Cabopino Beach
... a mini nightmare made of umbrellas, pergolas with entire halls inside, reggaeton coming out loud from the beach bars, with Tupperware containers full of tortillas and screaming children (for more information on this, you can consult Dani Rovira's monologue, 'The beaches of Malaga'). However, there are honorable exceptions, but you have to know where to look for them. Of those selected coves and other enjoyable ways to cool off during the Malaga summer that's what we're talking about here. aim!
ARTOLA DUNES BEACH - CABOPINO, MARBELLA
In the Natural Monument of the Dunes of Artola , a true labyrinth of golden sands covered in green that you have to go through to reach the shore, this cove is located. It is nudist in some sections, and has obtained the Blue Flag on several occasions for the quality of its waters and its beneficial environmental management. In addition to being surprising for being very quiet and almost wild (something unusual being located in an area as populated as Marbella), the attention is drawn to the Torre Ladrones, a beacon from Roman times, rebuilt by the Muslims , which has been standing beautiful and implacable for centuries.
Conception Reservoir
CONCEPTION RESERVOIR - ISTÁN, MARBELLA
Is there anything more paradisiacal than a beach in a mountain range? Something like this is the Embalse de la Concepción, located in the beautiful Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park , a perfect space not only to rest, but also to fish and sail in kayaks or canoes, which you can rent right there. In addition, this film location also offers an option for the most active: to walk the river that flows into it, Río Verde, and which, on its easiest route, is about eight kilometers counting the round trip. During its flow we will again find abundant waterfalls, ponds and pools in which to cool off, all of them framed by verdant vegetation. A tip: make a stop in Istán to buy water and something to eat before starting the route , that the eight kilometers seem few, but it turns into several hours if one wants to stop to sit down or dive from the rocks! To rest from so much adventure and forget about civilization, stop at the charming farm of The Balatin.
Verde River, which flows into the Istán reservoir
WHITE CANYON, COÍN
This unknown place in Malaga is so exotic and wild that It is said that Timotei shampoo commercials were filmed in it in the 1980s! The overwhelming landscape is drawn by the Alaminos River, which in its course leaves several pools and ponds in which to swim and in which the most daring will be happy to dive by launching themselves from the different heights offered by the surrounding rocks. If what you are looking for is to rest, the area is ideal for a cold dip and a picnic surrounded by exuberant vegetation. But if you feel like adventure, you can walk the riverbed without too much effort, taking care, of course, to wear adequate footwear to overcome the slipperiness of the rocks full of verdigris, as well as backpacks with waterproof bags with our belongings, well the water is quite deep in certain areas.
EL AGUJERO RESERVOIR, MÁLAGA
Another perfect enclave just a few minutes from the center of Malaga, which makes its existence even more amazing, if possible. In its entrance area it has a small hill surrounded by a stone wall, ideal for picnics at any time of the year. In its lowest part many are dedicated to fishing or sailing toy boats , although the ideal is to lie down to sunbathe and soak in its shores, which gradually descend, as if it were a small beach, until entering the waters.
Hole Swamp
ANGOSTURAS DEL GUADALMINA - BENAHAVÍS, MARBELLA
This option is recommended only for those looking for a more dynamic way to cool off because, with the exception of the pond where the tour begins (where the locals spend sunny days as if it were a cove), the route requires crossing sections by swimming, overcoming a fairly narrow path (hence the term "narrows") and climb slightly steep walls, some with the help of a rappelling rope. During the tour, you will also share the territory with frogs and turtles, among many other animals. Now, if what you prefer is to enjoy the beautiful landscape without getting wet, you can also do it thanks to the comfortable walkways and the aerial bridges that run above and along the sides of the irrigation channel. Guadalmina.
THE VIBORILLA, BENALMADENA
If you are spending the summer in Malaga city or its surroundings, all that we have proposed so far are true excursions. However, you may want to step on your piece of Eden without having to travel so many kilometers, and for that we also have the solution: La Viborilla, also known as Benalnatura. This nudist beach, where textiles also coexist, is just one of a group of small coves that, despite being at the foot of the motorway, its main attraction is its tranquility and its semi-wild state. Its exotic vegetation is made up of palm trees, cacti and flowering trees that are born almost at the foot of the shore. All this, together with his beautiful rock formation and its clear waters , ideal for diving, form a postcard worthy of the best Instagramer.
Viborilla Beach
EL CAÑUELO BEACH - MARO, NERJA
The difficult access has meant that this cove, nestled in a protected natural area, has not been too altered by human presence. In fact, to get there you have to leave the car on the hill that surrounds the beach, and go down, either on foot (it takes about 15-20 minutes, and the slope is quite steep), or on a bus arranged for this purpose. . The round trip costs two euros, and the bus runs every 10 minutes in high season, but all these little obstacles are worth it when you step on some of the finest sand in the province. Its waters, clear and full of life, are perfect for diving.
EL CHORRO SWAMP, ÁLORA
The El Chorro reservoir is not only a fantastic place to disconnect (with its huge banks, it is easy to find a lonely spot in the middle of nature), but also to practice all kinds of water sports. In addition, it has interesting monuments, such as the Engineer's House, an almost fantasy home within the lake , and, if you are not afraid of heights, you can also visit its old hydroelectric plant, a route of flying walkways baptized as The King's Path . And how hungry you get with so much bathing! Well, no problem: this excursion includes a stop to learn about the gastronomy of the area in the two famous picnic areas that adjoin the reservoir (surrounded by lush vegetation).
Although, since you have come this far, we are going to tell you the best kept secret of this delicious reservoir: a tasty Indian! located practically on the waters of the swamp , on a private dream plot. Follow, trying not to miss, some small and handmade signs that say "Indian restaurant", and you will discover the homemade food prepared by a wonderful foreign couple who have their home right there. Enjoy it!
*** You may also be interested in...**
- A day in hipster Malaga - Malaga without espetos: in search of the authentic gourmet route
- Basic dictionary to defend yourself if you travel to Malaga
- 10 essential steps in Malaga City
- The 40 photos that will make you want to travel to Malaga without a return ticket
- Route to eat Malaga this summer
El Chorro Swamp