When you reach the top turn left along a one way street past the Cuartel of the Guardia Civil to return to your point of departure (2 hours 20 mins). Angling right you pass by the oddly numbered houses 5, 3, 7 then 35 where you should cut left and head up a narrow, paved street. Soon you pass by Finca El Alborrán then a little further up go past the track cutting in to El Nobo. As it levels the Gaucín to Casares road comes into sight down beneath you. Continue on up the track which is now cobbled in parts.
- This easy half-day walk skirts round the mountain beneath the beautiful village of Gaucín then cuts down into the Genal valley to the Ermita de Juan de Dios, a mountain chapel where a colourful annual pilgrimage is held.
- Clear route description is illustrated with mapping, and the route summary table and ‘at a glance’ information boxes make it easy to choose the right walk.
- When you reach a grove of carob and olive trees, ignore a left turn leading to a gate but rather continue straight on.
- There are lovely sections of ancient path, a fair amount of track and even a short section of what is reputedly Roman road.
- From being a tiny fishing village originally, its population has increased to 10,000 – many of whom are British.
Benahavis
The walk begins at the petrol station (la gasolinera) on the outskirts of Gaucin on the main road, leading through the village from Ronda to Algeciras. Today Puerta de Purchena is in the heart of the city, close to Plaza de la Constitucion (also known as Plaza Vieja) and the Alcazaba. There are a number of restaurants situated in La Cala de Mijas or Mijas Costa, giving spectacular views over the med from the dining table.
La Cala de Mijas, heart of Mijas Costa
In the unspoilt Andalusian village of Benhavis, close to the coast, lies the Amanhavis hotel, an elegant and peaceful haven a short walk from the Marbella golf club. Andalucian Villa with gorgeous pool and sea views close to Gaucin village. The village stands 500 metres above sea level, 7 kilometres inland from A-7 coast road and the Guadalmina Golf Course, and is reached by driving alongside the River Guadalmina through the gorge up into the hills. Benahavis attracts a vast number of tourists during the summer season due to its beauty and close proximity to Marbella, Puerto Banus and Málaga.The town has a deep history dating back to the… More → Benahavis is an attracts and convenient location for property owners due to its beauty and close proximity to Marbella, Puerto Banus and Málaga.The village has a deep history dating back to biggerz casino login the… More →
The track runs towards a ruined farm then angles right then passes to the right of a gate where it narrows to become a path. When you reach a grove of carob and olive trees, ignore a left turn leading to a gate but rather continue straight on. The track continues to descend and passes beneath a white building where you'll be greeted by barking dogs. Selected, approved Gaucin villas and village houses.
LA CALA DE MIJAS – THE CENTRE OF MIJAS COSTA
Buy a printed or eBook copy online direct from publishers The Andalucian Coast-to-coast Walk. Day to day worries fall into insignificance, or rather true significance, when we get out into the mountains and walking is about a lot more than taking exercise. One of the best things about the simple act of walking is the sense of reconnecting with Nature and the Big Wide World. Far more than a long walk, this on-foot odyssey can lead you to the heart of southern Spain's magnificent sierras and on a life-changing journey of discovery. Even though more and more people are beginning to walk Spain's southern sierras, most of the routes remain blissfully undiscovered. Many of the full and half day walks are virtually unknown even though they are a short drive from the Costa del Sol.
- Today Puerta de Purchena is in the heart of the city, close to Plaza de la Constitucion (also known as Plaza Vieja) and the Alcazaba.
- In the unspoilt Andalusian village of Benhavis, close to the coast, lies the Amanhavis hotel, an elegant and peaceful haven a short walk from the Marbella golf club.
- From here head into the village centre, first passing bar La Bodeguita Chaparro then cafeteria La Cruz.
- The walk passes through six of Andalucia’s Natural Parks and protected areas via its most beautiful mountain villages.
- La Cala de Mijas is the heart of Mijas Costa (the coastal strip of Mijas municipal district) and although it has expanded over the years, it still maintains something of its Andalucian seaside village atmosphere.
- Continue straight up to the first houses of the village where the track becomes paved.
Soon you pass by an odd group of modern buildings to the left of the track. Take the left hand option and head up a wonderful old section of track which climbs up between ancient groves of almonds. When you come to leave, with your back to the main entrance of the chapel, up ahead you'll see tracks to both left and right. After crossing over a rocky scree slope the track passes just to the left of the pylon. (8) Here bear sharply right on a track (marked by a cairn) which heads up towards the mountain of El Hacho before looping back round to the left. Conveninet for Gaucin village or the hiistoric town of Ronda.
Montemayor is the name of a castle ruins and the hill it sits on overlooking the village of Benahavís and the Mediterranean coast Known for its excellent gastronomy and wide range of high-quality restaurants, as well as its grand selection of quality golf courses, unsurprisingly Benahavis attracts a vast number of tourists… More → The walk passes through six of Andalucia's Natural Parks and protected areas via its most beautiful mountain villages. Continue straight up to the first houses of the village where the track becomes paved. Shortly before the track drops down to meet with this road you reach a three way junction.
Hotels in Benahavís
Boasting an impressive outdoor space, glass terrace, and never-ending views – this 3-bed villa is a great choice for friends and families. Turn left just past the Cajamar bank and head along in Calle Queipo de Llano. Pass the Molino del Carmen, and continue on through the village, passing between the Unicaja bank and the Mercado de Abastos. At the zebra crossing swing left along a narrow street. From here head into the village centre, first passing bar La Bodeguita Chaparro then cafeteria La Cruz. I owe special thanks to my friends Melanie and Tiger for sharing one of their favourite walks with me.
The puerta was located here as the natural entrance to the city from the western side, when arriving from the nearest city, Granada. Weather in Mijas Costa – if you are considering visiting this town you will be interested to check the latest weather forecast for the next few days. It is located in centre of landscaped and pedestrianized with pavement… More → Mijas Costa is popular among tourists and has a large English population, it is here that you will find the town's beaches and… More →
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When you reach a junction where there's a carob tree to your left and pine trees straight ahead turn left. Here, continuing on the same course, you meet with another track by a green transformer mast (50 mins). This pretty path soon drops down to meet with another track.