Some exciting ways to enjoy the natural wonders on the Malaga
and Granada provinces.
Andalucía offers Europe’s most varied landscape from the Atlantic coast, through to Mediterranean
beaches, and inland to mountains and forests.
Even in winter the favourable climate means that days can be clear and warm, making
it possible to enjoy this ‘great outdoors’ pretty much all year round.
The eastern Costa del Sol has the added benefit of being close to both the striking
Sierra Nevada mountain range and its superb winter sports, as well as wonderful
protected natural parks with mature forests and crystal clear rivers running
through deep gorges.
Much of this stunning nature is best seen and experienced through adventure activities,
from hiking to canyoning and from snowboarding to adrenalin pumping
ice-climbing.
Ice Climbing
February is a wonderful month to enjoy the Sierra Nevada National Park. The mountain range ski resort above the
mountain winter sports village of Pradollano has a total of 39 pistes, 100
kilometres of runs and some 44 lifts; and at this time of year much of this is
open, with fresh powder to enjoy
Yet if you looking for something just a little different from skiing or boarding,
then check out ice climbing! There are at least six frozen waterfalls in the
sierra for reliable ice climbing. These stunning ‘cascadas de hielo’ offer both
beginners and experienced climbers a very ‘fresh’ alternative to the usual rock
climbing. There are a number of adventure activity companies in Andalucía
offering excursions and courses to the frozen waterfalls and mountains in
Sierra Nevada for all types of enthusiasts including novices.
Hiking
As we head into spring, it’s also the perfect time for hiking. Off season even the
most popular routes are quiet and after the winter rains, wild flowers and
blossoming trees bring the landscape to life. Axarquia has some of southern
Spain’s best hikes and the local authorities have significantly improved
signposting and information for walkers in recent years. The Tejeda, Almijara
& Alhama Natural Park, close to Nerja, is a firm favourite amongst walkers
and is establishing itself as a important destination for activity tourism.
Canyoning
The area also boasts some extraordinarily beautiful rivers. Some of these are fully
protected, so the only way to access them and enjoy them is as part of an
activity such as canyoning, with a licensed and insured guide.
“More than ever, adventure activities are capturing the imagination and attention of those who want to disconnect from
the stress of daily life and reconnect with nature” Explains Babak Alimoradian,
founder and director of Team Xtreme, an adventure activities company that
offers guided and insured adventures on the Costa del Sol.
Canyoning is an activity where you can explore water gorges, wearing a wet suit, strong
shoes and a safety helmet. It’s the perfect way to discover the gorges and
canyons, stunning waterfalls, deep natural pools and breathtaking scenery on
the eastern Costa del Sol. Rio Verde, close to Otivar is probably one of the
most spectacular local destinations for canyoning, offering access to pristine
waters and parts of the Rio Verde gorge that are totally inaccessible any other
way.
So, enjoy the best that the winter season has to offer us in Andalucia!
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