Getting active in marvellous Málaga

Spanish holidays don’t have to be all about sun, sea and sangria, and if you love hiking and climbing then Málaga is the ideal destination to indulge in your favourite hobby. The Gran Recorrido 7 is Spain’s most spectacular walking route, taking in all the incredible sights that the region has to offer as well as one of Europe’s best mountain climbs.

What is the GR7?

Part of European Route No. 4, the Gran Recorrido 7 is a 1,250km footpath that begins in Tarifa and stretches across Spain, taking in Jaén, Córdoba, Almería, Granada, Cadiz and of course, Málaga. You don’t have to complete the entire route though, and the Málaga part should be more than enough for an active and fun-filled day out. For complete adrenaline junkies, the legendary El Chorro is situated just off the main route offering some of the best climbing in Europe.

Giant mountains

Desfiladero de los Gaitanes in El Chorro

The main reason for a walk along the GR7 in Málaga is the incredible Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, or Gorge of the Giants, one of Spain’s most popular rock climbing areas. Start your day with a stroll around the charming nearby village of El Chorro, then head to the Gorge and take a look at the breathtakingly fragile Caminito Del Rey, or King’s Little Pathway – a notorious walkway stretching across the gorge. The bridge is now so dangerous that it was closed to the public in 2000, but you can still hike, climb or mountain bike in the immediate vicinity.

There are more than 600 areas to climb around the gorge, ranging from the gentle to the downright heart-stopping heights. If you’re into hiking and climbing then a visit here is a two-for-one deal, as you’ll need to embark on a long walk over the top of the gorge to reach the best climbing areas. Less-experienced visitors should start at the lower rocks of the area known as Las Frontales, but seasoned mountaineers won’t be able to resist the breathtaking knife edges higher up the rock.

Malaga, as viewed from Gibralfaro Castle

Another panoramic view of Malaga

When you’ve had your fill of climbing and hiking and worked up an appetite, head to nearby Álora, a busy, bustling and cosmopolitan town where you can easily while away an evening feasting on tapas… and perhaps the occasional glass of sangria. After all, what kind of Spanish holiday would be complete without one?