Take a walk on the wild side; hiking in the mountains of the Costa del Sol
Living in Marbella is not all about the sun, beach and ocean. Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol is the perfect location to try more active leisure pursuits, like taking a mountain hike and feeling the benefit from living so close to nature.
Hiking in nature is a boost for health
If you are a professional or an amateur walker, hiking can be a great way to relax and practise healthy living. There are many well-known benefits of being close to nature, and hiking is also great for your health and mental wellbeing.
We are all aware that today’s computer led world demands mental clarity, problem solving and moving at an incredibly fast pace. So, why not try taking regular hikes and improve your mental clarity or just use the time being outdoors as an opportunity to unwind from work and other stresses.
As well as helping to melt away stress, regular hikes along the mountain trails can help you maintain a healthy weight outside of the dull cardio session in the gym. Not only helpful for controlling your weight, hiking can also help ward off osteoporosis, lower your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and the risk of heart diseases.[1]
Hiking is not only great for the body, it also does wonders for your mental health too.[2] If you catch yourself in front of the screen more and more, hiking can be a great way to take a step back from your everyday problems and become present in the moment while connecting with nature.
Hiking around the Costa del Sol
With so many routes and locations to try, Siesta Homes has a few suggestions that will suit all levels of proficiency and offer different experiences.
Perfect for experienced walkers: Check out the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park for a wide variety of tracks. Start your walk at the Quejigales recreational area and move up to Puerto de los Pilones to enjoy the splendid views of the beautiful surroundings like the Cerro Alcazaba, the Torrecilla Peak and Málaga's coastline. There is also a possibility to see some endangered species like Bonelli’s Eagle or Quejigos de Montaña in this area.
New walkers: Another great trail to try starts at the Mirador de Luis Ceballos viewpoint. This easy hike is a 5km walk and reaches the destination of Tajo de la Caina, where you can appreciate some of the most majestic sweeping mountain views.
Daredevils: If you are up for some more extreme hiking, try the route traversing the highest mountain in Marbella; La Concha. But keep in mind that it is advisable to have hiking experience before climbing La Concha. There are a couple of ways to climb the mountain and the first one starts from the natural park and hotel El Refugio de Juanar, continuing 8km to the top. The tougher nut to crack is the route from Istan, next to the water treatment facility. Even though this route is shorter (around 10km roundtrip), the path is more demanding. While climbing the mountain there will be some parts where you have to pull yourself up the rock, so being physically prepared and aware of your abilities is vital.
The hikers’ checklist
- Check the forecast before you go. If strong winds are predicted, you might consider another day. Be prepared for the weather to be cooler in the mountain areas, and sometimes hotter in the summer.
- Wear suitable clothing – even though hiking can be a fun activity to try, be prepared for difficulties by wearing hiking boots to avoid slipping, as well as suitable clothes for the trail and weather.
- Take enough water and food with you. A small bottle isn’t enough for the whole day!
- Taking a chalk to mark your route can be a good idea.
- Take some sun cream as you are at a greater chance of being exposed to the UV radiation in the mountains.
- Charge your phone and even take a power pack with you for the longer routes.
- In case of an emergency, call 112 and stay where you are until you are found.
- Start the hike as early as you can – some trails can take longer than you expect.
- Evaluate your skills and choose the route that is right for you.
Mountain living with Siesta Homes
Siesta Homes offers exclusive living in The Oakhill and new Oakhill Heights, both of which are beautifully located in the Sierra de las Nieves, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Oakhill Marbella
Enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery every day, just a 10-minute drive away from the pristine beaches, world class golf courses and the bustle of lively coastal towns. The Oakhill is the private estate of just 40 luxury apartments in one of the most picturesque and tranquil areas that southern Spain has to offer.
Oakhill Heights
An exclusive private enclave of just 14 uniquely customisable properties and huge living spaces ensure all tastes and budgets are catered for. Calming, spectacular mountain and sea views and all the necessary amenities within a hand’s reach, sets the bar for the high-quality living.
There are limited properties available, so contact the sales team at Siesta Homes today: https://www.siestahomes.com/contact/