Driving to Andalusia in a motorhome or caravan is quite a journey. That’s why many campers plan a longer stay in the south of Spain to make the long journey worthwhile. But there are other reasons for not just spending a few days in Andalusia.
After all, this part of the country is almost as big as Portugal. The opportunities to spend an active vacation here are correspondingly extensive. Hiking, surfing, mountain biking, climbing and even skiing: Almost anything is possible in Andalusia!
Climbing in Andalusia
Anyone looking for climbing areas in Spain will inevitably come across the name El Chorro. Just under 70 km north of Málaga, climbers have plenty to do here with over 2000 routes. The great thing is that both beginners and advanced climbers can enjoy themselves in this area.
If you have never climbed on rock before, but only indoors, you can gain your first outdoor experience in El Chorro under the best conditions. The routes are well secured and very varied.
Tip
Free overviews of the various sectors can be downloaded from the Climbing Lodge .
While El Chorro is the best-known climbing area in Andalusia, there are other areas. Like the one in Betis or in Grazalema. When do you ever have the opportunity to climb on a rock that looks like an elephant’s skin?
Hiking in Andalusia
In addition to climbing, El Chorro has another highlight up its sleeve: The Caminito del Rey. For a long time, the so-called King’s Path was considered the most dangerous path in the world, but since its restoration a few years ago, it has been completely safe. But it is still exciting and fascinating. The suspension bridge, which is 105 meters above the ground, is sure to get some people’s blood pumping.
Why is a visit to the Caminito del Rey recommended? Because the views in the gorge are simply breathtaking. Entry to this very special hiking trail costs €10/person and should be booked in good time via the Caminito del Rey website.
The path from Las Negras to the so-called “hippie beach” Playa San Pedro is not a long hike, but a very nice walk. This bay can only be reached on foot or by boat and is not only popular with drop-outs due to its seclusion. On the beautiful sandy beach, you can let the sun sizzle on your stomach and then run naked into the sea.
Nudism is nothing special here, it’s almost a matter of course. The distance from Las Negras to Playa San Pedro – there and back – is around 8 kilometers. If that’s too far, you can drive part of the dirt road towards the bay and then walk the rest of the way.
The Sierra de Mijas is also a great place to go hiking. While the coast around Málaga is very lively, you can find peace and quiet here among the eucalyptus trees and pines. The hiking routes are color-coded and range from easy to difficult. A small parking bay between Mijas and Coín is a good starting point. There is also a hiking board there on which the routes are marked.
Biking in Andalusia
“If you can walk the path, then I can also ride it on my mountain bike,” said my friend. I wouldn’t agree with that, but it doesn’t matter. In Andalusia, there are enough hiking and biking trails to satisfy both sides.
The “Senda Litoral” coastal path, for example, is 212 km long and runs directly along the sea. The flat path can be walked from Nerja, via Málaga, Mijas and Marbella, all the way to Punta Chullera. It can also be used by bike outside the weekends.
Those who prefer mountain biking will find plenty of trails in the many mountains where they can let it rip. There are several downhill trails not only around El Chorro, but also in the Sierra de Grazalema and, of course, in the Sierra Nevada.
Tip
Wikiloc is a helpful site for finding trails. Some users also post pictures there so that you can get an approximate impression of the tour.
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Cover picture: © rognar – depositphotos.com
Photos: © Nima Ashoff
