After another long hot summer and the usual first October rains in San Pedro, we can still enjoy lovely weather but at a much kinder and fresher temperature. So, with this in mind, we have some different suggestions for you to enjoy, in the surrounding areas of San Pedro Alcántara, with trips no longer than half an hour away from San Pedro:
Eco Reserva Ojén
This is the perfect place to enjoy some family time as it’s a natural wildlife reserve for conservation purposes and environmental education. Not a zoo or safari park, it is located in the Ojén mountain range just ten minutes from Marbella, up the road that runs next to the La Cañada shopping centre.
It is aimed especially at families with children, but also for any wildlife and animal lover, as you will be among deer, Mouflon sheep and mountain goats, as well as many birds and local wild flora, discovering the plants that cover our Mediterranean forest. It is a unique and fun experience for everyone, as you can closely observe wildlife through a wonderful walk along the Sendero de Las Hadas – the Fairy Trail, which takes you through the immense forest of cork oaks and chestnut trees, accompanied by the nature reserve’s guides (visits by prior appointment).
They update the events on their Facebook page, so a good one to follow, but their website is also in English and French, so plenty of information on their upcoming activities, schedules, prices and a gallery of images for you to have a look at.
They offer several types of visits, both individual, in family or in groups. The visits are approximately two hours long, and they offer both self-guided or guide-lead routes and experiences. School excursions and special passes are also offered if you are a photographer.
To book an appointment by phone call: 656 960 478 or send them an email at: info@ecoreservaojen.com.
Paseo de los Pinsapos, Estepona
The popular route known as Paseo de Los Pinsapos – fir tree walk – is a linear route that takes you through the only place in the world where fir trees grow on peridotite rock. The estimated time for the walk is around an hour covering 2.8 kilometres of a normal/low difficulty, but with uneven floor with constant ups and downs, steps and stones, so you’ll need to wear appropriate comfortable footwear. No previous authorisation is requested.
This is one of the botanical jewels of the Sierra Bermeja that dominates the landscape behind Estepona’s mountain range, with fir trees that reach up to 30 metres high with a pyramid shaped treetop. The trip ends after crossing a short bridge that passes over the Garganta del Algarrobo, finishing at a place known as the plazoleta (the square), with a decorated mural and poetry from Federico García Lorca—and obviously beautiful views overlooking the area.
Checkout Estepona’s main municipal website, also in English, for further information: www.turismo.estepona.es/naturaleza
Below are some useful safety tips before undertaking any mountain trips:
EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 112
Always remember to research the area before setting out and plan your route
Get weather updates and wear the right walking gear (flip flops are a no-no!)
Bring essentials such as food, especially water as it does get hot up on the mountain too, sun protection, sunglass, hats etc.
Mobile phone: very important to take, to register the GPS route or if you need to make an emergency call. Make sure it is charged with enough battery!
Remember emergency numbers are 112 or 062 for the Civil Guardia
And always remember to take an extra bag to carry your waste, disposing of it in a proper container
Check our website for more news on trips and excursions around San Pedro!
Images courtesy of Junta de Anadalucía