Walking in Andalucia
The white village of Cómpeta is located at 640 meters above sea level, the ideal place to stay for walking in Andalusia. Located at the foot of the Tejeda & Almijara Natural Park with a long mountain range that extends from 2,063 meters to the cliffs of the Mediterranean Sea.
Varied landscape
The landscape consists of forested mountains with many kilometers of dirt roads and paths formerly used by donkeys along orchards labored by local farmers. The mountainous landscape of the Axarquía region has much to offer: steep pine-covered slopes, jagged hills, deep ravines and raging mountain streams. But also open land with small farms and orchards where olive trees, almond trees and other subtropical fruits as avocado’s and mango’s grow.
Video about walking in Andalucia
The video below gives a good impression of what to expect from hiking in Andalusia.
Route descriptions
You walk with clear route descriptions past streams and eroded limestone crevasses and high mountain peaks. Throughout the hike, enjoy the beautiful views. In clear weather, you can even see the Rif Mountains in northern Africa and the Sierra Nevada.
We will be happy to help you with good advice on the many different hiking possibilities in the area, and at the local tourist office you can get good maps showing the exact paths to take. You can also ask us directly about pick-ups or drop-offs by car to or from more distant hiking trails. Due to these clear instructions and our tips, you definitely don’t need a guide.
Walking fitness
Anyone with a reasonable walking condition and good physical health, including children aged 12 and over, can hike in Andalusia. The varied day walks, on dirt and mule tracks, go up to slightly above 1,200 metres and range from 1.5 to 6 hours with an average ascent of 200 to 1,000 metres. The area of the immense 40,600-hectare nature park is downright spectacular and attractive for wonderful nature walks. If you want to know more about the flora and fauna of the Tejeda & Almijara Natural Park, check out the park’s website.
The village of Cómpeta
Cómpeta is located east of the city of Málaga, in the green region of Axarquia, at the end of a long green valley, away from the mass tourism of the Costa del Sol. In the village you will find a bakery, a greengrocer’s, a small supermarket and a medical centre. On the village square you’ll find several restaurants and bars with terraces. It is good and inexpensive to spend time in the sun here. Literally around the corner from the lively village square is our accommodation; you will stay in the luxury studio flats of Cómpeta Suites.
Cómpeta is surrounded by several white villages that have preserved their Moorish character. These village were a refuge for anti-Franco rebels hiding in the mountains during the Spanish Civil War. It is well worth visiting these white villages while hiking. Located in Cómpeta’s backyard, the Tejeda & Almijara Natural Park is downright spectacular and ideally suited for beautiful walks in Andalusia. For a walk along the Mediterranean beaches, make use of the local bus service.
Lovely studios
You can stay in one of our lovely studios when you want to hike in Andalusia. Ideally located in the centre of Cómpeta and fully equipped. After a nice walk, enjoy the stunning views from the roof terrace. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed thanks to the comfortable beds.
Walking inspiration or holiday pre-fun
Below some hiking inspiration or holiday fun.
GR-249 Long-distance hiking trail
The all-red and white marked GR-249 hiking trail follows much of the Axarquia region in the north and returns to the Mediterranean coast via the Sierra de Tejeda & Almijara, past the villages of Cómpeta, Frigiliana and Nerja.
Find the whole route at www.gransendademalaga.es.
Hiking maps and guides of the Sierra de Tejeda & Almijara
- Mountains of Nerja (Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama), publication Cicerone. No fewer than 24 day walks covering the entire area. with lots of practical information.
- Walking in Andalucía, publication Cicerone. Six walks in what the author calls La Axarquía; the designation for the entire area.
- Sierras Tejeda Almijara and Alhama (Nature Park), 1:40.000, publication Editorial Penibetica. Busy and reasonably reliable map of just the nature park. With English-language guide with practical information and a number of walks that can be retraced on the map with numbers.
- Hiking map Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, 1:25.000, Editorial Piolet
- Axarquia Tour & Track Map, very detailed, 1:40.000. Downloadable from www.dwgwalking.co.uk, also available in our studios.
- Maps/descriptions of various walking routes around the village are available at the local tourist office. Ideal for when you want to hike in Andalusia.
What a guest wrote about walking in Andalucia
A pleasant and relaxed experience
The accommodation was great and very comfortable. The first day we took it to ‘relax’; We had breakfast and dinner on the roof terrace and in the afternoon, we took a short ‘siesta’ nap.
The second day we did the hiking trail that passes through Puerto Collado at 890m height and down to the old Fabrica de Luz of Cómpeta on the Torrox river. The weather was great, and we were able to enjoy the views from Cerro Lucero, over the Mediterranean Sea to Morocco in North Africa.
We also really liked the trail of the Fábrica de la Luz in Canillas de Albaida, which passes through Puerto Blanquillo and back along the old smugglers trail to Cómpeta. The weather was great, and we were able to enjoy the views of Cerro Lucero and over the Mediterranean Sea to Morocco in North Africa.
After a wonderful week in our Tokyo apartment, we had to say goodbye. We shall surely come back again so we can hike more trails! Tomorrow we will go to the airport passing along the coast for lunch first and return the rental car. Time in Cómpeta has passed very quickly and we shall take this experience to Holland and share with friends.
Cómpeta Suites
Calle Laberinto, 8
29754 Cómpeta (Málaga)
Spain