This topic may come as something of a surprise if you think of Marbella as primarily a resort where life revolves around beach activities and the attractions of nightlife in Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía and Marbella town. However, once the summer season is over and autumn arrives, Marbella is transformed into a destination where other outdoor pursuits take over. Golf is one of these, but keen ramblers and walkers will find that it is also the perfect time of year to enjoy exploring the paths and slopes of the mountains that are Marbella’s majestic backdrop.
Climbing La Concha
Wherever you are in the Marbella area, you can see La Concha mountain soaring above it. This mountain is not Mt. Everest or even Kilimanjaro, so while you need to be reasonably fit to walk up its well-trodden pathway to the summit, you certainly won’t need climbing gear; a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes will suffice. The walk starts at El Refugio de Juanar, which is on the country road from Marbella to Ojén, where you will see it signposted. Do take water and a charged mobile phone with you in case you need to dial 112 in the unlikely event of an emergency. The Residencia Estates team did this climb back in 2014!
Marbella Seaside Trail
If you prefer a more leisurely walk with the sea in clear view then Marbella’s seaside trail will take you from the town’s Old Fishing Port to the luxury marina of Puerto Banús. It’s a distance of seven kilometres, and if you’re feeling sprightly, you can continue on to the town of San Pedro Alcántara using the same seaside route. Highly recommend!
El Pozuelo Trail
This is another mountain hike that starts at Refugio de Juanar and is also known as the José Lima Trail, after the man who guarded these forests for many years. It is thought to be an ancient track used by hunters in centuries past, with a circular route of about six kilometres that takes about three hours to complete. Not only will you see the stunning peaks of the Sierra Canucha but you may well spot some mountain goats along the way too. Keen ornithologists should bring binoculars to study the many birds of prey living in the area.
Hiking in the Elviria to Ojén mountains
Residencia Estates has been based in Elviria for over 16 years, just to the east of Marbella and while the area offers some great beach walks to Cabopino, the mountainside trails of Elviria are amongst the loveliest on the coast too. Starting in La Mairena, one of the highest residential areas in Elviria, there is a delightful walk towards the village of Ojén, where you will pass beside meadows filled with wildflowers and have a spectacularly panoramic view of the coast. Another favoured walk starts between the El Soto turn off and the German College at the top of La Mairena, and there are many more listed at Elviria Hiking Trails.
Marbella 4 Days Walking
In October the weather in the south of Spain is still perfect, no too hot and not too cold, a great time for walking. We invite you, together with walkers from all over the world, to discover the unknown sides of Marbella during Marbella 4Days Walking. The Terrazas del Puerto Deportivo, near the historic city centre, will be the starting point for the 20 and 30 km routes which will lead you through the city, the nature and along the beach. The last day, the 15th of October, you will walk the Via Gladiolo (gladiolus being the Roman symbol for victory) back to the Terrazas del Puerto Deportivo where you will be welcomed with loud cheers. You can participate on all four days but it is also possible to choose the days that suit you most. The Residencia Estates joins Day 1 every year!
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can take and living in Marbella provides you with ample places to stretch your legs. There’s always a new trail to discover here—that’s just one of the many pleasures of Marbella life.