Walking in Axarquia

Walking, Birdwatching and Photography in Axarquia

The best time to walk in Axarquia is from spring to early summer and then through Autumn, although there are walks that with care and planning can be tackled in summer and winter. Springtime temperatures, with blossoms and flowers in abundance help to create walks of breathtaking beauty and interest. We are especially fortunate to have national parks nearby and in recent years there has been much progress made with regard to protection of wild birds and animals not to mention the restrictions on planning and development. The banning of motorcycles and cars into most areas ensures that the tranquillity is maintained.

Unlike other European countries Spanish maps do not generally show walking routes or paths and when they do, they can be very unreliable. Most useable tracks are those previously frequented by mules carrying produce between cortijos and one of the joys of the area is to stumble upon an abandoned farm with the temptation to pick your own peaches, oranges, avocados, figs, apricots or nuts.

Goat Herder's shack with Spring Flowers

It is interesting to note that even serious European walkers are only just beginning to appreciate what the south of Spain has to offer. Until recently the region has been largely overlooked and means that in general you will be walking alone and have a wonderful opportunity to visit many unfrequented areas. Not yet do we have that all too familiar problem in other European countries where popularity has literally worn out the pathways and left tracks looking like dusty motorways.

For Experienced Walkers

Cantueso already have a selection of ready made walking routes and these are freely available to guests. In addition much useful information can be obtained from www.walkingworld.com where there are some walks around Periana and for a small fee may be downloaded. A local guide which is regularly updated is: Wild walks by Roger Jennings see www.bookshoppasatiempo.com There are also some very comprehensive guides produced by the Costa del Sol Tourist Board. On their website you can download or order them (all free) but beware they are very lengthy books. In addition to walking guides they also offer motoring and cycling routes www.visitcostadelsol.com Other guides to walking in this area include: Walk the Axarquia by Charles Davis, from Discovery walking Guides, available from most bookshops.

For more information please e-mail walking@cantueso.net and we will send you complete details of the walks available and other FAQ’s.

Additional walking in Axarquia images

click to enlarge

all photos on this page by Rex Farmer