This remarkable route traverses wooden walkways over the sea, suspension bridges spanning cliffs and rivers, vineyards, whitewashed villages, and mountains with breathtaking views.
Walking 80% of Málaga’s coastline along wooden paths by the sea, high suspension bridges, vineyards, picturesque white villages, and mountains offering spectacular sunsets is made possible by the Gran Senda de Málaga (The Great Málaga Path).
Features of the Route
Spanning 942 kilometers, the trail comprises 35 stages and 6 variants that cross nine regions, 54 towns (35 of which have populations under 20,000), and 61 municipalities. This route provides hiking enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore every corner of Málaga’s province and immerse themselves in its culture and traditions.
Certified by the Andalusian Mountaineering Federation as a Gran Recorrido (Long-Distance Trail or GR), it is fully marked and accessible.
Activities
The Gran Senda de Málaga traverses or encircles 13 protected natural areas and connects visitors with local communities. It can be enjoyed on foot, by bike, or on horseback along paths, tracks, and roads through river valleys, lagoons, steppes, mountainous regions, and coastal areas. This diversity allows visitors to experience the essence of Málaga province.
In addition to hiking, the trail offers various sports activities, including rafting, via ferrata climbing, kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and canyoning. Geocaching is another popular activity on the route. This global treasure-hunting game uses GPS to find hidden “caches” and is an engaging way to explore natural landscapes.
Numerous swimming spots are also scattered along the trail, including Pozas del Río Sábar, Nacimiento del Río Salado (Almargen), Charco del Infierno (Almogía), Cascada de Jorox (Alozaina), and others.
Nature and Heritage
The trail is ideal for nature lovers, spanning:
- Four Natural Parks (Sierra Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, Sierra de las Nieves, Alcornocales, and Sierra de Grazalema).
- Two Nature Reserves (Laguna de Fuente de Piedra and Lagunas de Campillos).
- Five Natural Landmarks (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, Sierra de Crestellina, Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, Desembocadura del Guadalhorce, and Torcal de Antequera).
Beyond the stunning landscapes, the trail is a journey through the culture, history, and traditions of Málaga, offering insights into its rich heritage. Visitors can explore historic sites like the fortress and medina of Bobastro, paleolithic art in the Ardales Cave, and industrial heritage from the 19th and 20th centuries, including sugar mills and reservoirs. The route also passes through agricultural landscapes with olive groves and historic villages such as Frigiliana, Monda, and Benaoján, as well as vineyards and restaurants serving local cuisine and wines.
The Route
The trail, marked as GR 249, is a unifying loop that complements and integrates other trails in the region. Starting in Málaga’s capital and moving counterclockwise, it travels through various landscapes and communities:
- Eastward: The trail begins on the eastern Costa del Sol with four coastal stages, followed by four mountain stages through the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama.
- Northward: From Periana, it crosses the Arco Calizo Central, reaching Villanueva del Rosario. Five more stages cover the Nororiental Malagueña region, leading to Alameda.
- Antequera Region: Three routes and a variant traverse its plains and lagoons, while the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes is covered in two stages.
- Serranía de Ronda and Beyond: The path passes through the Sierra de las Nieves, Ronda, and valleys such as Guadiaro and Genal. The final stages traverse the western Costa del Sol, completing the loop.
Highlights
The Gran Senda de Málaga is more than a trail; it’s a gateway to the natural beauty, history, and cultural essence of Andalusia. Whether for outdoor sports, cultural exploration, or simply enjoying nature, the route offers something for everyone.
