Swim, scramble, and slide your way through one of the Costa del Sol’s most thrilling nature experiences.
Just 20 minutes from Marbella lies one of the Costa del Sol’s best adventures: the Benahavís River Walk. This trail takes you through the Angosturas Canyon (Cañon de la Angosturas), where you climb, swim and wade through the refreshing waters of the Guadalmina River.
Whether you’re a solo explorer or traveling with a group, this is a great walk that takes around 2 hours from start to finish. People often spend half a day spelunking from the canyon walls, or sunbathing on the rocks with a picnic. However you choose to do the Benahavís River Walk, it’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to connect with nature whilst beating the summer heat!
Getting there
The trail starts along the A-7175 road heading towards the village of Benahavís. Parking is clearly signposted “Parking Ermita” which is roughly where the walk ends. Alternatively, you can park in the village, which is just a 20 minutes walk from there.
After parking at the Ermita, walk up the A-7175 road about 1,3 km until you see some green gates on the right hand side. This should take you about 15 minutes. On google maps, this entrance is marked as “Benahavís River Walk Guided Tours” (a company who offer a fantastic canyoning experience here).
Once you head down some stairs through the green gates, you will see the start of the river walk on your right hand side. You’ll be met with a small pool that has a natural rock water slide which takes you into a larger pool. From there the clambering begins!
Watch us as we slide into action on our latest reel:
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How long does the Benahavís River Walk take?
The entire route takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to swim or relax in the pools. It’s suitable for people with moderate fitness and basic swimming ability. Children over 8 can usually manage the route with adult supervision.
What to Bring
- Swimwear + quick-dry clothes or wet suit (you will be soaked, and the water is cold!)
- Water shoes or sandals with good grip (essential for slippery rocks)
- Dry bag or waterproof pouch for valuables
- Water and waterproof snacks (there are no facilities on the trail)
- Sunscreen, though much of the walk is shaded by the gorge walls
About the Guadalmina River and Angosturas Canyon
The Guadalmina River is known for its clean, cool water fed by mountain springs, making it ideal for summer activities. Over time, it has carved out the Angosturas Gorge, or “narrows,” creating steep canyon walls that keep much of the river walk shaded even in mid-summer.
The Cañon de las Angosturas is now a protected natural area, with well maintained wooden walkways, footbridges, and viewpoints for hikers who prefer to stay dry while still soaking in the views.
Go solo or with a group?
While this route is totally doable solo, as you just have to follow the water until you get to the end (the wooden bridge will let you know you’ve almost finished!), guided tours are available and recommended for those who want to learn more about the geology and ecology of the area, or those wanting to try full-on canyoning, including rappelling and jumps into deeper pools.
Live better in Benahavís
Love the Marbella and Benahavís areas? We do too! That’s why we chose it for our latest project Vista Lago Residences: 18 luxury, completely sustainable villas, just 15 minutes from Marbella’s city centre.
Strategically located within the amazing 200-hectare estate of Real de la Quinta, this sustainable estate borders the protected UNESCO biosphere reserve area surrounding the Sierra de las Nieves national park. The views across the Mediterranean to Gibraltar and Africa beyond are stunning! It’s within easy driving distance from all the amenities of the Costa del Sol whilst being entirely surrounded by nature, 2 minutes from a 35,000sqm leisure lake and so much more!
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
