Whilst you are holidaying in the Costa del Sol, consider the pleasure of discovering some of the wonderful nature walks and rambling that can be done in the area.
Paul (you can see Paul’s experience in Hiking in Andalucia) knows this area very well and can help you enjoy the area.
Some suggested Adventures:
A night in the Crestalina Mountain (where the Vultures nest)
We would spend the night in the Casares Refugio located in the Crestallina mountain, the hunting ground for the Griffin vultures, native to this country.
We climb to the refuge through a short but steep route, that take about 1 hour to get up. We climb about 300 mtrs and travel about 3 kms.
We sleep in the refuge and at sunset we can see the white village of Casares from above and in the morning see the sunrise above the village and see the Griffin vultures doing their early morning gliding trying to catch the eddy currents.
The refuge is equipped with bunk beds, but each person must bring a pillow case and a sheet and (in summer) a light jumper for the night. There is no food or drinks but electricity and a washroom and a small gas cooking ring are available.
The walk would start at 20:00 from Casares (to avoid the heat of the day) and we would return the next morning at 10:00. There would be a charge of € 20 per person, maximum of 10 persons, but with a minimum charge of € 80 for smaller groups. Each person must wear proper shoes, anything but Jandals.
The return descent from the Refuge is about 6 kms and takes about 90 mins.
Walk in the Rio Manilva and the Via Ferrata
This is a walk along the river bed of the Rio Manilva. Most of the year it is dry, but even if the river is running there are footpaths all the way.
The walk starts at the entrance to the nature park and we view the remains of 2 watermills, and the station whereRoman soldiers were encamped.
We reach the Charca de la Paloma and then reach a series of caves, which can be entered.
Finally we reach la Charca del Infierno. In winter this is a natural pool in which we can swim, it is an ideal picnic spot.
Further on is the waterfall which feeds the Charca. We will climb to and above the waterfall using the via Ferrata.
The via Ferrata permits us to climb right up above the gorge and pick up the main Casares / Sabinillas footpath.
On the way back we will pass the Roman Baths and a swim in its sulphur waters and use the river mud, reknown for it’s healing powers, to deep clense our skin. Julius Ceaser is reputed to have cured his ezima by using the mud and water of these baths.
The whole trip would take about 2-4 hours and the charge would be € 50 for a group.
A visit to the Natural Pools of the Rio del Miel
The walk start outside Algecires.
In the first part of the walk we pass an old water mill and soon reach the actual river.
Within about 45 mins we reach the first pool (which is the last in the river) which is the main pool. It’s very popular in summer for swimming.
From this pool, a footpath leads us up the mountain to a series of smaller pools, all of which we can bath in.
This place is ideal for picnics, so bring your snacks and drinks.
The whole trip would take about 4-5 hours and the charge would be € 60 for a group.