Hike in Malaga Costa del Sol discover a stunning hiking trail

An incredible hike near Malaga up to the Mazmullar aljibe

In this article, you will find the essential information to do this hike close to Malaga :

• A few words about the history of Mazmullar
• What you can see on this hiking trail in Malaga Province
• The landscapes of Axarquia and Los Montes de Malaga
• Video of the aljibe of Mazmullar, the highlight of this hike near Malaga
• Outdoor sporting activities in the area
• Find accommodation in Comares
• Some useful links (other hikes in Malaga)
• Experiences to discover in the surroundings of Málaga

This is an absolutely magnificent hike in the surroundings of Málaga, unique for the history it tells. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the splendour of its landscapes. At the end of the hike, you will discover a jewel of the Al-Andalus period: the aljibe of Mazmullar

A few words about the history of Mazmullar

Mazmullar is an ancient Mozarabic stronghold (during the Umayyad period of Al-Andalus) from the 9th and 10th centuries. It was occupied by the forces of Umar ibn Hafsun. This man, a muladi (Christian family converted to Islam) fought for almost 40 years against the Emirate of Cordoba.

Omar Ben Hafsun during his fight against the Emirate of Cordoba converted to Christianity and became Samuel. After his fall, Abd al-Rahmān III, Emir of Córdoba, changed the political system, replacing the Emirate of Córdoba with the Caliphate of Córdoba, thus combining political, military and religious power in his hands.

Omar Ben Hafsun during his fight against the Emirate of Cordoba converted to Christianity and became Samuel. After his fall, Abd al-Rahmān III, Emir of Córdoba, changed the political system, replacing the Emirate of Córdoba with the Caliphate of Córdoba, thus combining political, military and religious power in his hands.

What you can see on this hiking trail in Malaga Province

The landscapes of Axarquia and Los Montes de Malaga

This hike offers incredible landscapes.

You can also see Velez Malaga, Comares, Periana, Zafarraya, Colmenar, Casabermeja etc…

Once you have arrived, you will understand that the location allowed you to keep an eye on the Montes de Malaga for miles around.

The Mesa de Mazmullar is located in the municipality of Comares. This village is located to the east of Malaga in Axarquia.

Aljibe de Mazmullar: the treasure of this hike in Malaga

It was discovered by chance at the beginning of the 20th century when an oak tree was dug up and the roots revealed the access to this aljibe.

To access it, you have to descend more than 4 metres by a ladder.

It is in a good state of conservation, and the walls still show the “almagra”, an iron oxide used at the time to keep water safe and prevent it from rotting. It is composed of 12 arches and had a capacity of 120,000 litres of water!

I also want to share something: when you climb this mountain, you are gradually invaded by something that is beyond you. Then when you walk on top of this mountain you discover a small aljibe, and then an anthropomorphic tomb.

The ruins of a small village can also be seen.

Then finally the jewel – the main aljibe – (the water tank). We end up with the curious impression that we only see or have access to 10% of what this mountain hides.

I think we will have more surprises one day. I just want to mention the desire that all this site from the 9th and 10th centuries be protected as it should be.

Incredibly, in 1931 it was declared a “national historic artistic monument”, like the cathedral of Malaga, the Alacazaba and Gibralfaro! It is still standing in an olive field today.

Video of the aljibe of Mazmullar during this hike near Malaga

In this link you will find the route (Wikiloc) of the Mesa de Mazmullar hike.

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.

Find accommodation in Comares

In the following link you can find out about accommodation in Comares. This village is known as the “balcony of La Axarquía” and is one of the most beautiful and authentic villages in La Axarquía.

Some useful links

Easy and economical bookings

• your flight

• taxi transfer

• hire car

• train and bus tickets

Discover other walks in the province of Malaga. Below, a picture of the famous rio Chillar hike. A hike that takes place with your feet in the water, near Nerja and Frigiliana.

Discover other great places in Andalucia in the Andalucia blog pages.

Here is the link to receive our newsletter from the andaluciamia.com blog.

Experiences to discover in the surroundings of Málaga

Other interesting activities :

Here are the latest articles on Andalucia