excursions & activities

Estepona is called „El Jardín de la Costa del Sol“ (The Garden of the Costa del Sol) because of the Coastal Path („Senda Litoral“) GR92 E12 offers an exceptional route passing 14 towns on the Costa del Sol, from the Balcón de Europa, in Nerja, to the Castle of the Duchess of Manilva, over 200 kilometres of coastline with the best weather in Europe.

The Coastal Path, passes through promenades and bike lanes, paths and boardwalks, beaches and cliffs, and natural sites between the towns that add a very special touch to the route: The Cantales de La Araña, the Peñon del Cuervo, Chullera Point, the Artola dunes, on the el delta of Río Vélez, the Guadalhorce river mouth or the rocky section between Calahonda and Calaburras, at Mijas.

Furthermore, among other historical resources the path includes the series of 42 „Almenara“ watchtowers along the Malaga coast as well as the Phoenician archaeological Vélez Málaga site.

Other information

Type of Hiking Trail: Linear. Status of the Trail: Approved and signposted 2014. Total length: 212.91 km. Legs: 12 Legs. Accessibility: Suitable for walking and, except for some legs, horseback or mountain bike.

Videos on YouTube:

watch video 1

Watch Video 2

Estepona is called „El Jardín de la Costa del Sol“ (The Garden of the Costa del Sol) because of the transformation of the city center. With the renewal of almost a hundred streets and squares, over a distance of 14 km, highlighting in its aesthetics the Andalusian style with its many ceramic pots and the many flowers. The old town and the center of Estepona blooms, almost all year round, under thousands of geraniums.

The city of Estepona has many attractions such as the clock tower, municipal museums, a bullring, the San Luis Castle or the church of Los Remedios and Los Pedregales Park. In the municipal park, also known as San Isidro Labrador, stands the hermitage of Saint Isidros. In the city center there are numerous restaurants and shopping facilities. The beaches are located next to the city center and are lined with nice beach bars (so called „chiringuitos“).

If you want to see the rich and beautiful, visit the port of Marbella Puerto Banus. Only 20 minutes away you can admire the luxurious yachts and cars, noble shopping and delicious food. Marbella is a beautiful city with small alleys, hidden restaurants and shopping opportunities that are second to none.

Ronda is a city in the province of Málaga, located at an altitude of 723 meters above sea level in the mountainous landscape Serranía de Ronda.

Ronda is known above all for its location: the Moorish-influenced old town, La Ciudad, is situated on a steeply sloping rock plateau. The old town is separated from the younger part of the city, El Mercadillo, by a gorge almost 100 meters deep, formed by the Río Guadalevín and called Tajo de Ronda.

Mijas is one of the beautiful white Andalusian mountain villages, only 5km from the coast, it is located at 430m above sea level and allows a breathtaking view of the Costa del Sol. The village is also famous for its donkeys and donkey rides. The area is so mountainous and steep that you go to a restaurant at ground level to sit on the terrace about 20m above the market place.

Gibraltar was conquered by England in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession and was granted crown colony status in 1830. Spain demanded the return of Gibraltar several times, but failed with these advances. Spain, however, initiated measures to put pressure on Gibraltar’s administration several times, for example, the border was closed several times, the longest from 1969 to 1985. In a referendum in 2002, 99 percent of the inhabitants nevertheless voted to remain under British rule and thus against a return to Spain.

There are many restaurants. From pubs to luxury restaurants, everything is represented. Most pubs and restaurants are located in Casemates Square as well as Main Road and surrounding streets. Many new restaurants of all price ranges have opened in recent months at the newly created Marina Bay at the marina.

Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where monkeys (species: Barbary ape or magot, Macaca silvanus) are found living free. That is why Gibraltar is also called the „Monkey Rock“.

Interesting! Gibraltar is the only British Overseas Territory in which right-hand traffic prevails.

Tarifa is one of the world’s hotspots for kitesurfing. Since the Strait of Gibraltar is lined by mountains on both sides, the wind has to really force its way through here.  That’s why it’s windy on Tarifa’s beaches almost all year round. For this reason, numerous surf schools have settled here. Perfect conditions to practice kitesurfing!

Besides the wind, Tarifa is famous for its freshly caught tuna. It is caught fresh every day off the coast of Tarifa.

Tarifa is considered one of the places in the world where you can watch dolphins and whales every day. Among them are bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, fin whales, sperm whales and even orcas. The best chances to spot orcas are in the months of July and August.