“Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees.”
— Karle Wilson Baker
Málaga is saturated with culture, history and fascinating architecture, but it’s the architecture of its natural landscapes which we have grown to love the most. From dramatic mountain peaks and rivers carving their way through valleys to national parks preserving dense forests, and the ancient trees that are intertwined in the heritage of this beautiful place.
Autumn is the perfect season to explore the hiking trails and enchanting villages that are nestled between these iconic sites. So pack a bag, put on your best walking shoes and have a great day out in the wonderful nature of the Málaga region. Tree-selfies encouraged!
Article by Sophie Gatward-Wicks
1-The Millennial Olive
Located near Casabermeja, this award-winning olive tree still bears fruit, even though it’s over a thousand years old. Awarded the title of “Best Monumental Olive Tree” by the Spanish Association of Olive Municipalities in 2013, it’s easy to see why – with its trio of gnarled trunks, its rich green leaves and single ancient root system. Firmly planted on a steep incline, its existence and health today is quite a marvel. Its perimeter extends to seven metres, and its branches are kept carefully pruned to facilitate the harvest of its olives which are only ever collected by hand.
The Arroyo Carnicero olive grove is situated just off the MA-436 road, between Casbermeja and Villanueva de la Concepción. Just over 4km from Casabermeja, there is a sign pointing the way to Arroyo Carnicero. Drive parallel to the stream for about 150 meters, you will see the olive grove on your right.
2-Pinsapo de las Escaleretas
Safeguarded in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, you’ll find the majestic Pinsapo de las Escaleretas, the Spanish Fir which has been declared a natural monument, being the largest and oldest tree of its kind. This rare Spanish Fir (Pinsapo), native only to Southern Spain and Northern Morocco, is a protected species within the Sierra de las Nieves Biosphere Reserve. Known for its dense, sharp-needled leaves and ornamental beauty, the Spanish Fir attracts visitors worldwide. The park offers many trails and scenic spots, with the trail to the Escaleretas Fir lying on the southern side.
The Pinsapo de las Escaleretas is easily distinguished, towering above the others at 26 metres, with a trunk which measures five metres in diameter and branches that cover an area of 200m². The government has not yet allocated a budget to accurately date it yet, but it is estimated to be between 350 and 550 years old, well beyond the expected 200-year lifespan of its species. Experts say it is well into its final stages of life, so it may not be around for that much longer.
This incredible tree is located near the municipality of Parauta, in the foothills of El Cerro Alcojona, next to the road to Las Lajas. There is a forest track which has a small car park, from which you can walk down a path for about 1 kilometre, before reaching the Pinsapo de las Escaleretas.
The village of Parauta deserves its own mention here, which is just under half an hours drive west from the Pinsapo de las Escaleretas car park. The village, enchanting enough as it is, literally has an “Enchanted Forest” (Bosque Encantado) filled with colourful sculptures and fairy-tale like installations. Tree carvings of wizards, butterflies, fairies, life-sized unicorns and story-book style wooden houses have been placed either side of a nature trail that leads out from the village.
When you arrive at Parauta, you start seeing directional signposts pointing you towards the mystical path. The sculptures, created by local artist Diego Guerrero first appear within the village, and increase in number along the 1km stretch of forested pathway that further leads into chestnut groves.
Seasonal events are regularly held here, with Christmas and Easter having special interactive events for kids. And every July, Parauta holds their famous Enchanted Forest festival where all the lights are turned off, and everything is illuminated only by candlelight (about 3000 of them).
3-The Holy Chestnut Tree (Castaño Santo)
Another treasure within the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, is this gigantic chestnut tree, located within the municipality of Istán. It is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, with a trunk perimeter that measures an impressive 13 metres. According to local legend, the tree served as a meeting point for Christian armies during the Reconquista, and gets its name after the famous prayer held there by Catholic monarch Ferdinand II in 1501 during an expedition to squash a rebellion in Marbella.
The nearby village of Istán sits just 14km inland from Marbella, known for its natural springs and the Rio Verde (Green River), which leads into the “Embalse de la Concepción”– the reservoir that supplies a large majority of freshwater to the Costa del Sol.
The village of Istán is a must-visit, with some great tapas bars and restaurants, shops where you can buy local honey and olive oil, as well as collect fresh water for free from the springs and fountains dotted throughout the village. There are some truly spectacular hikes in this area, definitely worth exploring. Some that lead to waterfalls and magical natural pools, such as the Charco de Canalón, and others that take you to amazing ancient trees that stand as silent witnesses to the scenes of historical figures that shaped our world centuries ago.
Living close to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park
This iconic National Park made such an impression on us that we decided to build our latest project: Vista Lago Residences, on its border. Our exclusive plot of 18 villas are built in the 200-hectare estate of Real de la Quinta, which borders the protected UNESCO biosphere reserve area surrounding the National Park.
The view of a stunning mountainous backdrop to the North of Vista Lago Residences, is the Sierra de Las Nieves UNESCO biosphere reserve, and is considered one of Andalucía’s most beautiful areas. The park contains 93,930 hectares (362.7 square miles) of protected land within its boundaries, the southern portion of which is close to the coastline of the Costa del Sol.
Being so close to a National Park is great for homeowners in Vista Lago, not only for the obvious attraction of the beauty and easy access to nature, but for those for whom increased investment value is important. Quite simply, the closer a property is to a national park anywhere in the world, the more valuable it becomes.
For more information on Vista Lago Residences, visit our information page. You can call our Sales Team on (+34) 682 10 50 02 or email them on: info@by-bright.com
