The Walk from the village to the River Genal
At the viewpoint outside the village you are able to see on the far left
Prologue:
Benarrabá is a small mountain village in the Serranía de Ronda region. The village is just over an hours drive from the coast and you can reach it via Casares and Gaucín driving in direction Ronda. It is set on the hillside of El Monte Poron and above the river valley Genal at an altitude of 560 meters. Benarrabá is named after a Moorish family which once lived in this area and it means Son (Ben) of Rabbah.
The hike is a moderate 2,5 km walk downhill from the village center to the river Genal.
Elevation difference of 350 m. You have the option to walk on towards the village of Genalguacil, which will be about the same distance uphill.
We took the same route back to the village of Benarrabá.
Please take note that the 2nd halve the track gets rather rocky and it is quite steep and you might not be able to cross the river after heavy rainfall. Overall it was a very pleasant hike as you walk through a forest of chestnut trees, cork oaks, and many other Mediterranean shrubs and trees. The panoramic views along the river valley are stunning .
Directions:
- Coming from Marbella Ap-7 drive towards Algeciras.
- Turn off towards Manilva A-377 and drive on towards Casares and Gaucín.
- At the junction in Gaucín by the petrol station turn right towards Ronda A-369.
- After about 7 km/10 minutes drive you turn right towards the village of Benarrabá MA 8303. Which takes you another 5 minutes.
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| Mirador El Asalto del Cura |
Sierra Crestelina and on the horizon the coast and the
Rock of Gibraltar.
The red color decorations on church fronts and houses are very common for this region. It makes a perfect contrast to the white walls.
As we descended from the village we were enveloped in a magnificent Mediterranean forest.
Infiernillo is an affluent of the Genal located to the North of the urban area. From this point we can observe all the flow from its origins in Frontales to its mouth in El Genal mill of Cachuca.
Chestnuts are one of the main incomes for the villages of the Genal valley.
Not only is the chestnut seed or nut a culinary delight, but also the wood is highly valuable.
Rock of Gibraltar.
Signs directing you through the village.
The church tower was guiding us towards the village center.
The red color decorations on church fronts and houses are very common for this region. It makes a perfect contrast to the white walls.
The bell tower has a clock and an amazing blue ceramic tiled dome.
The church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnation was first built at the beginning of the 18th century on the sight of a former mosque.
Their have been many improvements made over the years.
As we walked trough the streets we noticed coloured flowerpots hanging everywhere on the walls of the village which added an air of gaiety to the scene.
The hike started right next to an old olive mill.
You follow the service road to the left.
Information board explaining you the history of the mills around the area of Benarrabá. (Also in English)
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| Elaborate hand painted tiles |
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| The track (Sendero) SL-A175 |
As we descended from the village we were enveloped in a magnificent Mediterranean forest.
From this point we could see in the far distance the back of the Sierra Blancas. It is a mountain mass of limestone forming the North West border of Genal valley which continues to the North East with the mountain mass of Jarastepar and that of the Sierra de las Nieves and it's highest peak La Torrecilla.
Infiernillo is an affluent of the Genal located to the North of the urban area. From this point we can observe all the flow from its origins in Frontales to its mouth in El Genal mill of Cachuca.
In the distance we can make out the white village of Jubrique.
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| A magnificent chestnut tree awaiting harvest |
. Seeing the coloured leaves on chestnut trees in the Serranía de Ronda region shows up the wonderment of autumn.
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| Read more: Sweet Chestnut tree/Castaña |
Not only is the chestnut seed or nut a culinary delight, but also the wood is highly valuable.
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| Sweet Chestnut/Castaña (Castanea sativa) |
The track took a sharp turn to the left.
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| SL-A175 |
We came across great variety of trees.
(Cork oak, gall oaks, hack-berries, fruit trees walnut trees, fig trees chestnut trees olive trees and many more)
In the autumn the trees are full with fruit.
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| Olives |
At times you find a white painted arrow on a tree
or on a rock showing you the way.
As we enter deeper into the valley we notice many paths orchards and vegetable gardens (huertos) as well as mills.
These intensive human action were well integrated in the natural environment.
A lone horse in the orchard came to great us.
A huge cork oak tree right in front of us.
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| Cork Oak/Alcornoques (Quercus suber) |
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| Acorns/Bellotas |
| Golden Oriole (Oropéndola) |
Because of the great variety of plants many bird can be seen in this region.
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| Carob tree/Algorrobo (Ceratonia siliqua) |
Suddenly the path
Far below on the river plains a magnificent Finca (Farmhouse) came into view.
The Genal river valley has it's own micro-climate.
With it's 42000 hectares and its diversity of Fauna and Flora the Genal valley has be designated as a nature area.
And here it is the river Genal and
with it's river plains Descansadero del Prado de la Escribana.
a beautiful clear pool invited us for a dip.
Unfortunately we didn't bring our bathing costumes.
You are able to find many rock pools along the river Genal and a welcome treat in the hot Summer month.
The water was teaming with fish. Most probably trout.
Across the river we turned left.
We crossed over a small stream
and found a perfect picnic spot.
The Genal is said to be one of the cleanest rivers in Europe.
Back at the plain we discovered a Mandala of stones.
From this angle it looks like a labyrinth.
It is worth to mention that the village of Genalgaucil is an artist settlement.
This information board explains the significance of the plain (Prado de la Escribana).
Throughout history travellers and farm workers alike used this area as a resting place.
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| White Bell flower (Acis autumnalis) |
Very old tree stump.
After our picnic by the river and a good stroll around the plain
we headed back uphill.
As I mentioned in the prologue we took the same route back to the village of Benarrabá.
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| False Yellowhead/Taveda (Dittrichia viscosa) |
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| Ripe olives |
Here we are again. The horse is watching us.
Another gaze across the valley and towards the village of Jubrique.
Ahead we noticed the familiar picture of Benarrabá.
Back at the village we took another stroll around.
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| A pretty side street. |
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| An old fountain |
Very often you come across neglected buildings in the villages.
A last gaze back at the village of Benarrabá.
In the far distance on the left you can see Sierra Bermeja and on the right Sierra Crestelina.
As you will see on the map we headed back to the cost in direction Algeciras.
The scenic drive takes you into the Province of Cadíz and you cross over the river Guadiaro.
At the crossroad we turned towards the village of San Pablo de Buceite.
Map of the hike
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| wikiloc |
How to get to Benarrabá and the route we took
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