This is such a great hiking route, as it enables walkers to enjoy some of the most impressive aspects of the Sierra de las Nieves natural park, including breath-taking views, small forests of rare pinsapo pine trees, the quartz-rich rocks…
…impressive geology, and the opportunity to see wildlife – yet without the need to hike and climb for hours.
The circular route takes you through the thick forest of pinsapo trees, where the canopy filters out most of the direct sunlight – it’s much cooler through this part of the walk.
Then it continues to a natural view point of Caucon.
Up to this point the walk is suitable for families.
There is a 750m climb up to the Tajos de la Caina. It’s shorter than it looks and is so worth it as it takes you to a 100-metre precipitous cliff that offers spectacular views. There is lots of space, so you don’t feel like you are going to fall off! But this area is not for family
Yesterday wasn’t that clear as humidity from the Med was coming in, but you can see the white villages, Malaga, and the sea.
On the way you walk through Mediterranean scrub with wild rosemary, thyme, juniper and then through pine and pinsapo
Thanks to a gravel track that is maintained in good condition, you can drive (off-season out, when the fire risk is low) to the parking at around 1,130 metres altitude, cutting out quite a few hours of laborious up-hill hiking and then join the circular 4.5km walk.
There is some steep climbing but it’s very manageable – the park rates it as ‘medium’ in terms of challenge. Pack a picnic – the cliff area is just an amazing place to stop.
If you’re interested – you can download the Tajos de la Caina trail guide here. It’s in Spanish. For directions in English, here’s how to get there:
Head to Yunquera; at the BP filling station roundabout take the last exit towards the camping
Continue straight; the road becomes a track and takes you in to the park
Keep going, climbing through the mountains till you reach the junction for Puerto Saucillo (right) or mirador Luis Ceballos (left).
Take the left and keep driving up the narrow track all the way to the parking at Luis Ceballos.
Here you’re already way up the sierra with amazing views.
The hike starts here. Take the path on the right, heading down from the information sign.
It will take you on a circular hike.
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