A hike to the top of "Los Reales"
Prologue:
We have visited this area multiple times, but it was the first time after the devastating forest fire on the 8th September 2021, that we have chosen to take a drive up to Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja. Four years have passed, and on this clear autumn day we wanted to see with our own eyes how much has changed and how well nature is recovering.
The fire started in the municipality of Jubrique and ravaged almost 10.000 hectares of Sierra Bermeja. The blaze was an environmental tragedy of enormous magnitude. More than 1.000 Spanish firs (Pinsapos), a very slow growing and endangered species, also perished.
The drive up from the coastal town of Estepona is a typical windy mountain road, but the scenery and the panoramic views which awaits you are certainly worth it. There are various walking trails from the recreation park, we have chosen to walk to the top of Los Reales close to the Tv/radio antennas via the viewpoint Mirador de Salvador Guerrero.
It is highly recommended to do this trip on a clear day for the amazing panoramic views.
Sierra Bermeja is a mountain range located in the southwest part of Malaga province, from the municipalities on the coast of Estepona and Casares to the Sierra de las Nieves in the north/east. It covers a total area of 300.000 ha and 10 municipalities, and 36,8% approx. 10.000 ha are protected. The Sierra Bermeja range has an average height of 1000 meters, its highest peak Cerro Abanto 1508 m is located in the north/east, los Reales 1452 m is in the south/west.
The massif of the Sierra Bermeja is the second greatest outcrop of plutonic rock in the world. Because of its peridotite nature which refers to its peculiar shade of red, this particular lithology allows only plants species of a very specialized type of substrates to grow, like the black pine (Pino Negro) and the unique Spanish fir (Abies Pinsapo) and other endemic species.
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:
- From Marbella, take the motorway AP-7 in direction Algeciras.
- At Estepona take the 2nd exit (155) towards the town center.
- You drive down Av. Juan Carlos and turn left at the 2nd roundabout into Av. Andalucía, drive on until you can see the sign Jubrique and Genalguacil on the left. (It's easy to miss!!)
- Follow this road Av. Los Reales MA-8301.
- About 30 min., 17 km, after leaving Estepona and at Puerto de las Peñas Blancas you reach a crossroad (Jubrique/Genalguacil).
- You turn left onto a forest road and after 2 km you reach Salvador Guerrero recreation park, their is a spacious carpark here.
- Take note that that the forest road is narrow, and at weekends can be busy, because "Los Reales" is a popular destination, especially in autumn and in the winter time.
 |
| Cyclists viewpoint, (Mirador de Ciclistas) |
The road winds slowly upwards. Take your time and enjoy the views. About halfway there is the viewpoint "Mirador de Ciclistas". Going straight ahead towards Los Reales, you will reach a crossroads. At the crossroads Puerto Peñas Blancas 975 meters, you can leave the car here, or as we did, turn left onto the forest road and drive towards Los Reales.
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.
Map of the hike, click on link below
- The Hike is a moderate 4,7 km circular route with 200 m elevation to the peak Pico Los Reales 1450 m.
- The walk to the viewpoint Mirador Salvador Guerrero is quite easy, just 800m from the Venta El Refugio.
- Note: Due to the geographical position and high altitude, at the top of "los Reales", it can be quite a few degrees cooler and very windy at times. It is advisable to wear good sensible clothing and walking shoes, and also to carry a bottle of water with you.
A bronze statue was erected on the of 9th September 2023 to commemorate the firefighters, and all of the people who dedicate their lives to defending the Andalusian mountains.
It is also in homage to the man Carlos Martinez Haro, who lost his life fighting the fires on this day the 9th Sept. 2021.
The panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast are stunning!
We by passed the small mountain hut and followed the road westwards.
 |
For more information and opening hours telephone: 34-666 64 57 74. |
The Venta el Refugio serves drinks and basic meals, it has a panoramic terrace,
and is mainly open at weekends from 12:30 - 18:00.
All around this area you find picnic tables between the trees.
A glimpse of the Sierra Blanca in the distance.
An information board describes what awaits you on this trail.
You will experience outstanding panoramic views on the 380 meter footpath to the viewpoint Salvador Guerrero. Don't forget to have your binoculars handy, because very often you are able to watch birds of prey (Short-toed snake eagle, Booted eagle, Goshawk, Griffon vulture) as they sail the winds. You see them fly from and to, in the direction of the Sierra Crestellina by the village of Casares.
All around us we noticed charred trees.
Cones are still hanging on the branches of the blackened trees.
There is some hope for the future that some seeds are able to sprout!
It's so sad to see all these burned trees.
The footpath is easy to follow.
A view of the Mediterranean coast across the burned country.
A view north/east, whence we came.
In the far distance, on the horizon, we glimpse the Sierra de las Nieves.
The peaks of the snowy mountains are often covered with snow in the winter months.
A wayside pole points towards the mirador.
Steadily we head on southwards.
It is a pleasure to see a young pine tree growing between the rocks.
Ahead of us the viewpoint Mirador Salvador Guerrero.
Birdseye view of the coast and the town of Estepona below us.
From the viewpoint the views towards the east reach as far as the bay of Marbella and beyond,
To the south/west until Campo de Gibraltar.
On clear days you are able to see the Moroccan coast and as far as the
Atlas Mountains.
Near the viewpoint there is a pole with way signs.
We leave the Mirador behind us and follow the track 1,5 km uphill towards the peak
"Pico los Reales".
A birds eye view of the viewpoint and the Mediterranean coast.
Some trees look totally dead whereas others seem to recover.
It is sad to see so many dead trees!!
The track is rocky and at times you have to climb over or under fallen trees.
But you have to see it positively!
Small herbal bushes like wild thyme and rosemary, lavender and
many other plants are benefiting from the forest fire.
It is a pleasure to see a small pine tree growing next to the large charred stem.
At times you see a way sign guiding you in the right direction.
Uphill we climb!
A man made rock pile also helps to find a way through this maze of rocks and fallen trees.
Steadily we walk upwards.
A glance back along the electric pylons towards the coast.
We stumble across a lonely purple flower (Autumn crocus).
After 900 meters from the viewpoint the footpath comes to an end,
and we followed the tarmac road to the top.
From now on it was easy going.
Incredible panoramic views!
Soon we have reached the top.
At around the height of 1400 meter above sea-level we finally see some of the unique and emblematic Spanish fir, "Apies Pinsapo".
The Spanish fir Pinsapo (Abies pinsapo) is a species of fir native to southern Spain and northern Morocco. Related to other species of Mediterranean firs, it is considered the Andalusian National Tree, and is native to the Andalusian mountains. It appears in the Sierra de las Nieves by Ronda and Sierra Bermeja , in the province of Malaga and Sierra de Grazalema in the province of Cádiz at altitudes of 900 - 1.800 meters.
The sight of the huge tv/radio aerial tells us that we are getting closer to the top.
A view of the serpentine road we came on.
It fills us with joy to see still, an intact forest up here.
The dark green trees of the Pinsapo make a nice contrast to other pine trees.
Because of its geographical position the peak of Los Reales is an ideal location for radio/tv aerials.
Between the information board and the pylon some steps lead to the highest point.
The highest point of Los Reales at 1.452 meters above sea level.
Incredible 360º panoramic views from up here.
A view westwards,
the limestone mountains of Cortez de la Frontera and Jimera de Lìbar.
A view north and the highest peak of Málaga Province,
Torrecilla (1918 m) in the center.
The rock of Gibraltar is well visible, and across the straits,
the mountain top of Jebel Musa peaks through the mist.
We start heading back down on the tarmac road.
In every nook and cranny between the rocks and at the roadside,
it seems that there are new pine trees growing!
We stopped on the way to enjoy a picnic near the El Refugio.
Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja,
what an amazing natural location with unforgettable and fantastic views.
Map of the hike, click on link below
Related links: Sierra Bermeja
