Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja

Prologue:
It was sunday January 25 and a gorgeous day. Very clear, no clouds in sight and we could see the African coast. So we headed to the Sierra Bermeja by Estepona.

Sierra Bermeja are located in the southwest part of Malaga province, between Estepona on the coast and Casares in land to the west. The Sierra Bermeja is a mountain range with an average height of 1000 m (its highest point being 1450m), covering 1236 ha. It is an area that has undergone major volcanic activity; the rocks are rich in the olivine mineral. Rainwater has oxidized the iron and the magnesium present in the rocks and the iron oxide has coloured the rock reddish-ginger, a hue that gives the sierra its name.

    Directions: 

• Take the motorway direction Algeciras (Autovía de Mediterráneo), 2nd exit by Estepona, where N-340 seperates with the toll road. Drive down Av. José Martín Méndez through the industrial estate. 
• By roundabout 2nd right, Av. Juan Carlos, turn left by roundabout into Av. Andalucía, drive on until you can see the sign to Jubrique and Genalguacil on the left. (Its easy to miss!!) 
• Follow this road Av. Los Reales MA-557. 
• About 20 min., 15 km, after leaving Estepona you will reach Peñas Blancas pass.

Mirador Ciclistas

The road winds slowly upwards. Take your time and enjoy the views. 

About halfway there is the viewpoint Mirador Ciclista. Go straight ahead towards Los Reales and you will reach the crossroads.

It is certainly worth stopping at the crossroads, the views are stunning.

                               

We could see the snow caped mountains of Ronda (Sierra de las Nieves with its highest peak Torrecilla 1919m) to the north and the municipalities of Jubrique and Algatocín to the west.

                                           

There are many interesting information boards displayed.

                                                           

Sierra de las Nieves

From there we drove left onto the forrest road up to Refugio los Reales 

The road is narrow and on Sundays and on  such nice winter days it is very busy. We parked the car near the Refugio and headed along the the footpath to the Mirador (Viewpoint) which leads past the Recreation Area where there is a picnic area with wooden benches and tables. It is a short and easy walk from there to the Mirador.

The African coast on the horizon

Along the way, you will see a sign pointing to the footpath (Paseo de los Pinsapos) to the summit of Pico los Reales 1,5km about 30 min. upwards. The path leads between rocks and through a pine forrest and fir trees (Pinsapo). 

               

                       

Pinsapo (abes pinsaspo boiss)

  

We found a nice sheltered spot between the rocks to have our picnic and to take in the views. From the summit the views all around are endless. 

                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                     

From the top, there is a road leading back down to the 

Refugio de los Reales.

Sadly we have to leave this beautiful spot but have promised to come back soon. Maybe next time we try the Refugio de Reales for lunch 

(open on weekends Fri.-Sat and on festive days).

How to get to Los Reales

Related links: Sierra Bermeja

                             Los Reales Nature Park

                             Spanish fir (Apies pinsapo)