5 of the Best Hikes in Andalusia (That Don’t Require Being Extreme)

Caminito del Rey

Andalusia is one of the best regions in Spain for hiking. You get mountains, coast, white villages, and big views—all within relatively short distances. Most hikes are well marked, easy to access, and doable for regular walkers, not just hardcore hikers. Below are five of the best hikes found in Andalusia. They offer variety, good infrastructure, and scenery that actually delivers without feeling like an endurance test.

Bridge over the Guadalhorce River

1. Caminito del Rey (El Chorro, Málaga)

This is Andalusia’s most famous hike, and for good reason. The Caminito del Rey follows narrow walkways attached to steep canyon walls above the Guadalhorce River.

Despite the dramatic setting, it’s not a difficult hike. The path is well maintained, secure, and mostly flat. The challenge is more mental than physical if you’re uncomfortable with heights.

• Type: Point-to-point

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Distance: 7.7 km

• Elevation gain: ~250 m

• Time: 3–4 hours

• Good to know: timed entry tickets are required and often sell out

2. El Torcal de Antequera –

El Torcal de Antequera

Green Route (Málaga)

El Torcal feels like walking on another planet. The landscape is made up of unusual limestone formations shaped by erosion over millions of years.

The Green Route is the best option if you want something manageable but interesting. It’s a loop, clearly marked, and full of small ups and downs rather than long climbs.

• Type: Loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 2.7 km

• Elevation gain: ~120 m

• Time: 1.5–2 hours

• Good to know: can be windy and cooler than surrounding areas

Garganta Verde - Sierra de Grazalema

3. Garganta Verde (Sierra de Grazalema)

This hike drops into a deep limestone gorge where griffon vultures often circle overhead. It’s one of the most impressive nature hikes in the region.

The descent is straightforward, but the return climb is steep and requires reasonable fitness. The trail can be slippery after rain

• Type: Out and back

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

• Distance: 6 km

• Elevation gain: ~500 m

• Time: 4–5 hours

• Good to know: a permit is required and numbers are limited per day

3. Frigiliana to El Acebuchal (Near Nerja)

• Type: Out and back

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: ~13 km round trip

• Elevation gain: ~550 m

• Time: 4–5 hours

  This is a classic inland hike from the white village of Frigiliana into the hills of the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park. The path follows old mule tracks through pine forest and open mountain terrain.

There’s no water walking or scrambling involved—just steady climbing and wide views. El Acebuchal is a small, restored hamlet and a good turnaround point.

Ronda to Puente Nuevo Loop

5. Ronda to Puente Nuevo Loop (Málaga)

This hike gives you a completely different view of Ronda by taking you down into the gorge and back up again. You’ll walk below the famous Puente Nuevo and see the town from angles most visitors miss.

It’s short but steep in sections, especially on the climb back up.

• Type: Loop

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 5 km

• Elevation gain: ~250 m

• Time: 2–3 hours

• Good to know: best done in cooler weather

Final Thoughts on Best Hikes in Andalusia

What makes Andalusia great for hiking is variety. You can walk through gorges, along rivers, across strange rock formations, or right below historic towns—all without traveling far or needing advanced skills.

Most of these hikes are well suited to people who enjoy walking and being outdoors, not just serious hikers. With good shoes, water, and a bit of planning, they’re very accessible and genuinely rewarding.