Hiking & nature

You walk up the river bed. That is the whole idea — the gorge is so deep and the walls so close that the only way through is in the water, wading ankle- to thigh-deep the entire way. The canyon walls reach 100 metres and the pools are a milky turquoise. In summer the water temperature hovers around 16°C — genuinely refreshing in the heat. The route starts from the edge of Nerja, near the campsite on the Frigiliana road. No guide needed — just follow the river upstream. The path is not always obvious but getting lost is not really possible. Turn back when it starts to feel overgrown or after about 7km (there is a natural amphitheatre that makes a good turnaround point).

A circular route from the village of Maro through the Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park. The first half climbs through scrubland to the Cerro Gordo headland — on a clear day you can see as far as the coast of Morocco. The second half drops down to the coastline and follows the cliff tops back towards Maro. The final section passes directly above Las Alberquillas beach, 200 metres below. The trail is not always well-signed but the route is straightforward with a map. In spring the slopes are covered in wild flowers and the air smells of rosemary and thyme.

The old path between Nerja and Frigiliana predates the road by centuries — it was the main connection between the coast and the mountain villages. The route climbs steadily through terraced hillsides of agave, almond and carob trees, passing a ruined Moorish watch tower at the halfway point. Arrive in Frigiliana and have lunch on a terrace, then take a taxi back to Nerja (€15, 15 minutes). This is how the route should be done — uphill, with a meal and a cold drink waiting at the top.

Lucero (1779m) is the highest peak accessible from Nerja without a long drive. The approach from Cómpeta or Canillas de Albaida takes you through the Sierra Almijara high country — pine forests, exposed ridgelines, and views that on a clear day include the coast of Africa. This is a serious mountain walk, not a hike. Take it only in good weather, carry sufficient food and water (3L minimum), and start before 7am to avoid both the midday heat in summer and the risk of afternoon cloud buildup in autumn. Not a walk to improvise.