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.

Whether you're a first-time visitor lured up from the coast or a seasoned Andalucian walker returning for another summit, this trusted Cicerone guidebook describes 32 graded day walks ranging from 3 to 22km (2 to 14 miles). It combines detailed route descriptions with rich local knowledge to help walkers of every level explore these magnificent mountains with confidence, from tackling the iconic summit of La Maroma to a gentle stroll through the gorges of the Rio Chillar.

• The 32 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, so you can choose 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, so you can focus on the stark limestone ridges, peaceful valleys, and sweeping views across to the Mediterranean 
• Packed with background information on the geology, history, and wildlife of Andalucia, the guidebook also covers some 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

From easy strolls through fragrant pine forests to the serious ascent of La Maroma, this guidebook's route descriptions, 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps, and GPX downloads provide everything you need to explore the mountains around Nerja with confidence. Discover one of Andalucia's finest walking destinations.

The Mountains Around Nerja - Quick Facts

Region: Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, Andalucia, southern Spain 
Location: Inland from Nerja and the Costa del Sol, Malaga province 
Walk format: 32 graded day walks 
Walk distances: 3 to 22km (2 to 14 miles) per walk 
Ascent range: 110m to 1420m per walk 
Walk duration: 1hr 30min to 7hr 30min per walk 
Difficulty grades: 1 to 10, with the majority of routes in the middle range 
Main centres: Nerja, Velez-Malaga, Frigiliana, Competa, Canillas de Albaida, Canillas de Aceituno, Ventas de Zafarraya, Alhama de Granada 
Terrain: Limestone mountain paths, river gorges, oak and pine forests, white villages, ridge walks 
Key summits: La Maroma (highest peak, approached from five different routes), Navachica, Cisne, El Cielo, Lucero 
Highlights: Gorges of the Rio Chillar, Petrified Waterfall, Gorge of Alhama de Granada, Gran Senda de Malaga sections, traditional white villages, views to the Mediterranean 
Best season: March to May and September to November; December to February also walkable though rain and snow more likely at altitude 
Getting there: Fly to Malaga; Nerja is approximately 55km east along the coast 
Maps: 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps included for every walk 
GPX files: Available to download

Author Highlight

“The little seaside town of Nerja nestles under a range of mighty mountains that stretch to the north, away from the coast. Hillwalkers internationally have begun to realise what treasures lie in this region. Here there are more than 55 mountains over 914m (3000ft, equivalent to the Scottish Munros) in an area about the size of the Isle of Skye. The highest of these mountains is over 2000m, and a significant number are taller than Ben Nevis.”

- Jim Ryan, author of The Mountains Around Nerja

CONTENTS

Map key

Route summary table

Preface

Introduction

Walking in Andalucía

Geographical context

A little history

Wildlife

Getting to Nerja

Accommodation

When to go

What to take

Language

Maps and GPS

Using this guide

The walks

Nerja and around

Walk 1 Frigiliana to Nerja via Fuente del Esparto

Walk 2 El Fuerte from Frigiliana

Walk 3 El Fuerte from El Acebuchal

Walk 4 La Cruz del Pinto

Walk 5 The Gorges of the Río Chillar

Walk 6 El Cielo circuit

Walk 7 The tour of Almendrón

Walk 8 Navachica

The Cómpeta area

Walk 9 La Fábrica de la Luz

Walk 10 Lucero

Walk 11 Cerro de la Chapa

Walk 12 The oak forest of Salares

Walk 13 Cómpeta to Los Pradillos

Walk 14 Malascamas from La Fábrica de la Luz

La Maroma

Walk 15 La Maroma from Salares

Walk 16 La Maroma from Canillas de Aceituno

Walk 17 La Maroma from Alcaucín

Walk 18 La Maroma from Sedella

Walk 19 La Maroma from Alcaicería

Walk 20 Canillas de Aceituno to the cable bridge

Walk 21 Sedella to the cable bridge

Walk 22 Torrecilla de La Maroma

Walks from the east

Walk 23 El Cielo from Valle de la Miel

Walk 24 The Petrified Waterfall

Walk 25 Lopera

Walks from the north

Walk 26 Pico del Puerto

Walk 27 The hole in the mountain

Walk 28 Malascamas via Barranco de Malinfierno

Walk 29 The Gorge of Alhama de Granada

Walk 30 La Resinera

Walk 31 Malascamas from Robledal 

Cisne

Walk 32 Cisne from El Acebuchal

Appendix A List of peaks by altitude

Appendix B Wild mountain flowers of Andalucía

Appendix C Glossary of useful Spanish words

Appendix D Further reading

Appendix E Useful contacts

Seasons

The best months are March to May and September to November. Conditions are also suitable for walking between December and February, although rain – and snow on La Maroma and Navachica – is more likely.

Centres

Nerja, Vélez-Málaga, Frigiliana, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Canillas de Aceituno, Ventas de Zafarraya, Alhama de Granada

Difficulty

Walks are graded from 1 to 10, with the low grade suitable for all and the high grade for the experienced and fit. The majority of the routes are in the middle range.

Must See

Outstanding natural beauty; more than 50 mountains over 915m (3000ft) in a relatively small area; stark geological features; peaceful and remote valleys where the wilderness is but a few minutes away

January 2024

Walk 15 approach map

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