Hiking in Competa discover an incredible walk
A magnificent and little known hike on the Costa del Sol
In this article you will find the essential information about this incredible hiking trail in Competa :
- A few words about the Rio Patamalara hike
- Equipment for the hike
- The starting point of the hike
- What you can see
- The rules for this hike
- Outdoor sporting activities in the area
- Booking accommodation in Competa
- 4 other hikes in the surroundings
- Some useful links
A few words about the Rio Patamalara hiking trail
The Rio Patamalara hike is probably one of the least known of all the hikes in the province of Malaga, in Axarquia. It is not very long, 15 km, but quite sportive.
The hike is located in Competa. For the record, the Rio Patamalara flows down to the sea through Torrox where it is known as the Rio de Torrox!
Equipment for the hike
All you need is a pair of trainers that are safe to wear, as the hike is done with your feet in the water.
The hike can be done with teenagers, who enjoy walking. There is no particular danger.
Starting point of the Patamalara river hike
In this link you will find the route (Wikiloc) of the Patamalara river hike.
There are 2 routes to the starting point of the hike:
The first route from Frigiliana: you pass the famous Lost village El Acebuchal, continue along the dirt road for another 4km and you arrive at the old Fabrica de la Luz. You will find parking next to it. The Patamalara river is just next door!
On the map:
The second possibility is the road from Torrox in the direction of Competa, between km 7 and 8, there is a path on your right, you take it for 3 or 4 kilometres and then you arrive at the old Fabrica de la Luz.
What you can see during the walk
You cross small gorges, small waterfalls (before the final waterfall!), “pools”, formed over time by this river, and it is spectacular.
The end of the hike comes with a final effort:
and then, after a final “turn” :
We then arrive at an extraordinary sight:
A waterfall of about 20 meters high!
Below is a short video of the waterfall:
The rules for this hike :
We take a small backpack with food and drink, and a bag to keep all the rubbish so as not to leave anything in nature. For safety reasons, and even though there are more than 300 days of sunshine a year, we check that there has been no rain in the previous days.
Outdoor sporting activities in the area
Here are three great activities to do from Nerja, with David, an official instructor.
Via Ferrata de Zafarraya
To find out more and/or book this activity: Via Ferrata de Zafarraya.
Via Ferrata du Caminito del Rey
You’ve probably already done the Caminito del Rey, so here’s a sportier version, the site’s via Ferrata.
To find out more and/or book this activity: Via Ferrata del Caminito del Rey.
Canyoning in the Rio Verde
Here’s a great activity, again from Nerja, with David.
To find out more and/or book this activity: Canyoning in the Rio Verde.
Are you planning to stay in Competa?
To check availability, simply indicate the desired dates:
Booking.com
Other ideas for walks on the Eastern Costa del Sol?
The rio Higueron hike in Frigiliana offers a very beautiful route, also with its feet in the water:
Nearby, there is also the El Saltillo hiking trail in Canillas de Aceituno which allows you to take the 3rd longest hanging bridge in Spain:
Here is the most famous hike in the region, a marvel: the rio Chillar hike in Nerja:
Here is one last idea for a hike: the mesa de Mazmullar hike in Comares. The hike ends with a memorable descent into an aljibe!
Some useful links
Here is a great car rental agency in Andalucia and more specifically at Malaga airport : book a rental car.
If you are in the area for a few days, here is a selection of some great activities :
Discover other beautiful places in Andalusia in the Andalusia blog pages.
Here is the link to receive our newsletter from the andaluciamia.com blog