A guide to help you discover some of the best hikes in Southern Spain
The south coast of Spain is usually thought of as a summer destination thanks to the hot temperatures, but on either side of the heatwave, you can discover some of the best hikes in southern Spain.
Whether you love to see towering mountain views, hidden coves or rocky terrain, we’ve found a wide variety of hiking routes in Spain to suit beginner and advanced hikers.
Here we’ll look at the best hikes in southern Spain, so whether you’re staying in Granada, Malaga, or Nerja there’ll always be a gorgeous mountain trail a short distance away.
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Overview: Top Hikes in Southern Spain
- Pico del Cielo is for more advanced climbers
- Río Chíllar is perfect for water lovers
- El Torcal de Antequera offers big views
- Caminito del Rey brings thrilling climbs
1. Caminito del Rey (Málaga)
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
If it’s thrill-seeking you’re after as well as a charming walk in the Spanish countryside, the Caminito del Rey is a top choice of best hikes in southern Spain. – Check the guided tour here
Not only can you spot wildlife such as eagles circling overhead, but there’s also a walkway that is over 300ft in the air!
The walkway runs along the edge of the cliff and it features a suspension bridge to cross over which is sure to get the heart racing.
The original path was built many years ago but it has now been made safe so tourists can enjoy it year round.
The Guadalhorce Reservoir is also close by with lovely views across the pine forests.
2. La Concha Mountain (Marbella)
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Marbella is one of the best cities in southern Spain if you want to party hard or enjoy luxurious evenings by the marina, but did you also know it offers some of the best hikes in Andalucia?
Many tourists and locals love to climb La Concha mountain which can take around 5 hours (up and down), but once you get to the top and see the panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea it makes all the struggle worth it.
Marbella has it all, and of course, La Concha is considered by many one of the best hikes in Southern Spain.
3. Río Chíllar (Nerja)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Hiking in southern Spain is always an adventure, and the Río Chíllar hike near Nerja is an excellent way to discover the best of the countryside.
The trail cuts through natural marble canyons and there are plenty of very photogenic water features.
Natural pools with refreshing water are accompanied by gushing waterfalls and of course lots of greenery.
It’s one of the best things to do in southern Spain in cooler months when the rains come and fill the many pools and let the river rise.
4. Mulhacén (Sierra Nevada, Granada)
Difficulty level: Challenging
A must see in southern Spain is the country’s highest peak in the Sierra Nevada mountain range which offers wide-reaching views.
Hikes up the side of the Mulhacén are a real joy as you start in grassy fields and citrus groves but as you ascend the terrain gets a lot rockier and more barren.
You’ll probably notice the white snow tips of mountains around you when hiking in southern Spain in winter.
What’s more, you might even be lucky enough to see one of Spain’s most famous animals, the ibex.
5. El Torcal de Antequera (Málaga)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
The El Torcal de Antequera has to be one of the best hikes in Southern Spain because it not only offers glorious landscapes in every direction, but you can also take in some interesting rock formations.
Weather erosion has caused a very distinct-looking landscape like something out of a movie as you weave your way through the rocky structures.
There are various miradors, and viewpoints, as you climb higher and it’s one of the regions in southern Spain that looks amazing all year round. – Check the guided tour from Malaga
6. Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Cádiz and Málaga)
Difficulty level: Easy to challenging
If you want to see the best of southern Spain, take a day to walk through one of the best natural parks near Málaga and you won’t be disappointed.
Multiple hiking routes give you the option to choose something easy if you have younger children in tow or something slightly more challenging if you’re an avid hiker.
The Natural Park is huge and one of the places to visit in southern Spain if you enjoy other activities such as birdwatching or bike riding as the park offers some of the best cycling in Andalucia off the beaten track.
7. The Alpujarras Route (Granada)
Difficulty level: Moderate
The best time to visit southern Spain if you plan on hiking has to be either side of the summer months which make hiking a chore rather than a pleasure.
If you love to hike, then one of the places to see in southern Spain is the famous Alpujarras Route located close to the city of Granada.
Verdant fields and valleys give you a taste of Spain that you won’t experience in urbanized centers.
Be sure to bring your camera on this hike as you’ll see the famous white villages in Andalucia sat on hilltops and snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, especially as you climb higher.
8. Pico del Cielo (Nerja)
Difficulty level: Challenging
The Pico del Cielo hiking route is one of the best places to go in southern Spain if you’re looking for big views on a more challenging route.
The hike is rocky so you’ll need to wear proper footwear but you’ll be glad when you reach the ‘peak of heaven’ with marvelous views of the Azure Med and coastal towns.
Tours in southern Spain cater specifically for guest hikers, and you can even incorporate other activities in the area such as the Nerja Caves.
On your hike, you’ll be greeted with a varied terrain that becomes more barren the higher you climb.
9. Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park (Jaén)
Difficulty level: Easy to challenging
Jaén and the surrounding area have some of the best hikes in southern Spain as this is the largest natural park in the country.
Take easy routes wandering through fragrant pine forest trails or choose a more difficult route up the side of a mountain, the choice is yours!
If you love rivers and waterfalls, this is one hiking experience you don’t want to miss as it has some of the most beautiful lakes in southern Spain.
Lakes in Andalucia are often a beautiful shade of blue and green so be sure to take plenty of pictures.
10. Sierra de las Nieves (Málaga)
Difficulty level: Moderate
A list of the best hikes in southern Spain wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Sierra de las Nieves located on the Costa del Sol.
As the routes twist through various landscapes such as limestone gorges and pinsapo forests, you’ll encounter two kinds of view: one to the south towards the sea, and mountain scenery everywhere else.
Expect to see a mountain goat or two leaping, especially at the higher altitudes, and various birds of prey to keep you company on your journey.
A must-see route for seasoned hikers as the scenery is out of this world.
11. Ruta del Pinsapar (Grazalema)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Spanish fir trees and oaks litter the landscape of the Ruta del Pinsapar which is a protected UNESCO region thanks to the unique plant and animal life that exists here.
If you visit in the cooler months of the year, we always recommend this for hiking and outdoor activities like cycling, then you’ll see the hiking route in a new light.
The brown of summer dies aways and gives way to beautiful green scenery that stretches out as far as the eye can see.
If it’s views you’re craving, there’s nothing better than the peak of El Torreón which comes into sight as you round the corner about halfway along the trail.
12. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (Almería)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
If you’re planning a 1 week itinerary in Andalucia, make sure to add these trails to your list and give at least half a day to explore the scenery.
This path takes you along a coastal route that gives you stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, but it also has a desert quality when looking inland as the landscape is stark, rocky, volcanic, and covered in cactuses. – Check the guided tour here
On this route, you’ll see bays and coves down below as well as rocky cliffs harboring sea-faring birds.
As you continue the route, the sandy inlets turn into wetlands to ensure you see every part of what Spain really has to offer once you leave the towns and cities.
Bottom Line on the top hikes in Southern Spain
If you want to make the most of Andalucia in May around the spring vacation time, head to places like Málaga and Granada which have lots of hiking destinations available in the vicinity.
Remember that Andalucia in September is still fairly warm, but October and November are good months to try out new trails.
Whichever trail you try, you can be sure they’ll include lots of pine forest and groves of olive trees to bring a traditional Spanish feel, especially when the weather in southern Spain cools off after the summer months.
FAQ about the best hikes in Southern Spain
What is the most famous hiking trail in Spain?
The walk up Mulhacén, Spain’s tallest peak on the mainland, sees thousands of tourists flock to it each year to scale its heights.
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it’s only a stone’s throw away from Granada.
Where is the best place to visit in southern Spain?
The best place to visit in southern Spain is Granada, If you love culture and want to see the amazing architecture there.
If it’s natural wonders that get you excited then there’s no better place to visit in the region than Málaga which offers a city break combined with beaches and hiking routes.
What is the scariest hike in Malaga?
If you want high levels of excitement from your hike then choose the Caminito del Rey as it features boardwalks 300ft in the air and a suspension bridge that only the bravest will cross.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!