Outdoor Activities in the Costa del Sol

Information on the national parks, nature reserves and locations for hiking, walking, horse riding and other outdoor activities around the hills inland of the Costa del Sol's coastline...

• The Costa del Sol covers around 300 Km of Mediterranean coast
• Long sandy beaches are found mainly to the west of Málaga
• Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola have the most popular beaches
• To the east of Málaga, the beaches are generally smaller and there are more cliffs and coves
• The Balcony of Europe (Balcón de Europa) is in Nerja

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. Below is information on:

• Walking, Hiking and Climbing
• Horse Riding
• Fishing
• Golf

Walking, Hiking and Climbing

Walking (excursionismo), hiking (caminata) and climbing (escalada) are managed by the Spanish Mountain Sports Federation.

• Federacion Espanola de Deportes de Montana y Escalada
  At: C/ Floridablanca 75, 08015 Barcelona
  Tel: 934 264 267
  
• Ministry of the Environment (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente)
  Tel: 915 976 000

Natural parks

The 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.

• The Costa del Sol Tourist Board provides a map of the five main natural parks in the region: Click here

Sierra de la Nieves Natural Park

Sierra 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.

• For further information from Ronda Tourism: Click here

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

The 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.

• For further information from Ronda Tourism: Click here

Los Alcornocales Natural Park

This park is most well-known for its cork oak forest. There are also 18 different species of birds of prey and other fishing birds.

• For further description from Ronda Tourism: Click here

Montes de Málaga Natural Park

The 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.

• Tel: 952 041 169
• Further information from Parques Naturales: Click here (in Spanish)

Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama

Known 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.

• Further information from Parques Naturales: Click here (in Spanish)

National Park Torcal De Antequerra

Parque National Torcal De Antequerra is found south of Antequerra. This park features the Torcal rock formations.

• Tel: 952 031 389
• Further information from Wikipedia: Click here

Ardales Park

There 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.

• Tel: 952 458 046

See also

• For a full list of natural parks in Andalucía: Click here
• Additional hiking routes are available from the Ronda Tourist board: Click here
  Ronda Tourist Board
  Tel: 952 187 119
  e-mail

Horse Riding

The 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 and licences to ride at clubs and horse riding disciplines is available from the Royal Spanish Horse Riding Federation (Real Federación Hípica Español).

• Real Federación Hípica Español (in Spanish)
  At: C/ Monte Esquinza 28, 3º 28010, Madrid
  Tel: 914 364 200

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.

• Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa Del Sol
  At: N-340 Ctra de Cádiz Km.159, Río Padrón alto s/n, Estepona
  Tel: 952 808 077
  Fax: 952 808 078
  e-mail
  

Fishing

Fishing (pesca) in Spain requires a permit.

For information concerning clubs and competitions, contact the Regional Fishing Federation for Andalucía (Federación Andaluza de Pesca Deportiva).

• Federación Andaluza de Pesca Deportiva (in Spanish)
  At: C/ León Felipe 2 bajo, 04007 Almería
  Tel: 950 151 746
  Fax: 950 257 586
  e-mail

Golf

There 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.

• Costa del Sol Patronato de Turismo
  At: Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de la Costa del Sol, c/México s/n, 29620 Torremolinos
  Tel: 952 058 694
  Fax: 952 050 311 / 952 370 406
  e-mail