Travel Guides

The Mountains Around Nerja : Scenic walks in southern Andalucia a?? Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama

by Jim Ryan

A trusted Cicerone guidebook to walking in southern Spain Just a short drive from the Costa del Sol, the limestone mountains of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama rise dramatically from the Mediterranean coastline to summits exceeding 2000m, offering some of the most rewarding and accessible mountain walking in southern Spain. With over 50 peaks above 915m packed into a relatively compact area, the mountains around Nerja deliver outstanding natural beauty, remote gorges, ancient white villages, and striking geological landscapes that feel a world away from the coast below. This guidebook describes 32 graded day walks ranging from 3 to 22km (2 to 14 miles), combining detailed route descriptions with rich local knowledge to help walkers of every level explore these magnificent mountains with confidence. The walks are graded 1 to 10 and organised by area, covering routes from Nerja and Frigiliana, the Competa area, the approaches to La Maroma, the eastern and northern flanks, and the Cisne massif. From easy strolls through fragrant pine forests to the serious ascent of the iconic summit of La Maroma, you'll find routes to suit your ability. Clear route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 maps for every walk, with detailed instructions on getting to each start point and information on refreshments and water sources along the way. Downloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps. Packed with background information on the geology, history, and wildlife of Andalucia, the guidebook also covers routes along sections of the Gran Senda de Malaga (Great Path of Malaga), the 700km long-distance path that traverses the province. Practical planning sections cover getting to Nerja, accommodation options across the area's villages, the best seasons to visit, and a glossary of useful Spanish words to help you make the most of every walk.

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