If you are visiting Malaga and are thinking of spending a Sunday in the country, choose from these five well-equipped recreational areas to enjoy a day out with family and friends. We will tell you “where” and suggest “when. “With whom” we leave up to you.
› La Viñuela Lake, Axarquia
Some of the prettiest scenery in the province. The lake, which is a reservoir built on the Guaro river in 1986, gets its name from the nearby village and has the largest water storage capacity in the province. The views are very attractive and there are good recreational facilities for picnics, barbecues, water sports and hiking.
› Parque Pinar Nagüeles, Marbella
Right in the heart of the Costa del Sol, in the Sierra Blanca Urbanisation, a large area of Mediterranean pine forest that creates a perfect backdrop for a perfect day. There is a well equipped picnic area complete with barbecues and nearby is the chapel of San Bernabé, patron saint of village.
› El Pinarillo Recreation Area, Nerja
Barely 5 kilometres from the Nerja Caves, El Pinarillo is situated between the Tejeda and Almijara mountains and the Alhama Nature Reserve. There are picnic areas, stone barbecues, a children’s play corner and parking space. This is a good starting point for various walks around the area.
› Torrijos and the Cerrado
Both these recreational areas are just a few kilometres outside the city in the surrounding hilly area called Montes de Malaga. Tables, seating, barbecues, toilets and parking are waiting for all those who want to disconnect from the daily city stress. The first of these is near the winery museum Lagar de Torrijos and the second close to the Arroyo Humaina creek. This is a great place for walking along more than 100 kilometres of forest paths and trails in the nature reserve. Four routes are signposted: El Cerrrado, Pocopán, Torrijos and Umbría de Contadoras.
› La Fuensanta Recreation, El Burgo
Named after the 18th century Fuensanta farmhouse and flour mill, the most typical illustration of the place. It should not be missed. Located in the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, it combines natural beauty, history and culture. From Fuensanta we can vsit Los Sauces, the Nieves convent or the Puerto de la Mujer pass among other interesting spots. Or we can leave El Burgo and walk among the soul-soothing pines and ancient olive trees.
Fotografía: Carlos Castro
Traducción: Diana Mathieson
