4.1
(24)
77
hikers
03:17
13.0km
20m
Hiking
Hike the Pinar de la Algaida Trail, a moderate 8.1-mile route through pine forests and marshes, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
2.58 km
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10.8 km
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
13.0 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.82 km
4.34 km
797 m
Surfaces
6.47 km
3.52 km
2.63 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 22 May
33°C
21°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
This trail is generally considered to have a low difficulty, making it suitable for families and most nature enthusiasts. It features minimal elevation changes as it's located at sea level. Komoot rates it as
moderate
due to its length of approximately 13 km, but the terrain itself is not challenging.The trail primarily winds through a dense stone pine forest, offering ample shade. You'll also encounter Mediterranean scrub and some sections with sandy soil, reflecting its origin from ancient dune systems. The route may transition from forested areas to views of cultivated fields and marshes.
Along the route, you'll pass by the Algaida Bridge. The trail is also part of the larger Los Toruños and La Algaida Metropolitan Park, known for its extensive pine forest, diverse ecosystems, and artificial lagoons like Laguna de Tarelo, which are great for birdwatching.
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect the local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors, especially given the area's rich biodiversity.
The trail can be enjoyed year-round. The dense pine forest provides ample shade, making it pleasant even on warmer days. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, while winter can be a peaceful time to visit. Always check the local weather forecast before you go.
No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access the Pinar de la Algaida Trail, as it is part of the Parque Metropolitano Marisma de los Toruños y Pinar de la Algaida, a public natural area.
The area features recreational zones with tables and benches, which usually have designated parking areas. Look for parking facilities near the main entrances to the Parque Metropolitano Marisma de los Toruños y Pinar de la Algaida, which encompasses the trail.
The area is a paradise for birdwatchers, with species like vultures, eagles, black storks, and coots. You might also spot the common chameleon. The dominant flora includes stone pines, Mediterranean scrub like mastic and juniper, and unique plants such as the singular eucalyptus tree of Andalusia.
Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. You'll find sections that overlap with the Vía Augusta de Cádiz a Sevilla, Transandalus, and the Vía Verde de Matagorda. There are also smaller local paths like the Sendero de la Algaida and Camino Algaida-Salina Desamparados.
While some main routes are shared with cyclists, the pine forest also offers narrower paths specifically for hikers. These provide a more secluded experience away from the wider, multi-use trails, allowing you to immerse yourself deeper in the natural surroundings.
Absolutely! The trail's low difficulty, minimal elevation, and ample shade make it very suitable for families. There are also recreational areas with tables and benches, perfect for a picnic or a full day out with children.
The route is very easy to walk along a marshland path with some wooded areas. In my opinion, the only drawback is the proximity of a motorway for a few kilometres, starting at kilometre 3, which introduces the sound of vehicles passing by. For this reason, starting at kilometre 3 and a half, I recommend taking a path that runs to the right and that gets you away from the constant noise of the vehicles. We continued along the path on the left, and at kilometre 4.4 we turned left to avoid the noise. At kilometre 5 you can turn again onto a path to the right, on the way to the Algaida bridge, thus avoiding the proximity of the motorway. We continued along the path on the left. The walk is longer by a few kilometres, but a good part of it runs parallel to the motorway. Once you return to the interior of the park, at the height of the main building of the University of Cadiz, you return on the way to the bridge and the Algaida viewpoint. After crossing the bridge, you have the option of going to Levante beach, with splendid views of the inner part of the Bay of Cadiz. Both the path, and the Natural Park in general, are in a great state of conservation, cleanliness, good signage and informative posters about the plants and fauna of the area. There are good parking areas at the starting point indicated on the route, as well as a center of the Junta de Andalucía for the management of the Natural Park, which has a cafeteria inside.
A hike through the national park at the confluence of the Guadalete and San Petro rivers. It's certainly a beautiful hike, if you're not sweating through the marshland, drying in the midday heat, like two ignorant Central Europeans in the middle of a siesta 😅 The only thing that helps is a sangria in the shade of our motorhome 🚐