A Walk around the Almond groves
Prologue:
The countryside around the village of Guaro, situated in the norther part of the Sierra de las Nieves - Málaga Province, is known for its many Almond groves.
Early spring, between January and February, is the best time to see the Almond trees (Almendros) come into bloom.
Vivid green hillsides, sprinkled with a multitude of colourful wild flowers and dotted with the pinks and whites of the almond trees, set against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Sierras de las Nieves,is a treasure for the eyes to behold.
It was a very pleasant walk along a tranquil farm road, where small Farms (Fincas) are scattered around the countryside surrounded by olive trees, orange orchards and of course, almond trees. Most of the way an amazing 360º panoramic view surrounds you. At this time of year, very often you are able to see the snow capped mountain peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves with its highest peak Torrecilla (1909m) in the distance towards the south/west.
Directions
- In Marbella on the A-7 you turn towards Coin A-355.
- In Monda you take the 2nd exit towards village and towards Guaro/Ronda (N366).
- It takes about 30 minutes from Marbella to Guaro.
- In Guaro you drive through the village as far as a large roundabout. From there you take the 3rd turning off and drive as far as the cemetery and the sports ground.
- It is here where we left our car and started our walk.
- The Hike is a 10 km circular route from the village to the river valley and back up again and back to the village.
- With an altitude difference of 4x 250 meters.
- The first part we walked on unmarked but easy to follow country roads.
- After 6 km we joined the trail Sendero Puerto Alto PR-A 274 back to the village.
Map of the Hike
 |
| Click on link: Wikiloc: Ruta del Almendros, Guaro |
On top of the hill you find the Hermitage
Ermita de la Cruz del Puerto.
Ermita de la Cruz del Puerto
A traditional crossroad where valleys and path converge leading to crops that provided sustenance and wealth to the villagers.
The most ancient inhabitants have always known the Ermita Cruz del Puerto as a timeless place where one can stop for a rest; a place where the prayers of the mule drivers could be heard, always begging for a good day, for good luck on their way and at their destination.
At the crossroad below the Hermitages we turned towards the left and followed a country road in direction Alozaina.
Soon, as we walked along the tranquil country lane,
we found ourselves in harmony with the surroundings.
and the Sierra Cabrilla.
The panoramic views are fantastic.
Sierra de las Nieves with it highest peak Torrecilla (1909m)
and the village of Yunquera.
You can see the almond trees growing near road sides, on hills, between olive groves and in orchards. Almond trees come in either sweet or bitter varieties. The blossom varies from snow white to pinkish red.
The Almonds (Almendras) play an important culinary role in the Andalusian cuisine. Most of the dishes have their origins from the Moors. The nuts are not only used in sweet cakes or sweets like Turron , but also in many savoury dishes. They form a base for many sauces like the Spanish Romesco Sauce. The almonds are also the main ingredient for the White Garlic Soup (Ajo blanco).
On this twig are still the nuts from last year.
You see blooming Lavender bushes on the hillsides and under the trees.
The view across the river valley of the Rio Grande and the mountains of Sierra Cabrilla.
The different shades of green and browns as well as white to crimson soil are typical for this part of Andalucía.
A view towards the east and the Guadalhorce valley near Málaga.
At the crossroad we turn towards La Molineta on the left.
La Molineta is a small country hotel (Casa Rural)
Casas Rurales are country houses converted into lodges or small hotels. It is a very reasonable way to stay over night and get close to village or country life.
Keeping to the left, we followed the road that leads down to a stream.
Next to the road we come across a very old olive tree.
It is quite amazing to see the shapes and forms they grow into.
A group of oak trees.
We pass an orange grove.
Ahead of us the river crossing, where
very large eucalyptus trees grow on its banks.
Our way takes us across and up the other side.
Luckily we crossed the stream without getting wet feet.
On the way we passed many small fincas.
We turn left again, and upwards we go.
The different shades of green, give you the impression of a giant patchwork.
The higher we walk the views become more stunning.
Towards the east you are able to see the coast of Málaga, Guadalhorce valley with the villages of Pizarra and Cartama ,and on the horizon the snow capped mountains of the
Sierra Nevada.
At times we come across old derelict buildings.
Another magnificent old olive tree.
Olives from this century old trees produce a special olive oil which can be bought in the olive mill of Monda.
Aceite olivo virgin extra centenario.
As we walk along the country lanes we reflect on our thoughts; how many different cultures must have worked and left their mark in these fertile lands around Guaro, from the Iberians, to the Romans, the Visigoths, to the Arabs and now to modern day.
Another lovely old building.
Ideal for us to take a break,
and to sit here and enjoy the tranquillity.
The humming of insects and twittering of the birds are the only sounds that surrounds us.
 |
| White Asphodel, el Gamón, (Asphodelus albus) |
White Asphodel or Onion weed is a perennial, herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region. The straight stem can reach a height up to 120 cm, although this can vary greatly depending on the availability of water. It has a single straight stem, supported on tuberous roots.
The almond trees sparkle and glow in the bright sunlight.
Panoramic view towards the Sierra de las Nieves.
You see these yellow flowers everywhere.
 |
| Yellow Clover, (Oxalis stricta) |
A view towards the east the Guadalhorce valley and
the Sierra Nevada on the horizon.
From this point we get a glimpse of the mountain range of the Sierra Blanca
and the outskirt of Guaro.
Beautiful very old almond trees.
How many generations must have cared for it?
And onward we go.
These beautiful tall Pine trees, standing sentinel over the countryside.
From this point we look across towards an urbanisation of Guaro.
We are able to view the point from where we started our hike.
Cork oak trees line the road.
After about 6 km we join the trail of
Sendero Puerto Alto PR-A 274
which we follow towards the left and onto the village.
We follow the road downwards.
The houses of Guaro are touchingly near.
Amidst an almond grove, we found an ideal place for a picnic.
Surrounded by wild flowers, the sweet smell of the almond blossom and humming of bees.
An experience we wouldn't miss for the world!
The hillside is full of lavender flowers.
Deep down, ahead of us, the river crossing.
1,9 km to the village of Guaro from here.
We cross the river "Arroyo de la Piola" and follow the road upwards.
The autumn rains in 2018 have caused lot of destruction in the Málaga province.
Heavy repair work to the riverbed was going on as we carefully wandered on.
Next to a little brook an immense centenarian walnut tree.
The trees are full of oranges and lemons.
We reach a steep curve by a majestic old tree.
A view across the hills and towards
Puerto Alto (the High Pass)
The houses on the top of the hill show us, that we are nearly at end of the hike.
A last look back over the countryside around Guarro.
At the entrance of the village we find an information board
with the description of the circular route "Puerto Alto".
Text taken from information board
The depth of the agricultural lands opens up below, a silhouette of ridges and hollows, usually displaying blueish tones. The landscape commences with fields of almond trees that have been grown since time immemorial together with fig trees and vines, but that during the Reconquest, due to diseases, the latter had to be totally replaced by almond trees. From here comes the name of "Guaro, Natural Paradise of Almonds" with such an important level of`production that for years it was the mainstay of the town's economy until profitability fell below the level of sustainability.
Map of the hike
 |
| Wikiloc: Ruta del Almendros, Guaro |
How to get to Guaro.
Related blogs:
No comments:
Post a Comment