If you want to enjoy the good weather this summer, but prefer to escape from large crowds, we recommend you visit Malaga and its natural parks. In addition to being known for its beaches, this wonderful province can also offer you the type of outdoor and relaxed leisure you’ve been looking for, with a total of five protected nature reserves.

The five natural parks in Malaga province

Below, we tell you more about the features of each park and why you should visit them.

Montes de Málaga Natural Park

This is one of two natural parks located entirely in the province, and also one of the smallest in Spain, at just 5,000 hectares. One of its characteristics is its proximity to the capital, which will allow you to start visiting it from the city.

There are routes which start directly in Ciudad Jardín, and others which end in the neighbouring town of Casabermeja. If you decide to visit it, you shouldn’t miss the Cochino, Pocopán and Francisco Vázquez Sell viewpoints.

Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park

This is the second protected area located entirely in Malaga, and, in addition to being recognised as a natural park, it’s  considered a biosphere reserve. The pinsapo (Spanish fir) is the symbol of this reserve: it’s a kind of small local fir tree unique in the world. If you want to see it, you can take one of the hiking trails available between Yunquera, El Burgo and Tolox.

But there are many other attractions in this park. For example, visiting the source of some of the most important rivers in the province and caving activities, among which the GESM chasm stands out.

Los Alcornocales Natural Park

This nature reserve is located between the provinces of Malaga and Cádiz; specifically, there’s a significant area in the municipality of Cortes de la Frontera. We recommend starting your visit at the Cortes Visitors Centre, where you can learn more about the park and take a virtual walk through the Montes de Málaga, Sierra de las Nieves and Grazalema.

In addition to giving their name to the natural area, alcornoques (cork oak trees) are also used for the extraction of cork. This is one of the main sources of wealth in the area, and it continues to be extracted in an artisanal and entirely natural way.

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Once again, its land is divided between the provinces of Malaga and Cádiz. In the Malaga section, you shouldn’t miss visiting the Llanos de Líbar, an area between limestone mountains where you can discover most unusual geological formations and very varied wildlife.

Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park

The territory of this park is shared between Malaga and Granada, and it’s one of the most extraordinary places, with the most things to see in the region. For example, you can’t miss the rivers with “cachorros” (small waterfalls), or places like Saltillo, Cuesta del Cielo, Pico del Lucero or the village of Acebuchal.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by and try discovering this side of Malaga which is unknown  to international tourists. A province full of unique natural environments, with spectacular inland landscapes and a multitude of roads and trails ready for exploring.