Walking holidays in Málaga
Nerja, Málaga
A walk up the River Chillar in Nerja is a great way to cool down on a hot summer’s day! Also, it is also family-friendly, meaning it couldn’t be too strenuous of a hike if children can handle it. Located in the eastern part of the province of Malaga between the municipalities of Competa and Nerja in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, the Chillar River is the perfect place to escape the hot summer sun. Only ten minutes drive up from the coast, you will get to this little spot.
Given these points, the source of the Rio Chillar is in the heart of the park 1,200 metres above sea level where it flows 17 kilometres through a deep gorge before joining the Río Higuerón. Eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Location: Sierras de Almijara, Alhama and Granada National Park, 40 miles east of Málaga airport
- Length: 12-mile out-and-back
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Dogs: Leashed
Río Chillar river trail: the hike
Here, the 8-kilometre river walk in Axarquía, Nerja follows the winding path of the river through limestone canyons and litter with pools and waterfalls that are ideal for cooling off or even taking a swim. Then, being situated in a national park the hike is available to the public year round. However, we must be cautious during periods of rain as the river is susceptible to flash flooding.
After all, the ideal time of year to hike the river is between March and October bearing in mind that it can be busy with hikers during July and August. With this in mind, the best parts of this hike are splashing through the cool, clear water in the shade and winding through rock formations carved out by the river. It is a relaxing walk through water in the heat of the day, because most of the hike is shaded.
The wildlife in Río Chillar
To put in another way, River Chillar is a different world and yet, unbelievably, the jaw-dropping landscapes are just a stone’s throw from the tourist hotspot of Nerja. We can say Nerja is great for beaches, but the real beauty of the Axarquia, is the hills. In fact, some of Andalucia’s loveliest landscapes are hidden away in this region’s hills.
In fact, there are so many beautiful places to see that you need a good few days to explore them all.
