One day trail discovering a bit of ancient history
Benalmádena, Málaga
Looking for wildlife and walking holidays in Málaga? Discover the heart of the Sierra de Mijas from Benalmádena on a day trail. Home to the southern terminus of Benalmádena, you have the opportunity to discover Mount Calamorro, part of the coastal Mijas mountain range in the Costa Del Sol region of southern Spain. At only 771 metres high, it is far lower than most of the mountains in Málaga province but offering stunning views. Want to explore a mine? Got it. Continue reading and find more information about a hike in Benalmádena and discover an iron mine.
This hike in Benalmádena is a relatively easy one, and though the outbound trek is mostly uphill, the trail is under 5-mile. The trail is kid-friendly, stroller-friendly and dog-friendly. The trail itself is a beautiful one. With abundant natural beauty, and relatively easy access, this is one of Benalmádena’s most popular trails, and well worth a visit.
- Location: Benalmádena Area, 10.5 miles west of Málaga.
- Length: 5.0-mile out-and-back
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Best For: An outing for the entire family
- Dogs: Leashed
Callamorro Mountain Trail: the hike
The trail begins under the E-15 motorway, about 1 mile from the trail map to Mount Calamorro, seen on a wooden route board just by the start of the cable car, Teleférico Benalmádena. The path is well kept and clear to follow. The running is fairly easy but a bit sandy in places.
The trail crosses 0.25 miles, and this join up with an access road for half mile up to the top station of the cable car with the summit a short jog up rocky steps with handrails.
Countryside cling to the hillside deeper into the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas mountains. Stunning countryside – on well marked footpaths – makes it is easy to forget you are only a 10-minute drive to the Costa del Sol and 20 minutes to Malaga airport. Throughout the walk panels provide information on different aspects of nature and local culture.
Although the best time of the year for hiking is from middle April up to middle June; January and February, in particular, is fantastic to usually enjoy clear blue skies and the slopes’ almond trees in blossom. For flower lovers, Spring is a great time to go as the mountains are in full bloom with wild poppies, lavender and other flower species.
Once at the top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views, which stretch for miles inland and across the sea to Morocco. We recommend to wear proper footwear and carry sufficient water to enjoy this hike in Benalmádena and discover an iron mine.
How about a bit of history with your trek?
Nearly 3000 years ago, the Phoenicians were interested in Benalmádena for its rich mining resources. But the ancient remains in the area comes from Neolithic, Iberian, Phoenician, Roman and Arab eras. Later, when the Muslims arrived during the 8th century, they delivered huge prosperity. Indeed, the mining industry continued to thrive, particularly in iron ore, ochre, and silver. So significant were these mines that the village was named Banu al-Muddin (Arabic for ‘sons of the mines’ or ‘children of the mines’).
Though exploring on the trail, we find Trinidad mine or Mina de la Trinidad. It is an iron mine close to the border between Benalmádena and Mijas municipality.
