Rio Chillar hiking in spring

 I honestly thought this hike would be too busy in spring, to be fair. Back when I first moved here, the Río Chillar in Nerja was only known by a few locals. Now, you’ll always run into other hikers, especially in high season. But I still think it's one of the most beautiful routes, even after all these years. Especially in spring, it's got something special about it, when nature's just coming back to life after the winter rains. Chances are the river's pretty full then, which makes the experience more intense. ### Preparing for the Río Chillar Water shoes are a real must, I can't stress it enough. You're literally walking through the riverbed and over slippery stones. Trainers that can get wet are also an option, but water shoes with good grip make it much more comfortable. I've got a good pair from Decathlon myself that have served me well for years. Also, bring plenty of water and some snacks. The hike is about 8 kilometers there and back, so you'll be on the go for a few hours. Especially in the warmer months, you dry out quickly. ### The Río Chillar route The start of the route is easy to find. You park your car on the edge of Nerja, close to the river mouth. From there, you just follow the river upstream. At first, you'll mostly walk alongside the river, but soon you'll be walking through it. The path isn't marked with signs, but the river shows the way itself. Just keep following the water's course. You'll naturally come to narrower gorges and small waterfalls. ### What to expect in spring  In spring, say March or April, the water level can be higher than in summer. That makes the hike more adventurous, but it also calls for more caution. Temperatures are ideal then, usually between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius, which makes hiking much more pleasant than the summer heat. I've been there myself once in early spring, right after a period of heavy rain. The water came up to my knees in some places then. That was a bit of a shock, but also a great experience. Always check the weather forecast before you go, mind you. ### Safety and accessibility The Río Chillar hike is officially only accessible from June to September, sometimes October. In winter and spring, the river can be too high and the route is closed by the authorities. Then there are fences put up and the police are present. Last March, I saw friends who were going, and it was indeed closed. That's a pity, but safety comes first. Especially after heavy rainfall, the water flows powerfully and the riverbed can be treacherous. The current could sweep you off your feet then. ### Alternatives if the Río Chillar is closed If the Río Chillar is unexpectedly closed, which can happen in spring, there are plenty of other hiking options. The coastal paths are a good alternative. The path from Maro to Cerro Gordo, known as Acantilados Maro-Cerro Gordo, is spectacular, for example. You walk along cliffs with views of hidden beaches and coves. This is also one of the most beautiful walks on the entire Costa del Sol. I've walked it several times already and it never gets old. Also, the GR-249 stage 5, which connects Nerja with Frigiliana, is highly recommended. I once spent an afternoon on it. It's about 10 kilometers and you walk through olive groves with sea views. You also pass old farmhouses. It's a walk of about 3 to 4 hours and the difficulty is moderate. ### Hiking for families  The Río Chillar is popular with families with children, especially in the summer months when the water level is lower. Kids love wading through the water and splashing in the little pools. Watch out for the slippery stones, though. And as always: keep a close eye on the kids. I once saw a family who brought plastic buckets to catch fish. I thought that was a fun distraction. If you're going with smaller children, I'd recommend not doing the entire route. You can walk a bit and then turn back. There are plenty of shallow spots where they can play safely. In summer, when the river is safe to enter, it's easier with the little ones. ### Other activities nearby Besides hiking, there are plenty of other things to do in the Nerja area. A boat excursion from Nerja or Torrox is really worth it in the summer months, June to October. With a bit of luck, you'll see dolphins as you sail along the beautiful coastline. I went once myself and saw a whole group of dolphins then, truly impressive. For proper water lovers, there's also snorkeling and diving. Near Torrox, there's a dive center that organizes snorkeling trips. The seabed there is beautiful with lots to see. They also offer courses for beginners. I considered it, but the underwater world isn't really my thing, to be honest. The blooming bougainvillea along the roads is also a joy to behold in spring, by the way. Especially in villages like Frigiliana, which I've described before in a blog, it looks remarkable. It really feels like spring here then. Next time, I'll write something about the fair season, which slowly kicks off in some villages in April. ### You might also like - [Walking inspiration in Axarquía](/en/blog/walking-inspiration-axarquia) - [Hiking the Río Chíllar near Nerja](/en/blog/hiking-the-rio-chillar-a-water-adventure-in-nerja) - [Discovering El Acebuchal in Axarquía](/en/blog/discovering-acebuchal-axarquia)