8 Wonderful Trails to Discover in Andalucía

Andalucía, located in southern Spain, is renowned for its rich Moorish history, sun-drenched beaches, and vibrant locals. However, it also offers a stunning array of natural landscapes, including majestic mountains, lush valleys, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife—a paradise for nature enthusiasts who love to explore on foot.

Nearly a third of Andalucía is designated as protected land, encompassing national and natural parks. These areas often feature well-maintained trails and excellent facilities for hikers. The highest concentration of top hiking routes can be found in the Sierra Nevada mountains, south of Granada (home to three of Spain’s six tallest peaks), and in the charming Alpujarras valleys that lie at their southern base. Additionally, many other fantastic trails can be found throughout the eight provinces of Andalucía.

1. Acequias del Poqueira

Ideal First Hike in the Sierra Nevada

17km (10.6 miles) round trip, 7 hours, challenging

This remarkable hike takes you through one of the most stunning valleys in the Alpujarras, the Barranco del Poqueira (Poqueira Gorge), and returns via a breathtaking high-altitude path. Keep an eye out for ibex (wild mountain goats) along the way. With an elevation gain of 870m, a moderate level of fitness is required for this trek.

Your journey (the PRA23) starts close to the charming village of Capileira. Soon, the Sierra Nevada's towering peaks, Mulhacén (3479m) and Veleta (3398m), come into view. After passing the deserted village of La Cebadilla, with its small hydroelectric plant, you will wind your way up the valley, traversing mountain pastures before descending to the Río Naute mountain stream.

The most challenging part of the hike begins now as you ascend to the Cortijo de las Tomas, a secluded upland farmstead situated at 2120m. Treat yourself to a picnic in the lush grass surrounding this picturesque spot.

Three kilometers from the cortijo, you’ll encounter the Acequia Alta de Pitres, part of the ancient irrigation system (acequias) that lends its name to this hike. As you descend, you’ll cross the Acequia Baja (Lower Acequia) before meandering through pine forests and returning to Capileira.

If you prefer a shorter trek from Capileira that still offers a glimpse of the Barranco del Poqueira, consider the PRA69, a 7.5km (4.7 miles) circular route.

2. Río Borosa

Most picturesque hike

22km (14 miles) round trip, 6 hours, moderate difficulty

The rugged Parque Natural Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas in northeast Andalucía is dotted with numerous scenic trails. Among them, the Río Borosa route stands out as one of the most stunning walks in Spain, following a crystal-clear river through landscapes that transition from charming to awe-inspiring. This hike is particularly enjoyable for children who are up for the adventure. Begin at the parking area located 1.5km east of the Torre del Vinagre visitor center. The well-marked, shaded path initially runs alongside the tumbling, turquoise Río Borosa. After 3km, you’ll enter the narrow Cerrada de Elías canyon, where a boardwalk leads you above the rushing river.

After 1.5km, you’ll rejoin the dirt road and continue for another 3km to reach a small hydroelectric station. Here, a footpath ascends for 3km beneath rocky outcrops and soaring cliffs, showcasing a series of impressive waterfalls (especially dramatic after rainfall, though they may be dry at times) leading to two dark tunnels. The first tunnel takes about five minutes to traverse, while the second can be crossed in about one minute along narrow paths beside the watercourse. You’ll emerge just below the Embalse de los Órganos reservoir, surrounded by forested hills. A five-minute walk left from the dam will bring you to the Nacimiento de Aguas Negras, where the young Borosa springs forth from beneath a rock—an ideal picnic spot before you head back down.

3. La Tahá

Best for experiencing history

16km (10 miles) round trip, 6 hours, moderate difficulty

Immerse yourself in Andalucía’s Moorish heritage as you traverse charming Alpujarras villages along expertly crafted old pathways known as escarihuelas, winding through the steep slopes of the Río Trevélez valley. The name Tahá represents a cluster of seven villages in this area. Our journey begins in Pórtugos, meandering through footpaths and tracks among fruit and nut orchards, passing through Atalbéitar, Ferreirola, and Fondales, where you'll see traditional flat-roofed Imazighen (Berber) homes. Cross the Puente Romano (‘Roman Bridge’, likely of Moorish origin) spanning the ravine below Fondales, then follow the Escarihuela de Fondales for 2.5km to the valley's south side, where you’ll enjoy increasingly stunning views of the Tahá villages as you walk 4km east. At a small cluster of houses, the Cortijo de Panjuila, take a sharp left to descend the Escarihuela de Panjuila, crossing back over the ravine via a bridge next to a dilapidated watermill. Follow the path west to Ferreirola before returning through Atalbéitar to Pórtugos.

4. Las Negras to Agua Amarga

Best coastal walk

13km (8 miles) one-way, 4 hours, moderate difficulty

The Cabo de Gata peninsula in the southeast of Spain features a volcanic landscape with desert-like qualities, bordered by stunning cliffs and capes that meet the azure Mediterranean Sea. This tranquil area attracts a diverse range of visitors and residents. The trek along the secluded coastline between the villages of Las Negras and Agua Amarga offers dramatic scenery, hidden beaches, and a unique 'hippy' village atmosphere.

To start, head north along Calle Aguillas from Las Negras’ main street for 750m, then turn right onto a dirt road marked with a 'Cala de San Pedro' sign. As you make your way to a parking area after 2.25km, you'll be treated to sweeping views of Las Negras bay. The trail then meanders high above the sea, leading to San Pedro village, nestled in a deep blue bay surrounded by cliffs and a dilapidated castle. Once deserted, San Pedro is now home to an alternative-lifestyle community residing in restored ruins, tents, and caves, with a couple of rustic beach bars offering snacks and drinks at unpredictable hours.

The path to Agua Amarga begins with a steep climb out of San Pedro before leveling off along the top of an inland cliff—be cautious! You’ll descend to the sandy beach at Cala del Plomo, then navigate around a small hill, Cerro de la Higuera. At a track junction 1.2km from Cala del Plomo, you can choose to detour down to Cala de Enmedio beach or continue on the rocky uphill path. Wind across another small hill, Cerro del Cuartel, before finally descending into Agua Amarga, where a 500m sandy beach awaits along with ample lodgings, cafes, and bars to relax in. If you wish to return to Las Negras, expect a taxi fare of €40 to €50.

5. Mulhacén

Best for peak baggers

11km (7 miles) round trip, 4½ hours, challenging

Surprisingly, the tallest mountain in mainland Spain—Mulhacén (3479m, 11,414ft) in the Sierra Nevada—can be summited by any reasonably fit hiker in just a day. Thanks to a minibus service from the Alpujarras village of Capileira, this accomplishment only requires walking about 5km up and 5km down, despite nearly 800m of elevation gain. Uncommonly for Andalucía, the best time for this trek is summer, ideally from July to mid-September. However, keep in mind that temperatures at the summit are often 10°C to 15°C cooler than in Capileira, and the weather can shift unexpectedly.

The minibus, officially known as the Servicio de Interpretación de Altas Cumbres, operates roughly from June to November. For details and reservations (recommended), you can email [email protected] or call +34 671 564406 (English is spoken). The minibus will drop you off near a spot called El Chorrillo at about 2700m, from where the trail steadily ascends along the Loma de Mulhacén ridge to the secondary peak, Mulhacén II (3362m). The last, less steep 1km to the main peak crosses a stark wilderness of gray rock. The views from the summit are breathtaking, but be cautious: it’s perched right on the edge of a 600m drop.

To change up the return route, take a narrow but distinct path to the right, just 80m from the summit. This trail zigzags down Mulhacén’s steep western slope until it meets the Sierra Nevada Road, a former motor route through the range that’s now barely discernible. Walk left along this road to get back to El Chorrillo.

6. Garganta Verde

Best for spotting birds of prey

5km (3 miles) round trip, 2½ hours, moderate

The Sierra de Grazalema in Cádiz province is where Atlantic winds first collide with the Andalusian hills, making it the wettest region in Spain. Over countless years, the abundant rainfall has sculpted the limestone into stunning formations—none more impressive than the 200m-deep Garganta Verde (Green Gorge).

The thrilling descent into this verdant abyss (and the steep trek back up) is heightened by the large colony of griffon vultures nesting along the canyon walls. These majestic birds, with wingspans reaching up to 2.5 meters, often glide around the canyon’s upper reaches, and you might hear the rush of wind through their feathers as they swoop past.

The trail is closed due to fire hazards from June 1 to October 15. When open, a (free) advance reservation is required as there are daily limits on the number of visitors. This can be arranged through the regional environment ministry, though the website is in Spanish and somewhat complex. Engaging a knowledgeable local activity provider like Horizon can make the process easier and quicker.

7. Caminito del Rey

Best canyon walk

7.7km (4.8 miles) one-way, 2½ hours, easy

A network of boardwalks perched high on the sheer cliffs of the Río Guadalhorce’s stunning canyon has made the 'King’s Path' arguably the most renowned walk in Andalucía. While the boardwalks cover only 1.5km of the journey, the breathtaking scenery captivates throughout: at times, the canyon towers to 700m, with walls narrowing to a mere 10m apart. Located 60km northwest of Málaga, this path originally served as a maintenance track for water channels feeding a hydroelectric facility. Named after Alfonso XIII, who traversed it in 1921, it underwent a full renovation from 2014 to 2015 and sees a high volume of visitors: tickets are required (unguided/guided €10/18), so be sure to reserve your place well in advance. Hard hats are mandatory and provided! The trail runs one-way only, from north to south, concluding at El Chorro-Caminito del Rey train station (with multiple daily trains to/from Málaga); a shuttle bus connects the start and end points. Parking is available at both ends and at a visitor center along the bus route. Plan for about four hours for the complete circuit, including the bus. While the walk isn’t particularly strenuous, those with a fear of heights might want to reconsider. Children under eight are not permitted.

8. GR7

Best long-distance walk

700 to 750km (435 to 466 miles) one-way, 6 to 7 weeks, difficult

The GR7 stretches across Spain from Tarifa in the southwestern corner of Andalucía to the northern border with Andorra. Its journey through Andalucía covers over 700km, showcasing some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes and charming historic towns like Ronda and Antequera. Just 18km past Antequera, the route splits at Villanueva del Cauche: one path leads east toward Las Alpujarras and then north through the Sierra Nevada, while the other veers northeast, crossing the mountains in the Córdoba and Jaén provinces. Both routes converge again at Puebla de Don Fadrique before exiting Andalucía into Murcia.

Very few individuals complete the entire 700km in one go. Some particularly appealing segments for a few days of walking include Lanjarón to Laroles in Las Alpujarras, and Cazorla to Santiago de la Espada through the Cazorla mountains. Trail maintenance and signage are generally good, but you may need to rely on your navigation skills at times. More detailed information (in Spanish) can be found from the Federación Andaluza de Montañismo.

Top tips for walking in Andalucía

• The optimal months for hiking in most regions are April, May, June, September, and October.

• Bring a reliable trail map or GPS device; there may be times when you need to verify your route or navigate.

• Ensure you have plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas.

• The walking times mentioned in this article are rough estimates; they do not account for breaks for refreshments, rest, or photos.

• For additional details on many of the walks highlighted here, consider getting a copy of Dinogo Planet’s Best Day Walks Spain.