/en/blog/walking-inspiration-axarquia), a jeep tour through the Sierra de Almijara is highly recommended. It's a completely different way to see the area than on foot.  The tours usually start from Nerja and take you off-road, over paths you wouldn't be able to reach with a regular car. You drive through riverbeds and climb up to amazing viewpoints. Companies like LIFE ADVENTURE are popular; they use open 4x4 vehicles, which makes the experience even more intense. I did one of those tours a few years ago and was impressed by the guide's knowledge of the local flora and fauna. We even saw ibex, which I personally wouldn't have expected in this region. This is a really good option if you want something different from the beach or walking trails. The tours often last half a day or a full day and are also suitable for families. Prices for these vary, but count on around €50-€80 per person, depending on the duration and the provider. It's an investment, but you get a unique look at the inland for it. Go on a dry day, because after rain the paths can be muddy and challenging. There's plenty to do here, even on a day like Labour Day when everyone's heading out. With these options, you can spread out the crowds, or actively seek them out if you like a lively atmosphere. Worth it. Just do it.