Walks, Hiking & Trekking
There are many breathtaking walks in & around Benahavis. Whether you like to hike, stroll or roam, take a short scenic amble or a more challenging hill scramble, there is something for everyone. The following are just some of the many walks nearby:
La Acequia (aqueduct) walk is a 2 km footpath surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Begin at the attractive wooden footbridge that takes you over the Guadalmina river then follow the track and take a left towards the aqueduct. You can walk all the way back to the village and come out near the outside park located not far the the roundabout at the entrance to the village.
A new 1.2km walkway along Las Angosturas gorge and natural park is currently being constructed. From the Hermitage to the Charco de Las Mosas (the girl’s pond) at the village entrance, route Las Angosturas is truly one of the most picturesque stretches of the Costa del Sol attracting Canyoners, walkers, rock climbers and nature lovers. The Charca de los Novios (the pond of the lovers) is an idyllic rock pool where you can take a refreshing dip or even dive from the rocks on a hot summer’s day.
The historic ruins of the Montemayor castle are perched at the top of the highest mountain in the locality. Make this climb, and be rewarded with amazing panoramic views along the coast and beyond to Gibraltar and North Africa. It’s a long walk (1 hr and 3-4Km up very steep hills) so you could drive up past the police station and Benahavis Hills Country Club then turn right and keep following up the hill. The road eventually becomes quite “off road” so be VERY careful if you’re in a car hire as you can only go so far without risking damage to the car. I would suggest stopping when you come up the hill and see a luxury villa ahead of you and Montemayor is then to the left. If you turn left up this road you may get grounded with the car unless you have a 4 X 4 with high clearance.
Just a five minute stroll from Esencia Casa Rural is the La Leche reservoir, around and above which there are a myriad of walking & mountain biking tracks. After walking high, take in the magnificent views and be refreshed by natural spring water from The Fuente del Moro (the Moor´s fountain.)
For a slightly flatter walk from the reservoir, take the path that meanders along and above the river with beautiful uninterrupted views of the mountains and pine trees.
Drive & Walk (further afield)
La Concha (Mountain Walk – (Drive 40 Mins first) – If you’re feeling really fit and happy to go for a 5 hour walk (not for the faint hearted) I would recommend the walk to the top of La Concha which is 1215m above sea level and it the very tall mountain above Marbella. You need to drive 37Km to Refugio De Juanar to start the walk and will be rewarded with a great view at the summit. For more details of this walk – Click here for La Concha Info.
Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja (Drive 40 Mins first) – About 40 minutes drive away in the National Park of Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja which is a great place for walking, bird watching or you could cycle when you get there (if you can put the bike in the car). To get there head towards Estepona and come off the motorway and go into towards the town centre then take the MA-8301 into the mountains. Click Here for map of Sierra Bermeja
