Hiking routes in tejeda almijara alhama park

Exploring the Sierras de Tejeda

The Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, right behind Nerja, offers a lot of hiking options. The variety of routes means there's something for every hiker, honestly. From April to October, you'll often find me in the park with my old trainers, especially for routes where you're walking through water. One of the most popular walks around here is the Río Chillar. This river walk, which I happily do several times a year myself, is pretty unique because you literally walk through the water. The route is 8 kilometers long and you're in a riverbed, which is brilliant for cooling down in the summer months. Water shoes are a must here, mind you, as the ground can be rocky. The Río Chillar is a beautiful route with small waterfalls and clear swimming holes. I'd definitely recommend it from April to October when the water level is lower and the temperatures are just right for a wet walk. In winter and early spring, the river can be too high and the route is closed off for safety reasons. The authorities are pretty strict about that, I've seen.

Besides the river walk, there are more challenging routes in the natural park too. The Pico del Cielo offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Costa del Sol and even Africa on clear days. This walk, with 20 kilometers and a 1400-meter climb, is a serious challenge, taking you 8 to 9 hours. The route starts near the Nerja Caves, which is handy for getting there. I often catch the bus myself from my little street behind the center, walking distance from the Balcón, to get to the starting point. For those who prefer walking along the coastline, there's the Acantilados Maro-Cerro Gordo coastal path. This route offers views of spectacular cliffs up to 75 meters high and hidden coves. The length of this walk varies from 4 to 12 kilometers, depending on the chosen route. It's a nice change from the inland mountain paths and gives a different perspective on the region's natural beauty. The smell of the Mediterranean and the cry of the gulls are always there. As for apps and tools, I often use Komoot for planning and navigating my walks. This app has excellent offline maps and a turn-by-turn navigation function, which is really useful in areas with limited reception. It helps with routes like the GR-249 between Nerja and Frigiliana, a 10-kilometer trek through olive groves and past old country houses, taking on average 3 to 4 hours. My sturdy hiking boots make short work of it, to be fair.

The Río Chillar river walk near Nerja in summer

The Río Chillar walk is one of the best-known treks around Nerja. What makes this route so special is that a lot of it you walk right through the riverbed. That means you're literally walking through the water, sometimes up to your calves. No chance of dry feet here, and that's exactly what I love about this walk. Unlike most mountain hiking routes, the Río Chillar offers a welcome cool-down during the warmer months. The route is officially accessible from June to September, sometimes even October. It's crucial to keep an eye on that, because in winter and spring the water level can be too high and the route gets closed by the authorities for safety reasons. Last March, I saw some friends who went, and it was indeed closed. For this walk, water shoes are essential; my old trainers do a grand job here. Good footwear stops you from slipping on the stony ground and protects your feet from sharp stones. I don't have my own car, so I usually take the bus to the start of the route, or I just walk there from my little street behind the center; it's walking distance from the Balcón. Along the way, you'll come across small waterfalls and natural swimming pools. This makes it not just an active trek, but also a refreshing experience where you can cool off en route. It's a fantastic way to experience the nature of the Sierra de Almijara in a playful and unique way.

### Essential gear for mountain hikes in summer The mountain area around Nerja, especially in the summer months, demands good preparation. The routes, like climbing the Pico del Cielo, are demanding and the summer heat can be intense. Staying well-hydrated is crucial; take plenty of water. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential. For the mountains, I always wear well-worn hiking boots myself, because a blister can quickly spoil a lovely trip. The paths are often rocky and can be sandy, especially on long descents. Sun protection is just as important. A cap or wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen aren't luxuries, honestly. The sun here is merciless, even at higher altitudes. Light, breathable clothing that covers the skin to prevent sunburn is advisable. A small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers can come in handy. Mobile phones are useful, but always make sure the battery is full. In remote areas, reception can be limited, so an offline map like those available in Komoot is a smart addition. Although I love going into the Río Chillar when I find walking with dry feet too boring, water shoes aren't needed for the mountain routes. For the Río Chillar walk, which is best done from April to October, swimwear and water shoes are essential, but that's a different kind of adventure. For longer trips, also think about energy bars or fruit. Prepare for unexpected conditions, even if the weather forecast is good.

Hidden waterfalls and pools in Barranco de la Coladilla

Besides the well-known Río Chillar, there are plenty of other watery spots to be found in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. The Barranco de la Coladilla is one such lesser-known spot, where the water sometimes carves the rocks into natural slides and pools. It's an oasis of calm, far away from the crowds you sometimes get on the more accessible routes. Here you'll find places where you can enjoy nature undisturbed. Access to this canyon can be tricky, as there's no officially marked route from the main roads. That's also exactly its charm, mind you. You have to find your own way a bit, with or without local knowledge. Maria, my partner, once took me to a side path that eventually led to some gorgeous little waterfalls. That path was so hidden I'd never have found it myself. For these kinds of walks, especially in the summer months, it's essential to be prepared. Sturdy shoes with good grip are a must, even if you're walking along the water. And water shoes in your backpack aren't a luxury, if you want to step into the pools eventually. The water is wonderfully refreshing, especially when the sun is high in the sky. The trek through the Barranco de la Coladilla calls for a sense of adventure, really. You follow the bed, clamber over stones, and pass narrow passages. It's a more active way of walking than just on paved paths, and that's precisely what makes it so appealing. You're really one with the surroundings and experience the power of the water that shaped this landscape. It's an experience you won't forget quickly, especially if you combine the sun's warmth with the cold, crystal-clear water of the pools. Just escaping the daily routine and immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of this natural park. Worth it. Just go for it.