living natureguide

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Natural Park Montes de Málaga • Flora and Fauna• Activities and active tourism

• Recreational areas • Hiking • Cycling • Activities, workshops and courses

• Aula de la Naturaleza Las Contadoras (Environmental Education Centre)• Ecomuseo Lagar de Torrijos (Lagar of Torrijos Ecological Museum)• Gastronomy • Oenological tourism • Accommodation• How to get here• Map

Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty • Flora and Fauna• Birds • Hiking routes • Activities and active tourism • Accommodation • How to get here • Map

“La Concepción” historical botanical garden of Málaga • Routes• How to get here• Map

Málaga Park • Flora • How to get here • Map

Alborania Museum. Sea classroom • Activities• Workshops• Coastal itineraries• How to get here

Other interesting places• La Araña (literal translation: “The Spider”; a coastal neighbourhood of Málaga) • Puerta Oscura (Dark Door) gardens • Pedro Luis Alonso gardens • Picasso gardens • El Morlaco forest park

Active tourism companies • Active tourism • Bicycle rental and tours• Boat rental and tours

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Living NatureMálaga’s natural heritage provides opportunities for other types of tourism. Areas with exceptional environmental riches such as the Natural Park Mon-tes de Málaga, the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty, the Historical botanical garden of Málaga “La Concepción” and the Málaga Park. Museums such as the Alborania Museum and the Lagar of Torrijos Ecological Museum will bring us closer to our natural resources through education.Various green educational and interpretation activities are organised at the-se centres. One of the most well-known ones is the “Las Contadoras” green classroom. You can also combine sports with other more playful activities offered by the active tourism companies. A wide range of accommodation options are on offer.The options that are available are completed by a unique gastronomic expe-rience to create a one-of-a-kind experience of the nature around Málaga.

The Natural Park Montes de Málaga extends over 4,996 hectares and is only 5 kilometres from the city, which ensures you can quickly immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the flora, fauna and active tourism activities throughout the year.

Hiking trails, recreational areas, educational, leisure and adventure activities, exhibition areas, ac-commodation and local gastronomy together form the unique ecotourism range of the park.

Natural Park Montes de Málaga 1

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Flora and Fauna

The Aleppo Pine is one of the symbols of the Montes de Málaga due to the intensive repopulation of the first half of the previous century to protect the city from the devastating floods caused by the Guadalmedina river. There are also many other types of trees such as holm and cork oaks that remind us of the former landscape of the region.

The wide range of the Nature Park’s fauna includes birds of prey. One often can see the spectacular sight of the short-toed snake eagle and the booted eagle in flight. The open lower areas of the Nature Park are the home of one of the most unique reptiles of Europe, the chameleon.

Activities and active tourismHiking, cycling, camping, participating in courses and activities are some of the activities the Montes of Málaga offers its visitors.

• Recreational areas

The Montes de Málaga Nature Park has two recreational areas, Torrijos and El Cerrado. The numerous visitors to these places are always delighted. The first of these is near the Lagar of Torrijos and the second one near the Humaina stream.These areas include wide places with tables, benches and bar-becues where visitors can rest and still enjoy the outdoors. These areas can be easily accessed by car and include parking areas and public toilets.

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• HikingThe park has more than 100 km of forest tracks and hiking routes, some of which are closed to motor vehicles but open to hikers and cyclists. It also has four sign-posted hiking routes: El Cerrado, Pocopán, Torrijos and Umbría de Contadoras. .

• El Cerrado hiking routeA 2.9 km circular path that is moderately difficult. It starts and finishes at the recreational area of the same name, El Cerrado, and runs along the side of the El Cerrado hill. The Mirador del Cochino (a scenic stop with panoramic views) is a major milestone on the path. Estimated time: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Pocopán hiking routeStraight 2.7 km path of moderate difficulty. The walk starts at Llano de las Contadoras at the Pocopán lookout. Climb up through the firebreaks and view the widest scenery available at this nature park. Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Torrijos hiking routeStraight 0.7 km hiking route that is fairly easy for everyone. It starts from the Lagar of Torrijos Eco-logical Museum and finishes at the Chaperas stream. It starts at the recreational area of the same name. Estimated time: 30 minutes.

• Umbría de Contadoras hiking routeStraight 0.9 km hiking route that is fairly easy. An ideal route for ecological educational purposes. From the Las Contadoras plain, this route descends through the semi-darkness of the forest to the Francisco Vázquez Sell lookout. Estimated time: 25 minutes.

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• Cycling A bicycle is a good way in which to become acquainted with the Nature Park Montes de Málaga by cycling over its many paths. There are two cycle paths indicated with signs.

• “Picapedreros-Boticario” cycle path

This 6.7 km path is easily accessed from town from the San Telmo windmill area, one of the many entrances to the nature park. The path ascends along the Don Ventura stream, through pine and eucalyptus areas, passes by the Picapedreros press (in Spanish: Lagar) ruins and the house of Don Ventura and ends at the Casa del Boticario (the house of the pharmacist).

• “Lagar de Contreras” cycle path

This 14 km path is the same as the “Picapedreros-Boticario” cycle path until the house of Don Ventura. You next veer to the left to go through a firebreak passing alongside the Guijarro house. After crossing the Humaina stream you leave behind the Contreras house ruins to arrive at the Conde press. By wading through the Querellanta stream, the path reconnects with the Humaina stream until it joins one of the main park roads

• Activities, workshops and coursesThe Parque Natural Montes de Málaga provides a wide range of ecotourism options. Basket weaving and mycology (the study of fungi) workshops, hiking or cycling in combination with gas-tronomy, night tours, interpretation tours, segway tours, orchid observation, bird watching and bird ringing days are only a few examples of the options available to enjoy in this natural habitat.

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Aula de la Naturaleza Las Contadoras (Environmental Education Centre)

A renovated XVIII century building in the centre of the Natural Park Montes de Málaga. This environmental and rural tourism educational centre organises activities, courses and workshops for all audiences.It includes a mammal and bird lookout place with a small artificial pool which is used as a drinking pool by animals. The centre also has multimedia classrooms, a pool, a sports field and an open air classroom that is sometimes used as an astronomy observatory. It also provides accommodation and catering facilities for groups.The centre also assists in the reforestation with native trees and bushes, the organisation of workshops and courses such as reed basket weaving, photography and mycology (the study of fungi) as well as organising hiking activities, activities related to the history of Los Montes and wine tasting events.You can also book a weekend of rural tourism or join a group to visit the park at night.

How to get here: Turn left at the Fuente de la Reina (Fountain of the Queen) on the Colmenar road (A-7000). Follow the signs to find the Aula after 2.5 km.

Tel. +34 952 110 255 - +34 699 942 998 • www.contadoras.org8

Lagar of Torrijos Ecological Museum

This building, that dates back to 1843, can be found in the middle of the nature park and surrounded by a leafy pine wood. It is the prototype of the houses built in the area for the cultivation and marketing of wine which was called a “lagar” (press). More than 800 presses were in operation in this area at the height of the international marketing of Málaga wines.

The building houses a wine press, which is spectacular due to the large tree trunk that was used in combination with a stone weighing a ton to press the juice out of the grapes. This wine press is put into operation every year during the celebrations of the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Celebrations).

It also houses an oil mill and two ovens which are currently used for educational purposes.

How to get here: Colmenar road (A-7000). Take a left on the road approximately one km after the Fuente de la Reina (Fountain of the Queen) when driving towards Colmenar.

Tel. +34 600 620 054 – +34 674 875 429 – +34 951 19 32 36

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Gastronomy

The Natural Park Montes de Málaga’s gastronomy is unique. Along Los Montes road or Colmenar road (A-7000) there are a number of restaurants that are popularly known as “ventas” (similar to an old-fashioned inn in the UK) that today form a culinary area that is different from anything else available in Málaga, both by their location and their specialties.

Even though they offer a wide variety of dishes from various cuisines, most of the “ventas” serve the Plato de los Montes (Monte’s dish) which consists of loin, chorizo, peppers, eggs and chips. The Migas (“crumbs”) dish is also unique to this area, which consists of bread usually with strips of loin or chorizo. They also serve kid goat meat, suckling lamb from Málaga, deer and wild boar.

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El Cortijo de Santa Isabel restaurant Restaurant that specialises in meat dishes: for example lamb shoulder, steaks or sirloin steaks and marinated roast meat with special spices. It has a fireplace, car park, children’s play area and the entrance and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users.

Camino del Colmenar 166Tel. +34 952 654 825

El Trepaolla restaurantThe Trepaolla serves the typical dishes of the area such as “Los Montes”, “migas”, tripe or lamb as well as fish. The restaurant has a children’s play area, a car park and the entrance and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users.

Colmenar road (A-7000).Tel. +34 952 252 752

La Minilla Restaurant Specialises in red meat prepared on a grilling stone. The starters include gazpachuelo (soup made with eggs and vinegar or lemon), thick vegetable soups, dressings and “migas”. It has panoramic views, a fireplace, car park and the entrance and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users.

Colmenar road (A-7000) / Tel. +34 952 251 858

Ventorrillo De Santa Clara restaurantA restaurant where you can enjoy regional dishes such as “Plato de Los Montes”, as well as other meat dishes such as lamb and entrecote. It has a fireplace, car park and the entrance and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users.

Colmenar road (A-7000)Tel. +34 952 253 391

Los Tres Cincos Country House RestaurantThis restaurant serves “Plato de los Montes”, “Plato a lo Bestia”, rice and barbecued meat dishes. It has a fireplace, children’s play area, car park and the entrance and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users.

Colmenar road (A-7000)Tel. +34 952 263 615

Vent

as

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El Boticario Inn restaurantEnjoy the typical dishes of the region such as “Plato de los Montes” or à la carte specialties such as bull’s tail or “Plato a lo Bestia” (“over-the-top dish” because of the high meat content). The restaurant has panoramic views. The restaurant has a fireplace, car park, children’s play area and it is accessible to wheelchair users. Colmenar road (A-7000) / Tel. +34 669 420 831

El Mijeño restaurantIt serves the “Plato de los Montes”, the “crumbs” dish and goat that have been marinated in wine made locally and home-made desserts. The restaurant has panoramic views, a children’s play area and a car park.Colmenar road (A-7000)Tel. +34 952 253 546

El Detalle Inn restaurant The restaurant has two rooms with a fireplace where you can enjoy home-cooked dishes such as “Plato de los Montes”, wild boar in sauce or veal prepared with garlic. The restaurant has panoramic views, a children’s play area and a car park. Colmenar road (A-7000) / Tel. +34 952 110 630

Carlos del Mirador InnThis restaurant was established in 1955. It serves “migas a lo Bestia”, “Plato de los Montes”, bull’s tail, rice soup and barbe-cued meat dishes. It has panoramic views, a children’s play area, car park and the entrance and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users. Colmenar road (A-7000) / Tel. +34 952 259 698

Los Montes Inn Restaurant This restaurant has been serving the traditional “Plato de los Montes” as well as other regional dishes since 1979. The restaurant has a fireplace, car park, children’s play area and it is accessible to wheelchair users. Colmenar road (A-7000)Tel. +34 952 260 235

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Fuente de la Reina Inn The old kiosk that has been in Los Montes for half a century provides “Plato de los Montes”, migas “a lo Bestia” (“over-the-top dish” because of the high meat content), rabbit prepared with garlic, vegetarian dishes and more. It is accessible to wheelchair users. Colmenar road (A-7000) / Tel. +34 952 110 123

El Puerto del León restaurant Restaurant located in the mountain port that has the same name (the lion’s port). The specialties are “migas” and tripe. The restaurant has panoramic views and a car park. Colmenar road (A-7000) Tel. +34 952 110 023

Galwey Inn Restaurant Traditional inn from before 1886, with a view towards Axarquía and fireplaces. It not only serves “migas” and pork loin, but also many game meat dishes such as wild boar and deer. It has a car park. Colmenar road (A-7000)Tel. +34 952 110 128

Señorío de Lepanto “La Herradura”, a 19th century country estate, houses a centre with rooms to celebrate events and outside and inside areas as well as an old chapel.Colmenar road (A-7000)Tel. +34 952 25 24 66

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• Museo del Vino (Wine museum)A location where history, culture, art and Málaga wine education come together. The museum has more than 400 lithographs (la-bels and signs from the 19th and 20th centuries), an interpretation centre, wine tasting room, educational room and shop. Spread the wine culture of the wines with guarantee of origin and quality of a wine “Málaga” and “Sierras de Málaga”.

Plaza de los Viñeros, 1Tel. +34 952 228 493 • www.museovinomalaga.com

• Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia The oldest Málaga wine cellar is located near the Natural Park in the Olías neighbourhood: Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia. The wine cellar has made sweet and dry wines since 1840. These wines are now protected by the guarantee of origin and quality of a wine “Málaga” and “Sierras de Málaga” classification system.The design of the wine cellar, although recently built, reminds us of the past. The cellar has a large central aging section. Next to the cellar there is a Press and a workplace where you can taste the wine and learn about the history of Málaga wines.

Ctra. Olías – Comares, s/n; Finca El Romerillo. Barriada de Olías Tel. +34 952 030 714

Oenological tourismMálaga wines were very popular in the 18th and 19th century. The wines were exported to many countries around the world at the time. Phylloxera spread from 1878 until the first three decades of the 20th century and it ruined most of the vines due to which Málaga lost its market position.

The wines are currently being discovered again and are protected by the Denominación de Origen (guarantee of origin and quality of a wine) “Málaga” and “Sierras de Málaga”.

Many restaurants in the historical centre, the location of the main gastronomic area of the city, serve these wines with a broad range of cuisine choices.

Museums, wine cellars, professional groups and many festivals are still part of Málaga’s life, a symbiosis of wine and the city from the Lower Roman Empire through to our times.

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• Gremio de Viñeros, Cosecheros y Bodegueros Montes de Málaga (Association of vine growers, vine harvesters and wine makers of Montes de Málaga)

The objective of this association, which has offices at the El Puerto del León Inn restaurant in Montes de Málaga, is to stimulate the quality of regional wines and all derived products and subproducts of the wine, to develop oenological tourism and to stimulate the restoration of traditional vineyards in Montes de Málaga.The association supports the economic development of the native agriculture of Montes de Málaga. In particular, initiatives related to the development of vineyards and the elaboration and aging of wines made of a variety of grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Garnacha, Merlot, as well as the traditional Muscatel and Pedro Ximénez.

• Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape harvest fiesta)The Fiesta de la Vendimia takes place every September at the Lagar of Torrijos. The celebrations recreate the treading of the grapes and the Ecological museum wine press is put into operation to show how the wines that made the presses of the Montes de Málaga famous were made.

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The hotel is surrounded by a garden of century-old trees. At an altitude of 800 metres, it has beautiful views of the sea and the valley. It is part of a 150,000 m2 country estate. The hotel has wooden cabins, double ro-oms, luxury double rooms and a junior suite. Banquets and meetings can also be held at the hotel.Colmenar road (A-7000)

Tel. +34 951 900 939www.hotelcortijolareina.com

Located in a unique two-storey house within the Natural Park. The hotel has 12 rooms and a suite. The hotel has a bar, restau-rant, Internet connection and a meeting room for 40 people. It also has a library, a fireplace and a pool.

Colmenar road (A-7000) s/n

Tel. +34 952 641 025 www.hotelhumaina.es

This hotel has five rooms with private bathrooms, television, air conditioning and private parking. The house has panora-mic views.

Colmenar road (A-7000)

Tel. +34 952 251 858www.laminilla.es

Hotel Cortijo La Reina Hotel Humaina Hotel La Minilla

Accommodation

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The maximum capacity is 46 people. The rural houses can accommodate 6 to 10 adults. Some of the houses have interior doors with which to join them to other houses. All houses have electric heating, a fireplace, television with a satellite connection, Internet, fully equipped kitchens and a barbecue.Complejo Rural Lagar Martínez

Tel. +34 952 657 063www.lagarmartinez.com

One-storey house consisting of a dining/living room with fire-place, an open-plan kitchen, a bathroom and four bedrooms. It has a garden, barbecue and pool. The house has panoramic views.

A-45 road, exit 136

Tel. +34 639 439 528

The centre can hold 64 people and has 14 rooms of which some for groups of 4 to 14 guests. Please read the section on “Las Contadoras” environ-mental education centre for more information.

Colmenar road (A-7000)

Tel. +34 952 110 255 +34 699 942 998 www.contadoras.org

Casas Rurales Lagar de Martínez

Accommodation

Casa Rural Pedregales

Aula de la Naturaleza “Las Contadoras”

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How to get hereThe ideal way to get to the Natural Park is by motor vehicle be it a private car, a rented car, a taxi or a tour bus.

Drive to the Fuente Olletas area and take former road C-345, which is now A-7000, also known as the Carretera de Colmenar (Colmenar road) or Carretera de Los Montes (Los Montes road). As you ascend, you will see various entrances to the Natural Park.

Did you know…Montes de Málaga has been inhabited since prehistoric times due to its friendly climate and natural resources. From Phoenician times to the Middle Ages the area produced wood and agricultural products. After the Reconquista, the land was privatised and the agriculture specialised in vines. This resulted in the further destruction of groves, which led to many serious floods during the following centuries.

The single crop agriculture and the quality of the wines of Málaga led to the region becoming the international market reference for wine until it was damaged by the arrival of phylloxera which damaged the vines until the 1930s. At the start of the century, the implementation of measures such as the compulsory purchase of land and the repopulation with pine trees stopped the Guadalmedina river breaking its banks, which has led to the creation of the current landscape.

The Montes de Málaga road used to be a medieval road. In 1732, road work is undertaken to repair the old road up to the Fuente de la Reina with the objective of allowing travel from Málaga to Antequera and vice versa through Colmenar. The work is completed in 1830 when it is declared to be a general road of the kingdom. In view of the unique orography of the landscape, the near woods, the extensive landscape and low population density and the use of the road by coaches, these roads were plagued by highwaymen and brigands.

Please visit the following web page for more information (only in Spanish): www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/agriculturapescaymedioambiente

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• UNITAXI www.unitaxi.es +34 952 333 333

• TAXI UNIÓN www.taxi-union.es +34 952 040 804

TAxi SERViCE

CAR RENTAL SERViCES

• ENTERPRISE ATESATel. +34 902 100 101

• AUTOS LIDOTel. +34 952 245 457 +34 952 237 804

• AUTOS PRIMA RENT A CAR & BIKESTel. +34 952 310 975

• AVISTel. +34 902 180 854

• BARDÓN Y RUFO 67Tel. +34 952 176 030

• CARGESTTel. +34 952 173 520

• EUROPCARTel. +34 902 105 055

• EASY AUTOTel. +34 952 652 625

• HELLE HOLLISTel. +34 952 245 544

• HOLIDAY CAR HIRETel. +34 952 242 685

• LARIOS RENTAL & BIKESTel. +34 951 092 069

• LUMIERE CARS Tel. +34 952 246 568

• MARBENJOTel. +34 952 622 698

• NIZA CARSTel. +34 952 236 184

• NEW CARS COSTA DEL SOLTel. +34 952 234 916

• WHITE RENT A CARTel. +34 952 238 022

• RENT A CAR PARISTel. +34 952 322 842

• RENT A CAR TRANSAUTOTel. +34 952 105 050

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The Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty (Paraje Natural Desembocadura del Guadal-horce) is located on a 122 hectare island currently limited by the two branches of the last section of the Guadalhorce river. The Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty covers an area of 64 hectares.

The area includes a few lakes, the river banks, the sandy area near the sea and a land area that is so varied ecologically that it provides a refuge to various species throughout the year.

Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty2

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Flora and Fauna

The river bank vegetation includes poplars, eucalyptus trees, salt ce-dars, cat’s tails, reeds and rushes. The widgeongrass is an example of the submerged vegetation of the lakes. On the sandy beach areas, you find various unique species that have adapted to saline sandy soil that do not exist on any other nearby beach.

The geographical location on one of the main migratory routes bet-ween Europe and Africa combined with the variety of the landscape ensures a wide range of bird species.

There are many fish species in the river branches and the lakes, for example, mullet and eel. Mammals are also well represented: rabbits, fox and otters. There are also a wide range of reptiles, the most re-markable of which is the chameleon.

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Birds The time of year when you visit determines the type of birds you will see. There are more than 260 birds in this area. During spring, autumn and winter you will observe the most varied range of birds as this is the migration season.

Diving waterfowl with sexual dimorphism. The males have a blue beak during the mating season. These birds can be observed all year round.

White-headed duck

Kentish plover

Audouin’s Gull

Osprey or sea hawk

Bluethroat

A small wader that usually lands in sandy areas where it nests. It is spotted most often in spring and summer on or near the beach.

It uses the Paraje to rest. The number of Audouin’s

Gulls has been increasing

during the post-mating season during the last few years. It is

usual to observe large groups

of these gulls among other

gull species.

It is a hibernating species as it searches for protection at resting places and roosts. During a few winters even three specimens were observed.

A small insect-eating bird. It is frequently observed from September through to March.

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A small bird that finds its food in lakes and rivers where you can see it fly by at fast speeds. It is easy to spot at any of the wetlands of the Paraje, even in winter.

The smallest of Spanish herons, it is often spotted in the reed beds of the lakes. The Paraje is one of the few places where this species is often spotted during the winter even though there are never many.

Kingfisher

Little Bittern

Booted eagle Northern

Gannet

Black-winged stilt

This medium-sized bird of prey is often seen during the winter period, sometimes even seven birds at a time. This bird is easy to spot as it stops on very visible perches and flies over the landscape continuously.

A large marine bird that lives, breeds and dies near the water without ever going inland. During the winter, it is easy to spot its strong dives for food at sea from the Paraje beach.

A good-looking wader with

long legs and slender figure

that searches for food in shallow

waters. It is easy to spot the

black-winged stilt in most

Paraje wetlands at any time of

year.

Photographs provided by Eduardo Alba Padilla and Javier Alba Córdoba 25

Did you know that… the white-headed duck, which has been classified as an endangered species, was an uncommon site at the Paraje until 2003. Since 2003 it has been a frequent visitor. It has bred every year in various wetlands and, during drought years, this natural area provides refuge to 30% of the reproducing females of Andalucía.

Hiking routes

Two of the routes suggested on the schedules and observato-ries provide access to the most interesting areas of the Paraje Natural.

• Del Río Viejo (the former river)This 1.6 km low difficulty route will lead you alongside the Laguna de la Casilla and Río Viejo observatories and ends at the Aves Marinas (Sea Birds) observatory.

• Laguna Grande (great lake)This 1.7 km low difficulty route allows you to not only admire the birds in the Laguna Grande and Laguna Escondida observatories but also view the salinity of the lakes that leads to the unique vegetation of the area.

Activities and active tourism

At the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty (Paraje Na-tural Desembocadura del Guadalhorce) you can enjoy nature actively by hiking or cycling, but the unique factor is the spot-ting of birds.You can view the birds at the various observatories either on your own or assisted by the various expert guides.

Photographs provided by José Miguel Ramírez González and David Fernández Moreno.26

The Parador has 88 rooms with a view of the sea, a pool and an 18-hole golf course as well as a golf school. The restaurant ser-ves traditional Andalucía gastro-nomy dishes.

A7 Málaga to Algeciras mo-torway. Coin - Km. 231 exit

Tel. +34 952 381 255www.parador.es

Located just off the beach. It has 185 rooms. The hotel has a gym, a heated pool and two outside pools (adults and children), a large garden, a tennis court and grill. The outside pool is open du-ring summer.

C/ Moby Dick, 2 - Urbanización Guadalmar

Tel. +34 952 231 703www.melia.com

Modern hotel, recently built in avant-garde style with 105 well-equipped rooms, two of which are junior suites. It inclu-des a sitting room, restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi connection and priva-te car park. Celiac diet breakfast products are available.

C/ Pacífico, 44

Tel. +34 952 175 060www.vinccihoteles.com

Parador Málaga Golf

Accommodation

Hotel Tryp Guadalmar Vincci Málaga

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Located in the residential area of Guadalmar next to the beach. It has 11 double rooms and a ju-nior suite. All rooms have direct access to the garden. It also has a pool and a jacuzzi.

C/ Acacias de Guadalmar, 153

Tel. +34 952 176 061www.hotelmalagapicasso.com

Only 2 minutes away from the international airport for acces-sing the Costa del Sol and only 5 minutes from the town centre of Málaga. It has 114 rooms. It has a restaurant and rooms for events. Pets allowed.

Avenida Velázquez, 212

Tel. +34 952 173 757www.campanile.com

Located in a 4-storey building it has 122 rooms. This hotel is the nearest to Málaga airport. It has Wi-Fi and offers a free continen-tal buffet breakfast to all its cus-tomers.

Avenida Velázquez, 290

Tel. +34 952 248 500www.hiexpress.com

Hotel Málaga Picasso Campanile Málaga Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport

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Accommodation

How to get hereGuadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty (Paraje Natural Desembocadura del Guadalhorce) is located to the east of the city and is bordered on one side by the end of the Antonio Banderas promenade and on the other by the Guadalmar neighbourhood.

We recommend using public transport to go to the Paraje. Line 10 “Alameda Principal - Guadalmar - Chu-rriana” has a few stops in Guadalmar. The one nearest to the entrance to the Park is the bus stop on Manuel Curros Enríquez street. (www.emtmalaga.es)

You can also go by private car taking the A-7 and the “San Julián – Guadalmar” exit.

It is located less than 2 km from Málaga - Costa del Sol international airport.

Please visit the following web page for more information (only in Spanish): www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/agriculturapescaymedioambiente

Did you know…The “river of the silences”, the translation of the Arab name of the river, travels 166 km and is the main river of Málaga. The estuary has two branches, one is an artificial branch which was constructed to prevent floods.

It has 138 air-conditioned ro-oms with Wi-Fi connection, a covered car park and 24-hour room service It is only 500 me-ters from various sports centres (Polideportivo Martín Carpena, Inacua and the athletics sta-dium) and less than 10 minutes by car from the town centre of Málaga.

C/ Horacio Quiroga, 31

Tel. +34 952 105 155www.ibis.com

Ibis Málaga Avenida de Velázquez

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de AvesMarinasLaguna

Escondida

del Río Viejo

Mediterranean Sea

Laguna de laCasilla

LagunaGrande

L aguna Grandehiking route

Río Viejo hiking route

Málaga

mts.

Escala gráfica

500 m.375250125

Urb. Guadalmar

N-330

30

de AvesMarinasLaguna

Escondida

del Río Viejo

Mediterranean Sea

Laguna de laCasilla

LagunaGrande

L aguna Grandehiking route

Río Viejo hiking route

Málaga

mts.

Escala gráfica

500 m.375250125

Urb. Guadalmar

N-330

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The Finca de la Concepción (Concepción country estate) is one of most beautiful and important tropical and subtropical gardens of Spain and one of the most appreciated ones in the whole of Europe. Created around 1855 by the Marquises of Casa Loring, it was expanded some years later by the second owners, the Echevarría–Echevarrieta family. It was officially declared a Historic and Artistic Garden (currently a “Bien de Interés Cultural” (Heritage of Cultural Interest)) in 1943. It became the property of the Council of Málaga in the spring of 1990 that opened it to the public in 1994.

“La Concepción” historical botanical garden3

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It comprises 23 hectares and it has a garden in the centre that has been declared to be a historic/artistic garden of approximately 3 hectares. Form the set of fountains and waterfalls combined with a beautiful selection of subtropical plants from all over the world, its romantic landscape style stands out with signifi-cant neoclassical features

There are more than 25,000 plants belonging to about 2,000 different species of which 90 are palm trees, 200 are native plants and the remainder are tropical and subtropical.

In relation to buildings, the Casa-Palacio (Palace House) and the Casa del Administrador (Administrator’s House) stand out. The administrative offices are housed in the first one and it has generous rooms for different uses and a comfortable and well-equipped assembly hall. The laboratories for research staff, an exhibition room and a classroom can be found in the second. There are some more smaller buildings doted around the garden such as the Antigua Escue-lita (Old School), la Casita del Jardinero (Gardener’s House), known as the Casita de los Cipreses (House of the Cypresses), the Museo Loringiano (Loringiano Museum) and a regionalist style dome that is used because of its panoramic views of the city.

The Museo Loringiano houses the archaeological finds that Jorge Loring acquired from the excavations of Málaga and the province such as the “Lex Flavia Malacitana” (Malaga’s municipal code of law), which is currently in the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid. Some of these archaeological items can be seen around the museum.

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Around the Historical Garden, we can find the Botanical Gar-den that contains a set of plant collections that have been structured scientifically that can be visited in the following thematic routes.

• La Vuelta al Mundo en 80 árboles (Around the World in 80 Trees). An imaginary and winding trip around the world through the five continents showing trees, bushes, creepers and herbaceous plants from each.

• Las Plantas de Nuestra Tierra (Our local landscape plants). Next to an old threshing floor, plants are gathered that are from the local landscape and culture such as olive trees, vines, pome-granate trees, European fan palms, strawberry trees, oleanders and almond trees.

• La colección o “Mapa-Mundi” de palmeras(The collection or “Mapa-Mundi” of palm trees). This area created in 2002 increa-ses the rich historic collection. They are grouped based on the continent.

• Primitive plants. They are plants that have been surviving mi-llions of years in our planet. In addition to the mythical Ginkgo biloba, we will find different species of Cycad, Encephalartos, Zamia and Dioon.

• The bamboo collection. Next to the “Casita del Jardinero” (Gardener’s House) there is a magnificent collection of bamboo. We should highlight the forest of black bamboo from these spe-cimens (Phyllostachys nigra) that extends over more than 1,000 m² and the very tall common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), both which are around 150 years old.

• La rocalla de la biodiversidad (The rock garden of biodiver-sity) Representation of the native plants from the Mediterranean macrobioclimate both in the European/North African basin and other parts of the world (Canarias, Madeira, South Africa, the centre of Chile, Australia, California and Baja California).

• La ruta de los miradores (The scenic stop path). This walk passes through Mediterranean vegetation. There are a few res-

Routes

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ting areas and scenic stops with beautiful views of the historic garden and the city of Málaga. The most spectacular element about the walk is the view of the tops of the trees and the con-trast between the garden’s subtropical flora and native plants.

• La ruta forestal (The forest path). This path cuts across the La Concepción country estate from the north to the south through its highest road. From this path, you can see magnifi-cent views of the whole garden and its surroundings, the Na-tural Park Montes de Málaga and the San José estate in front and the city of Málaga at the back. The predominant flora is of the Mediterranean type over a course of 1,200 m.

• La colección de frutales (The fruit tree collection). La Con-cepción originally was an agricultural farm. On the slopes on the terraces, lemons (the fruit was sold and marketed, it even had its own brand), almonds and olives were grown... Nowadays there is a wide range of fruit trees just like in Axar-quía and the Guadalhorce valley.

• A collection of insectivorous plants, orchids and bromelias. A former crystal kiosk next to the garden entrance has been acclimatised ensuring a constant temperature and humidity to house these plants which have very special requirements.

• The González-Andréu garden. It is a humid and shady pla-ce with very many small lakes and waterfalls that houses very many species coming from all over the world ranging from the Salomon Islands, Polynesia, China, Japan and Australia through to Brazil and Mexico amongst many more places.

• Aquatic plant collection. Numerous aquatic species can be seen in the ponds and reservoirs of La Concepción. Papyrus, irises, different varieties of water lilies, peaceful aquatic plants and the stunning lotus, amongst others, have their spectacular flowing periods during spring and summer.

• Cacti and succulent plant collection .This collection brings together a great richness in genera and families as well as sha-pes, sizes and adaptation to the environment in which they live. Ranging from the spectacular Bombax that fatten their stems to the tiny Sedum and Lithops that look like small stones.

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· Walk suitable for poeple with reduced mobility.

No difficult (follow the arrows).

· Easy to walk.

· Moderate difficulty, 1,200 m long.

· Rest areas Eating allowed.36

· Walk suitable for poeple with reduced mobility.

No difficult (follow the arrows).

· Easy to walk.

· Moderate difficulty, 1,200 m long.

· Rest areas Eating allowed.

How to get hereIt can be found at 15 minutes on foot from the last bus stop of the num-ber 2 bus line. The tourist bus, Málaga Tour, has bus stops in its green line that starts from the Museo Automovilístico (Automobile Museum), the train station and the bus terminal.

If using a private vehicle, take Camino de Casabermeja that runs para-llel to the A-45 Antequera-Córdoba highway and turn left following the signs to arrive at the MA-431 road that is but a few metres from the gar-den.

Camino del Jardín Botánico, 3 29014 MálagaTel. +34 951 926 180www.laconcepcion.malaga.eu

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The Parque de Málaga (Málaga Park) can be found right in the centre of the city. A unique location because of the great variety of subtropical plants it has, its open space layout, its noteworthy buildings that border on to its north side, its fountains and statues as well as many other appealing features.

It was built when the port was expanded that was promoted by the president of the Cabinet of Spain of that time, the politician from Málaga Cánovas del Castillo, where part of the land reclaimed from the sea was granted to be used as a park. The city was given this park in 1897.

Málaga Park4

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It is split into two parts: the south area that has two walking sec-tions measuring 10 metres in width on both sides where the central section stands out because it has varied and extensive vegetation and the north part where several notable buildings that border on to the park are worth observing.

Amongst these buildings we can find the city hall of Málaga, Banco de España (Bank of Spain), the former Post Office building that to-day is the site of the Málaga University Rector’s Office, and the Ca-sita del Jardinero (House of the Gardener), where one of the tourist information offices is housed.

Flora Up to no fewer than 364 subtropical species can be found within the Park that originate from different places and through which we can discover the 5 continents through their beautiful flora while one of the best collections of palm trees that can be appreciated in a public space that can be used free of charge is highlighted.

One specimen from Europe can be found here: the Canary Islands dragon tree. You can enter a small forest of high Asian bamboo and walk alongside palm trees from Vietnam from the Mekong river, cy-cad revolute (king sago) from Japan, cycads circinalis (queen sago) from India or the caryota urens from Thailand.

A group of more than 30 Washingtonia robusta, Argentinean jacarandas and avocado trees are from Central and South America while the romantic forest of Taxodium mucronatum or trees of the Sad Night when Hernán Cortés supposedly cried when he was expelled from Mexico originate from North America. We should mention the silk floss tree from the South of Brazil and the North of Uruguay, which are known locally as “palos borrachos” because of the peculiar way in which their trunks swell.

The aerial roots of the Ficus rubiginosa also easily catches our at-tention. They come from the same area as the araucaria columnaris from New Caledonia and the Archontophoenix alexandrae. To fi-nish the visit we should mention the pandanus palms from Africa with its prop roots or the gigantic South African bird of paradise.

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How to get hereThe Park, which has a length of 800 metres, can be found between Plaza de la Marina, where the Alameda Principal ends and the General Torrijos square that leads to the Malagueta district. It runs parallel to the Port of Málaga and specifically with Pier 2 in the central area of the city.

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Did you know… Today, we can enjoy this important urban park because of the diligence of the politician from Málaga Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, one of the most influential public figures of the second half of the 19th century.

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You can discover the aquatic flora and fauna of the Alboran Sea, the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean Sea, in this museum. You can learn about the history of the relationship of Málaga with this sea that comes up to its shores through fishing, navigation and its aquatic culture and traditions. The museum participates in the preservation of coastal areas and aquatic species. It is common to find recovering species in its installations such as the loggerhead sea turtle.

Alborania Museum. Sea classroom5

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It is an interactive place where you can touch whale bones, check out marine organisms using a microscope or play on a boat simulator.

You will enjoy an interactive experience through the aquariums, boat models, collections of marine flora and fauna, games, labo-ratory experiments and audiovisual enveloping experiences.

• A port open to the cityProgramme to come to know a space full of history, activity and trades. The activity includes an itinerary through the Museum and a guided tour through the Port

• Málaga, city born from the seaTour through the historic stages that have led to the current Málaga. A walk along the most emblematic enclaves of the city reclaimed from the sea.

• Málaga from the seaBoat tour to discover the Bay of Málaga from the sea. Its coastal landscapes: port, beaches and cliffs.

Activities

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The Alborania Museum offers three workshops.

• ”Alborán Explorers”, where you can discover a Medite-rranean Sea full of biodiversity, the classification of the large groups of organisms or the anatomy of fish.

• ”Sea turtles and the giants of Alborán”, an interesting voyage through this sea.

• “Fishing: art and craft”, where you will come to know the ways in which they captured fish and the most unusual of boats.

Itinerary to come to know the diversity of coastal landscapes: wetlands, cliffs and dunes of our coast. Tours through the Guadalhorce estuary and through the Peñón del Cuervo (literally translated as the Crow’s Crag) to come to know the environment and its diverse ecosystems.

Workshops

Coastal itineraries

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How to get hereThe Palmeral de las Sorpresas (that is, “The Palm Garden of Surprises”) can be found at the Port of Málaga. You can access the port through the west side where the Plaza de la Marina is located or from the east side through the Paseo de la Farola.

Palmeral de las Sorpresas, Pier 2. Building no. 2. Port of Málaga.

Tel. +34 952 229 287www.museoalborania.com

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Other interesting places6

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The La Araña (The Spider) district located on the eas-tern border of the city has an area of cliffs and coves that are unique to the municipality. Although you can find crabs and mussels in its breakwaters, what stands out the most from the area is the Limonium malacita-num (also known as the everlasting flower of Málaga), a flora species that can only be found at a very few loca-tions on the Málaga coast and is currently under threat of extinction.

You can find prehistoric caves and shelters in La Araña that can be visited by arrangement as well as the Inter-pretation Centre of the Málaga Prehistoric Park where you can come to know the cultural evolution of man-kind since the pre-Neanderthal era.

Located on the south side of Mount Gibralfaro, its name is due to a gate that had Arabic origins that was located in the area. It was planned to complement the surroun-dings of the Alcazaba in harmony with its decoration and distribution. Fountains, walks and squares alternate with an abundance of vegetation.

C/ Guillén Sotelo

La Araña (literal translation: “The Spider”)

Puerta Oscura (Dark Door) gardens

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These gardens can be found on the East side of the Mu-nicipality and measure 6,500 square metres. It is a La-tin garden in which you can see characteristics that are Hispanic/Islamic as well as French ones. We recommend visiting the rose garden with a collection of 75 different varieties of roses that come from different parts of the world.

C/ Guillén Sotelo

Central garden opened in 1981 to celebrate the cente-nary since the birth of the brilliant painter from Málaga Pablo Ruiz Picasso, to whom it is dedicated. We should mention amongst its specific qualities the symmetry that it has that emulates the petals of a flower. We re-commend visiting the hundred-year old rubber plant and a sculpture of Miguel Ortiz Berrocal dedicated to Picasso that has been given the name of Siéxtasis.

Avda. de la Aurora

It covers 160,000 square metres and can be found among the residential areas of the Parque Clavero, Cerrado de Calderón and the El Morlaco district. The bottom part is close to the sea and the Pablo Ruiz Pi-casso promenade. It has forest paths, scenic stops and areas specifically for dogs.

Camino de la Desviación

Pedro Luis Alonso gardens

Picasso gardens

El Morlaco forest park

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• Parque del Oeste. C/ Realenga de San Luis, 11

• Parque de San Miguel. C/ Albéniz

• Parque Playa Virginia. Avenida Salvador Allende.

• Parque de la Alegría. C/ Camino de Casabermeja.

• Parque Norte. Avenida Valle Inclán.

• Parque del Tabernáculo. C/ Juan Gris.

• Parque Manuel Navarrete. Avenida James Bowles.

• Parque de Huelin. Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas.

• Parque La Noria. C/ Decano Salvador Barroso.

• Parque Lineal. C/ Fausto.

• Parque del Cine. C/ Carril del Capitán.

• isla del Tesoro. Avenida de Victor Hugo.

• Gibralfaro. Montes de Gibralfaro.

• La Virreina. Distrito Palma-Palmilla.

• Laguna de la Barrera. Distrito de Teatinos.

• Monte Victoria. Entrance through the Diocesan Seminary.

More information (only in Spanish): www.parquesyjardines.malaga.eu

Other parks

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Active tourism: Málaga has a wide range of active tourism activities which are organised by various companies. The Natural Park Montes de Málaga, the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty, the Botanical garden and the Málaga Park are but a few of the areas where tourists can actively enjoy nature.

Active tourism companies7

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Bird watching and hiking guided tours. Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty: Bird watching visits. Natural Park Montes de Málaga: Bird watching and scientific ringing days. Binoculars and telescopes are made available.

Company specialised in low-impact sports activities in natural environments. Cycling and hiking routes in the Montes de Málaga Natural Park. Guided vi-sits to Lagar of Torrijos with a workshop on bread and traditional “migas” dish preparation in the open air.

Events for companies to stimulate team work. Competitions and theme treasure hunts at the Historical botanical garden of Málaga “La Concepción”. Adventurous activities such as mountain bike routes or interpretation hiking routes in the Montes de Málaga.

Ibernature Andalusia is a tour operator and active tourism company. Iberna-ture Andalusia organises active tours to enjoy nature at the Montes de Mála-ga Natural Park and the Guadalhorce estuary.

This company organises customised incentive, corporate communication, educational and adventure events.

Birdaytrip

Educare

Exploramás

Ibernature Andalusia

Orange Experience

Tel. +34 951 382 906 • www.birdaytrip.com

Tel. +34 600 620 054 • www.educare-aventura.com

Tel. +34 952 477 951 • www.exploramas.com

Tel. +34 656 663 833 • www.ibernature.eu

Tel. +34 952 310 753 • www.reservatuaventura.com

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Ruta Cero organises fun, cultural, environmental, sports and promotional events. Hiking and mountain bike trips in the Montes de Málaga. Hiking routes and bird watching in the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty.

Segway Málaga Tours organises tours on segways in the Montes de Málaga, over forest paths stopping at scenic stops in the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty and another route starting from the city centre to the El Morla-co forest park which goes through Málaga Park and along the promenade..

The main objective of Sun Aventure Turismo Activo is to show you around the treasures of the Málaga nature areas. Hiking tours, mountain bike tours, ornithological tours and paddle surf and kayak tours on the Guadalhorce es-tuary waters. Hiking and mountain bike tours through the Montes de Málaga are also organised.

Xtraventura specialises in recreational and adventure activities. Xtraventura organises two tours in the Montes de Málaga: Picapedreros-Boticario, where you visit the San Telmo aqueduct, and the Pocopán route, a route that is also suitable for children.

Ruta Cero

Segway Málaga Tours

Sun Aventure Turismo Activo

Xtraventura

Tel. +34 952 243 324 • www.rutacero.com

Tel. +34 630 152 978 • www.segwaymalagatours.com

Tel. +34 650 730 117 • www.sunaventure.com

Tel. +34 951 381 871 - +34 697 115 353 • www.xtraventura.es

Bicycle rental and tours

Bike2malaga Tours & Rent

GreenBikes

Larios Rentals

Málaga Bike Solutions

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The natural beauty of Málaga is made to explore either on your own or through a guided tour. It is the ideal location to combine physical exercise and nature. Bicycles, electrical bicycles or motorcycles can be used to traverse these areas in new ways.

Guided tour organisation and bicycle and accessory rental. Provides guided tours to get to know the Montes de Málaga, the Guadalhorce estuary, the Bo-tanical garden or the San Miguel cemetery as well as other points of interest.

Travel by bicycle, electrical bicycle, electrical motorcycle or segway through the natural beauty of Málaga: Montes de Málaga Natural Park and Guadalhor-ce estuary area of natural beauty.

Bicycle, motorcycle and car rental services. Guided tour on scooters through the Montes de Málaga, starting at the city centre and ascending to the area on the Colmenar road. Also available with GPS.

Bicycle rental and tours

Bike2malaga Tours & Rent

GreenBikes

Larios Rentals

Tel. +34 650 677 063 • www.biketoursmalaga.com

Tel. +34 626 158 360 • www.greenbikes.es

Tel. +34 951 092 069 • www.lariosrentabike.com

Cycling routes, bicycle rental, repair, transport and storage services. Málaga Bike Solutions offers a bicycle route to the Botanical garden and to Montes de Málaga that goes through the Málaga Park. It includes a light lunch and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete.

Málaga Bike Solutions

Tel. +34 620 946 899 • www.malagabikesolutions.com

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Guided bicycle tours through the city of Málaga. Málaga Bike Tours organises a bicycle route along the Guadalhorce estuary with stops at the bird watching locations. Duration: 4 hours. Approximate cycling distance: 20 km. Difficulty: low to medium.

The objective of Málaga Custom Bikes is to promote and spread the use of bi-cycles. Málaga Custom Bikes provides bicycle routes through the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty and the Montes de Málaga natural park, inclu-ding three routes with different difficulty levels in the Montes de Málaga.

Bicycle rental services and sales. QQ Bikes organises guided tours on electrical bicycles and segways through the Montes de Málaga Natural Park and the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty.

Málaga Bike Tours

Málaga Custom Bikes

QQ Bikes

Tel. +34 606 978 513 • www.malagabiketours.eu

Tel. +34 634 413 870 - +34 952 212 207 • www.malagacustombikes.com

Tel. +34 677 171 238 • www.qqbikes.com

Guided tours on electrical and standard bicycles, scooter mobilities and elec-trical and standard motorcycles. Prima Rent a Car and Bikes provides tours on these vehicles to the Historical botanical garden of Málaga “La Concepción”, through the Montes de Málaga Natural Park and the Guadalhorce estuary area of natural beauty.

Prima Rent a Car and Bikes

Tel. +34 952 310 975 - +34 608 840 401 • www.rentacarprima.com

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The sea is one of the characteristic elements of Málaga and it can play a role in your tourism activities while enjoying the natural surroundings of Málaga. You can rent a boat, undertake incentive activities, travel the bay with submarine views and even join a boat trip to view the cetacea (i.e. whales).

Boat rental and tours

El Proba CatamaránTel. +34 687 474 921

www.barcosdemalaga.es

Ferry Estrella FugazTel. +34 630 069 117

www.mundomarino.es

La PintaTel. +34 629 260 223

Sail & Fun Tel. +34 607 835 186 www.sailandfun.es

Pelegrín ITel. +34 687 474 921

www.barcosdemalaga.es

MagicTel. +34 630 069 117

www.mundomarino.es

Málaga CharterTel. +34 670 800 702

www.malagacharter.es

Veleros del SurTel. +34 670 800 702

www.velerosdelsur.es

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www.malagaturismo.com

guide

Tourist information offices • Central Office. Plaza de la Marina, 11. (+34) 951 92 60 20

• Casita del Jardinero. Avenida Cervantes, 1. (+34) 951 92 72 05• Visitor Reception Centre Ben Gabirol. Calle Granada, 70. (+34) 951 92 92 50

living nature

07/16

ITINERARIO TURÍSTICO MONUMENTAL BÁSICO

PLAN TURÍSTICO MÁLAGA CIUDAD