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Visitors
who prefer to combine the relaxation of a beach holiday with something
more adventurous will not be disappointed. If you like your holidays
with a little more activity, then you will find that the Costa del Sol
has a lot to offer. Either way, whether you choose to spend the day on
the beach or the evening enjoying the excellent nightlife, both will
supplement even the most hardened adventure tourists programme.
All
Spanish companies and associations follow the regulations set out by the
European Union and therefore the standards of safety and risk prevention
are equal to those countries in the rest of the E.C. All requirements
and standards are strictly adhered to.
There
is so much to do in the Costa del Sol:
In
Marbella, the company Ticket-to-Ride organises adventure
programmes for groups, companies, families and tourists; which include
excursions by 4x4, canoeing, bungee jumping, coastal rock climbing,
abseiling, survival training, assault courses, expeditions and all
manner of other activities.
There
are a number of other companies that specialise in adventure and sports
activities:
- Paragliding:
El Valle de Abdalajís has a good programme and is one of the most
popular in Europe.
-
4x4
Surrounding Marbella there are various companies that can organise
routes and hire out vehicles.
-
Ballooning:
In the mountains surrounding Ronda.
-
Horse Trekking:
There's a good number of horse riding clubs and riding schools which
organise treks in the countryside.
-
Parasending and water skiing:
Marbella.
-
Water bike excursions:
Coastal water sports clubs.
- Diving:
There are clubs in Benalmádena and Estepona, however the most popular
location is Maro, close to Nerja.
- Rock
Climbing:
Without a doubt, the most spectacular place for climbing is Garganta del
Chorro, where there is also a climbing school.
-
Parachuting.
-
Caving:
The four kilometres of partially flooded caves at Cueva del Gato are
exceptional, but for experienced cavers only. There is a company based
in Benaoján, close to Ronda, that can organise excursions of catering
to different levels of experience.
In
most of the tourist offices and attractions you will be able to find
information about a great variety of different sports and activities to
do in the Costa del Sol. Almost all of the places which to do these
activities and adventure sports are established or in the process of
being established on the coast of the Costa del Sol.
Trekking
and Mountain biking
These are still the most popular activities amongst visitors to the
Costa del Sol and there are many spectacular locations along the coast
and the interior of this province.
The
best places for trekking are:
-
El Chorro :
This is a route of average difficulty which should last approximately
three hours. Situated 51 km from Málaga on the road 332, it starts from
a village next to the reservoirs. Your journey will take you through one
of the most impressive gorges in Spain, where they have one of the most
important rock climbing schools in the south of the country.
-
Llanos de Líbar:
This route starts at Cortes de la Frontera, which is about 40 km from
Ronda. It's a fairly easy route, which ascends through the Sierra
Blanquilla, to the hills of Espino at an altitude of 1400 m. The views
over the Valle del Guadiaro and the river which flows down into the
Costa del Sol, next to Sotogrande, are excellent.
-
Cueva del Gato:
This low difficulty route is very close to Ronda and is in the direction
of Benaoján. Unless you are experienced in caving, it is not
recommended to enter the caves you will find in this area. There are
however, impressive views of the caves entrance as well as the various
grottoes and other calcareous surroundings. The riverside walk is
superb.
-
La Sauceda:
There are two options in this eastern province of Málaga: Pico del
Aljibe (four hours, moderate difficulty) or Peñón del Buitre (two
hours). Its recommended to get some information or maps of the area as
the routes are not easily identifiable. The route passes through one of
the best conserved mediterranean forests in Spain.
-
Torcal de Antequera:
This route is located off the main road 321, about 52 km from Málaga.
It is a route of low difficulty, lasting about five hours. From
Antequera it winds its way in the direction of Villanueva de la Concepción,
and has impressive views of the Sierra Pelada. The route takes you from
Refugio de los Polvillares, through some of the most spectacular
calcareous areas on the continent.
-
Peña de los Enamorados:
Leaving from Antequera, this two hour walk will take you past one of the
most interesting prehistoric monuments in Spain, (The dolmens of Viera
and Romeral are on the way from Antequera to Archidona) the great
fertile plain of Hoya de Antequera, the rapids of the river Guadalhorce
and finally the Peña de los Enamorados. (The legend has it that two
lovers tragically leapt to their deaths because they were forbidden to
be together due to their different religions).
-
Torrecilla:
The route starts from Cortijo Los Quejigales, a turning off the 13 km
stretch of road from Ronda to Marbella and leads you up the Torrecilla,
the highest mountain in Málaga at 1919 m. To get there and back, the
walk should last about eight hours, however it is quite easy going. The
ascent takes you through the stunning Cañada del Cuerno and past a
forest of Gall-oaks. On a clear day, from the top of the Torrecilla
mountain you will be able to see the sea in the south and the Sierra
Nevada in the east.
-
Cañada de las Carnicerías:
The picturesque village of Tolox (40 km from Málaga, off the road 344)
is the starting point for this medium difficulty route of more than four
hours. Take the path towards Piloncillo and follow the river Horcajos
through Poplar and Pine trees. It's a pleasant walk which finally ends
at the impressive and spectacular Cañada de las Carnicerías.
-
Pico de Mijas:
This is an easy walk lasting about two hours in total, however the last
section is a little complicated. You set off from the pretty village of
Mijas, which is between Marbella and Málaga. It's a fairly popular
route which has great views of the coast, rich lowland areas, rivers and
the surrounding mountains.
-
Frigiliana-Cómpeta:
A walk lasting five hours, of low difficulty. The starting point is from
the picturesque village of Frigiliana, at the far east of the Costa del
Sol, 6 km from Nerja. As you walk along the northern path through the
Sierra de Almijara, you get excellent views of the Pico de Navachica
(1832 m) and Lucero (1771 m). On the descent to the village of Competa,
well known for its local wines, you also get spectacular views of the
coast and the Axarquía area.
-
Pico Reales de Sierra Bermeja:
This is a long walk of about eight hours and is of medium difficulty.
Starting from the town of Estepona, which is close to Marbella, you have
to follow the track towards the village of Algatocín and up to the peak
of Reales (1440 m). This is a tiring walk which is offset against an
abrupt red soil landscape, stone quarries, Spanish firs, a wide variety
of Mediterranean vegetation and great views.
-
Valle de Abdalajís-El Chorro:
The village of Abdalajís is about 62 km from Málaga along the road
337. It is a well known area for paragliding. On the cattle track to
towards the village of El Chorro, you will pass colourful cliff faces
through the mountains and get excellent views over reservoirs and the
Garganta del Chorro. The Garganta del Chorro is probably the most
spectacular natural phenomenon in Málaga.
Generally
all of these routes are also recommended for mountain biking. You will
be able to find excellent official maps and guides, which contain
detailed information regarding each route.
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