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The main natural parks include the Parque National De Las Nieves, the Parque National Montes de Málaga, the Parque National Sierra de Grazalema, the Parque Naturel Los Alcornocales and the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. The mild winter climate means a wide range of outdoor activities are available throughout the year. These include golf, tennis, hiking and walking, horse riding, fishing and water sports. Walking, Hiking and ClimbingWalking (excursionismo), hiking (caminata) and climbing (escalada) are managed by the Spanish Mountain Sports Federation.
Natural ParksThe Costa del Sol has many natural parks that offer numerous possibilities for walkers and hikers with guided tours available for visitors. There are daily limits on the number of visitors who can access certain areas of a park and some areas are completely closed to the public. It may be necessary to book in advance to visit one of the limited access areas. The parks are particularly busy at weekends and during holidays. Information is available at the park centres or from regional authorities.
Sierra de la Nieves Natural ParkSierra de la Nieves Natural Park, Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves, is located in the Serrania de Ronda region. It encompasses the Torrecila mountain (1,919m) and also deep ravines and gorges, such as Caina, which has a 1,100m drop. The Nature Park of Sierra de las Nieves has a range of flora from Spanish firs to holm and cork oaks. Walkers can follow natural paths and see many protected species, including wild cats, birds of prey and mountain goats. The weather in this area can change very quickly, so it is wise to know what weather to expect and to leave details concerning the intended route with a guard or a friend.
Sierra de Grazalema Natural ParkThe Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Parque National Sierra De Grazalema, is located between Cádiz and Málaga, this park is most recognised for its limestone rocks which have been weathered into gorges, valleys, caves and gullies. The park boundaries include 13 towns. The flora is abundant and there are many animals to see.
Los Alcornocales Natural ParkThis park is most well known for its cork oak forest. There are also 18 different species of birds of prey and other fishing birds.
Montes de Málaga Natural ParkThe Montes de Málaga Natural Park, Parque National Montes de Málaga is found to the north of Malága city, this park has Aleppo pine covered mountains. Like the other parks, Montes de Málaga Natural Park also has a wide variety of wildlife.
Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y AlhamaKnown in Spanish as the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, this nature park covers the vast mountainous area from Málaga to Otívar. The Maroma Peak offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
National Park Torcal De AntequerraParque National Torcal De Antequerra is found south of Antequerra, this park has the Torcal rock formations.
Ardales ParkThere are numerous activities available in Parque Ardales that covers the Guadalhorce river gorge and pine forests. Visitors can hike, cave, climb and try the reservoir's water sports.
See also
Horse RidingThe variety of terrain in the Costa del Sol makes it ideal for horse riding (hípica). There are many riding schools and stables (establos or picaderos) that offer lessons.
Information about horse riding, licences to ride at clubs and horse riding disciplines is available from the Royal Spanish Horse Riding Federation (Real Federación Hípica Español).
A preferred trekking destination is the Serranía de Ronda. Schools and stables also organise excursions. The most well known equestrian centre in the Costa del Sol is the school of Equestrian Art. It organises events and competitions in addition to providing training and examinations.
FishingFishing (pesca) in Spain requires a permit.
For information concerning clubs and competitions, contact the Regional Fishing Federation for Andalucía (Federación Andaluza de Pesca Deportiva).
GolfThere are over 40 golf courses in the region and one municipal course at La Cañada. The golf high season takes place in the winter months as the weather is particularly mild and prices are adjusted accordingly. Some courses will only admit members. However, more and more courses are adopting "pay and play" and "phone and play" schemes. Most golf courses require a handicap certificate.
The Costa del Sol Tourist Board provides additional information about golf academies, shops, competitions and courses.
The Federación Espagñola de Golf has additional information on golf facilities in the region.
Further Information
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This is the "The Great Outdoors" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Costa del Sol. AngloINFO Costa del Sol's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in the Costa del Sol, in English!". AngloINFO Costa del Sol is your Costa del Sol information source, for everyone living in the Costa del Sol or moving to the Costa del Sol, covering everything from the Costa del Sol property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Spain, to all aspects of everyday life in the Costa del Sol international community for those living their lives in Spain. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
