The best family-friendly hikes and walks around National Park Montes de Málaga

Ancient boundary marker indicating the direction to Fuente de la Reina and Jotron

Located in the Montes de Málaga, this restaurant is an ideal stop for cyclists exploring the region's mountain trails. The restaurant exudes a rustic, traditional atmosphere, with old tools, jerrycans, and platters evoking the area's agricultural past. The menu features hearty, typical regional dishes such as migas (a type of sausage), Plato de los Montes (a regional specialty), and meat and game dishes—perfect for refueling after a strenuous climb. From the terrace and windows, there are sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making the break particularly worthwhile. Venta Galwey is therefore not only a place for good food but also for relaxation and enjoying the scenery during a cycling tour through the Montes de Málaga.

The Hermitage of Our Lady of Candelaria in Colmenar sits atop a hill overlooking the town and is one of the most important buildings in the Axarquía region. This Baroque chapel was built in the 17th century, its richly decorated chancel dating from 1719. The church consists of a single, rectangular nave with a hemispherical vault over the chancel. The façade, with its round-arched portal, Tuscan pilasters, and a bell gable with three openings, gives the small pilgrimage church its distinctive appearance. Legend has it that it was built in gratitude for the miraculous rescue of sailors who were dedicated to Our Lady of Candelaria. Today, the chapel is considered the spiritual heart of Colmenar and, from its elevated position, offers magnificent views of the surrounding Sierra de Tejeda landscape.

The Asador restaurant at the Hotel Balcón de los Montes in Colmenar impresses with its rustic atmosphere and a terrace offering unobstructed views of the surrounding Montes de Málaga mountains. Specialties include grilled meat dishes and traditional regional cuisine. Large windows and the terrace seamlessly connect the dining experience with the expansive, idyllic landscape, making it the perfect place to relax during or after a day of sightseeing.

The monument near Colmenar is a stone memorial monolith commemorating José Campos Fontalba, a chief engineer of the province of Málaga. Constructed of roughly hewn natural stone, it takes the form of a stepped base with an inset cross. At its center is a recessed stone plaque bearing his name, profession, and a dedication. The monument stands at the roadside, surrounded by tall cypress trees, and is clearly visible from the road. It conveys the impression of a traditional, solid memorial, a common feature of the first half of the 20th century. Its simple, robust design and the use of local stone blend harmoniously into the landscape of the Montes de Málaga. Overall, it is a typical example of a Spanish road or engineering monument of that era, commemorating both an individual and the importance of public works in a mountainous region. Today, the monument stands as a silent historical witness by the roadside, preserving the memory of the technical and social development of this area.

I think he's referring to walking alone along the Torrijos Trail. Starting from the wine press, you reach the end of the trail and turn around. This trail is perfectly suitable for children and people who are not in very good physical shape, as there are no steep slopes and you can stop and rest in the areas with benches.

Ruins of an old wine press with an oven next to it.

The route is definitely not intended for children and people with low physical fitness!!!