THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO BENARRABÁ

Written by Dani Spencer

Before I ever visited small-town Spain, I worried the pueblos would feel too small. I can be somewhat claustrophobic, and my 21st-century lifestyle had conditioned me to feel like I needed endless variety to stave off boredom. For most of my twenties, I bounced between big cities like New York and Atlanta, ironically craving expansive experiences in cramped spaces.

That changed in September 2023, when I hiked the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain for the first time. I fell in love with the region’s rural charm and blindly swore allegiance to Northern Spain and its mountains—without ever having seen the mountains of the south. I had always associated Málaga, and Andalucía more broadly, with sun-soaked beaches. So when I arrived at Rooral, I was stunned by the splendor of the Genal Valley. In Benarrabá, no matter where you stand, you’re never more than 500 meters from the start of a stellar hiking trail.

When I worked in an office, a walk around the city block was my midday escape. At Rooral, I found myself getting lost on miles-long hikes in the middle of the day. And so, I’ve crafted the Ultimate Hiking Guide to Benarrabá.

Hike the Llanos del Rey Loop

Llanos del Rey is Benarrabá’s quintessential hike, and the beauty of it is its flexibility.

The full loop is 8.2 km and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. But if you’re short on time, a 2 km shortcut makes for the perfect start to your morning or midday break.

The trail winds through gorgeous cork tree forests, with views of Benarrabá in the distance—just as beautiful from afar as it is up close. You’ll cross the Infiernillo Stream, where the sound of wind in the trees and rushing water offers its own kind of therapy.

Hike from Benarrabá to Genalguacil

The Genal Valley is dotted with charming pueblos whose white buildings act as beacons along the mountain ridgelines. From Benarrabá, you can see the neighboring town of Genalguacil, 12 km away.

It’s a five-hour trek through valleys filled with cork trees and fragrant firs lining the trail. Highlights include crossing the Genal River–its waters shifting between deep blue and vibrant green– and reaching the Mirador de Lentisco, where sweeping views of the Serranía de Ronda make the climb worth it.

Hike Down to the Genal River

Just off the Community Center in Benarrabá, a trail shoots out into the heart of the valley. Follow it 5 km down, and you’ll reach the rushing waters of the Genal River. Hiking down feels like a breeze, but be prepared for a slight challenge on the way back up—the return can certainly get your heart pumping, but a rest and relaxation await you at the co-living. 

Pro tip: Bring along some fellow co-livers and make a day of it. Even in November, the water was warm* enough to swim in.

*Okay, the water was freezing—but when the vibes are right, it doesn’t matter.

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