Discover beautiful walking routes of Southern Spain
If you love to explore on foot, then taking a holiday with a Flamenco Campers van is the very best way to get unprecedented access to some of the best hiking and trekking routes in the Mediterranean.
Andalucia is the region of Spain with the greatest diversity of nature and amongst the highest biodiversity in the world. For hikers, that means there is so much to discover.
Littler wonder that southern Spain has the most protected areas in the country and travelling by Campervan is a superb way to enjoy these special places.
There are two main National Parks in Andalucia; the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Doñana National Park. In addition, the natural park of Sierra de la Nieves is now becoming a national park too. Add to these a wealth of mountain and coastal natural park reserves, and there are some remarkable areas to explore.
When you rent your Campervan from Malaga with Flamenco Campers, your can also hire additional equipment and items for your hiking trip. You want additional camping kit? No problem we will put it in the van. You want chairs and a table to set up a meal in the countryside? Of course, we will make sure you have them.
So, pack your comfiest boots and your favourite socks and get read to have the best hiking and trekking holiday ever!
La Concha, Marbella, Malaga
If you want to combine beach and mountain with your holiday, then conquering La Concha mountain is the option for you. This peak of the beautiful Sierra Blanca mountain range is the mountain that protects Marbella and gives the area its unique microclimate. The mountain looks a little like a large shell, hence its name La Concha. The climb to the top takes around 3 hours. The views at the top are amazing! You can see out across the coast, the Mediterranean and on to Africa! It’s a very special route.
For camping, we recommend: Campsite Cabo Pino.
This site is east of Marbella, but the sea. Cabo Pino, meaning cape of pines, is just that – a small peninsula of protected landscape covered in pine trees. It’s close to Marbella yet feels worlds away. You can enjoy great facilities and spend a day resting those weary legs on some of the best beaches of the Costa del Sol.
Caminito de Rey, El Chorro, Malaga
Whilst still in Malaga province, we must mention the Caminito del Rey, the Kings little footpath. This vertiginous hiking route where much of the way clings to the sheer mountainside, was once considered the world’s scariest walkway! Now it’s been fully restored and is a great family day out – suitable for kids from 8 years and older.
The route is on elevated walkways and on paths that run through the natural river gorge – it’s spectacular scenery, that is only accessible by taking the caminito.
Every year the infrastructure is improving for campervan visitors to the Caminito del Rey. For an overnight in the area, you can try Dos Alamos
Los Cahorros gorge, Los Cahorros de Monachil, Granada
Granada province is home to mainland Spain’s highest peak; a ski resort; and also the wonders of the Alhambra – a remarkable diversity of attractions.
For hikers with a sense of adventure, we recommend you visit the hanging suspension bridges of Monachil, a village that is perfectly placed as a base to enjoy the wealth of activities and hiking routes of Sierra Nevada.
The riverside route is great for families and in summer, it is a joy to swim in the river. There are various routes of differing intensity and length. As hikers, you will be familiar with Wikiloc, where many members have shared details of routes.
Granada area is well served with campsites including Campsite Reina Isabel.
Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama, Malaga
Head east out of our Flamenco Campers base, and you’ll reach the charming seaside town of Nerja. This stretch of shoreline has some wonderful coastal walks. Yet look inland and you will see he majestic mountain range of Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama. Here the routes can be challenging but oh so rewarding!
For an overnight, consider Nerja Camping near Maro
Maro is one of the delightful coves one finds along the coast here – magical!
El Torcal de Antequera
These spectacular geological rock formations are something out of this world. Hiking here reveals not only remarkable flora and fauna but also fossils from the past! This whole area was once at the depths of the sea, so it makes for a fascinating hiking route. There is a visitor centre and the trails are family friendly.
Los Alcornocales
The cork oak forests of the Alcornocales natural park are something quite unique in Europe. A fun route is from the small town of Alcalá de los Gazules, easily reached from the highway. The scenery and bird life are superb. For more details on Flamenco Campers holidays for bird watchers, check out our post of birdwatching.
Cabo de Gata
The most eastern province of Andalucia, Almeria, has always been a real favourite with Flamenco Campers clients. The area has a wonderful protected coastal natural park or semi-arid landscape that was popular for western movies and locations for blockbusters like Indiana Jones. For hikers, the volcanic terrain is fascinating and full of unusual plant and animal life.
