Escape to the Sierra Nevada mountains and experience a day trip from Almuñécar to Monachil. A unique hiking experience through a narrow canyon, on top of a narrow cement wall, and over several hanging bridges. A place to cool down from the heat at one of the many water holes along the river. Keep on reading to find out the scoop from our guest author Ed.
Location
Located less than an hour’s drive away and situated next to the Sierra Nevada mountains just South of Granada is a truly exciting trail in the beautiful Monachil valley. Monachil is a small village only 8 kilometres from Granada that offers beautiful views of the expansive Sierra Nevada mountains and a gateway to the canyon through which the Rio Monachil flows through. The lush valley is home to numerous fruit trees (apple, cherry, pomegranate), wild flowers and herbs (lavender, thyme, rosemary), all interspaced with almond and olive trees. Read more about the Monachil nature park.
When to Go
The trail is accessible all year-long although in the winter you could encounter snow. Spring and fall offer exceptional vegetation and while summer can be very hot, if you stay in the canyon you will be able to keep cool.
Why Go?
- A unique hiking experience through a narrow canyon on top of a narrow cement wall and over several hanging bridges. The wall is only a few meters above the river and there are points where you will have to crawl under, use the rock wall to lean back and get around points that stick out beyond the trail (some of these have metal rungs to hold on to, some do not). If you are uneasy with these, there are metal rungs along the way that allow you to go down into the river and walk along too.
- The river is normally not that deep. Don’t worry, many families with kids go on this trail and while the hanging bridges might be a bit scary with some boards missing, they are safe and inspected.
- A place to cool down from the heat at one of the many water holes along the river. The river is cold though as its source comes from the highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada and would probably only be enjoyable on a hot summer’s day.
- Lots of bolted rock climbing if you are a climber. This area was known for its limestone climbing cliffs well before it became a popular hiking, picnicking and swimming destination.
- Have lunch at the trailhead or in the village and explore or do a picnic along the trail.
How to Get From Almuñécar to Monachil
From the Friday Market in Almuñécar, take Highway 340 East towards Motril. At the roundabout after leaving Velilla, go up the hill to the A-7 freeway. Take the A-7 East toward Almeria. Follow the split in the freeway toward Granada and onto the A-44 freeway North. Just before going into Granada, take Exit 2 leading onto A-395 and then to A-4028. The A-4028 will turn into GR-3202 and into the village of Monachil.
There is parking for the hiking trail at the top of the hill on the right just as you leave the village heading East into the Sierra Nevada on GR-3202. From the parking lot, walk back toward the village and down the first road to the left. This will lead you down to the restaurant at the trailhead. There is parking there too, but it is for the restaurant and there are very few parking places along the narrow road getting there.
From the restaurant, the trail starts to the right of the parking lot. Follow it down to the river. There will be several other trails that go left up the hill but these are for return trip loops. You will know you are on the right trail as you will be going either level or down and there will be an aqueduct with water right next to the trail. When you do make it down to the river and across the first suspension bridge, stairs will lead you up the other side.
The main trail goes left at the T-Junction. Follow this for several kilometers. The trail is obvious and the only one there. Eventually it will cross the river a final time and you can go right and continue until you have to turn around or you can go left without doing that section and follow the higher trail through the rocks and hillside to take you back to your original starting point. If it seems too hot, just return back through the canyon and enjoy the challenges all over again.
Where to Eat
There is a small restaurant right at the start of the trail head where you can also park. The food is pretty good. Or, if you prefer something larger, head back into Monachil and go to La Chistera Monachil. They serve good tapas and pizza and are located on Calle Jose a P Rivera s/n in Monachil.
Many thanks to Ed for his guest post!
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Here are some reviews and tips to read before you experience Los Cahorros Trail, Monachil.
Just in case you want to stay over night:
If you want to make a weekend of it or more than a day trip, here are some of the top reviewed places to stay in Monachil.
La Casa del Pianista
Set 12 km from Granada and 14 km from Sierra Nevada, La Casa del Pianista offers pet-friendly accommodation in Monachil.
View current pricing and availability now!La Almunia del Valle
Situated in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, this boutique hotel offers rooms with a private terrace and amazing views. La Almunia del Valle features an outdoor swimming pool.
View current pricing and availability now!El Molino de Rosa María Serrano
El Molino de Rosa María Serrano is located in Monachil. Free WiFi access is available in this country house. The accommodation will provide you with a balcony.
View current pricing and availability now!Apartamento Granada Monachil II
Apartamento Granada Monachil II offers accommodation in Monachil, 7 km from Granada and 13 km from Sierra Nevada. The property features views of the mountain is 46 km from Almuñécar.
View current pricing and availability now!Hospederia Los Cahorros
Featuring an on-site restaurant and a shared terrace, Hospederia Los Cahorros is located in Monachil. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Granada is 8 km away.
View current pricing and availability now!Huerta del Laurel
Set beside the River Monachil, Huerta del Laurel features an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available in public areas and there is free parking.
View current pricing and availability now!Hotel Los Cerezos
Located on a hillside in Llanos de Monachil, Hotel Los Cerezos offers views of Granada. This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and free Wi-Fi access throughout.
View current pricing and availability now!Apartamento Granada Monachil
Located in Monachil, this air-conditioned apartment is 6 km from Granada. The unit is 15 km from Sierra Nevada. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
View current pricing and availability now!Hotel Granada Palace (4 star)
Located in the village of Monachil, 6 km from Granada, Hotel Granada Palace combines Moorish-style architecture with modern interior design.
View current pricing and availability now!Casa Cuevea Muntasal
Offering a garden and shared seasonal outdoor pool, Casa Cueva Muntasal is located in Monachil. Granada is 7 km away. Free WiFi is provided . All units feature a seating and dining area.
View current pricing and availability now!
Need Supplies?
Amazon has so many amazing products which can reach you quickly, even when you are just visiting Spain! Check out some of Almuñécar Info’s recommendations below.
Also many other hiking supplies or known as senderismo in Spanish.
More Day Trips From Almuñécar
- Spanish Sugar Mill and Rum Tasting – Motril
- Wine Tasting & Roman Aqueduct Tour – Almuñecar
- Spanish Fruit Tasting in Almuñécar – Almuñecar
- Make Ice Cream! Along with fruit tasting and demo– Almuñecar
- Málaga Food Tour – A Perfect Day Trip From Almuñécar – Málaga
- Otivar and Jete
- Vélez de Benaudalla – spectacular drive through a gorge, popular for rock climbing!
- Lanjarón
- Las Alpujarras
- Nerja Caves
- A Day Trip from Almuñécar To Granada – Things To Do
- How To Ride A Segway In Granada Spain
- A Day Out to Frigiliana
- Segway Malaga Experience – City & Gibralfaro, with amazing views
If you have something you would like us to add to “Things to do in Almuñecar”, just let us know.
More about hiking in Spain
Hiking In Spain – Awesome Guides In The Spotlight. Click here to read more.
Looking for more things to do Almuñécar?
If this wasn’t enough for you or you want more adventurous activities, please review our full list of Things To Do in Almuñécar, including 1/2 day and full day trips from Almuñécar.
