Hiking the Trail Ciudad Jardín – Puerto de la Torre februar 25, 2024 – Posted in: Andalusia, Spain
Discovering The Hidden Gems of Málaga: Trail PR-A 114 Ciudad Jardín – Puerto de la Torre
The vibrant city of Málaga, a jewel of Spain’s southern coast, is not just famed for its sun-soaked beaches and rich cultural history but also for its breathtaking natural landscapes. One such treasure is the PR-A 114 trail, a scenic route that stretches 17.3 kilometers, connecting the bustling neighborhoods of Ciudad Jardín and Puerto de la Torre. This trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore Málaga’s natural beauty and provides a unique perspective of the city, likely unfamiliar to many of its residents.
A Journey Through Nature and History
The trail begins at the Ciudad Jardín Sports Complex, leading adventurers along the Camino de Casabermeja, parallel to the municipal park El Sastre. This initial segment sets the tone for a journey that is as much about discovery as it is about connection – to the land, its history, and its people. The path guides walkers under highways and into the embrace of the Concepción Botanical Garden, where the asphalt gives way to a dirt track surrounded by diverse vegetation. This proximity to the botanical garden enriches the trek with a variety of plant species, including holm oaks, pines, cork oaks, fig trees, willows, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
Crossing a brightly colored iron bridge, the trail gently ascends to the El Limonero reservoir, offering panoramic views of Málaga, the Natural Park of the Montes de Málaga, and Mount Alcuza. This vantage point allows trekkers to appreciate the city and its surrounding natural beauty from an entirely new perspective.
Choice and Reward
The path then leads to an olive grove equipped with barbecues and tables, offering a picturesque spot for a rest. Here, hikers are presented with a choice: follow a narrow path parallel to the reservoir, surrounded by pines and esparto grass, or take a right onto a track that passes through barbecue areas and onto a road. Both options eventually merge, continuing past the Agujero Dam and through another tunnel, after which the trail reaches its highest point at 448 meters. The effort to reach this summit is rewarded with stunning views of nearly the entire province, including the city of Málaga, the Mediterranean Sea, the Sierra de las Nieves, and the Torcal de Antequera.
A Cultural and Scenic Endpoint
As the trail descends, it offers breathtaking views of Málaga and its surroundings, eventually leading to the arroyo España and beneath a highway, guiding hikers into the Fuente Alegre neighborhood and concluding at the Puerto de la Torre Sports Center. This endpoint is not just a physical location but a culmination of experiences, insights, and a deeper appreciation for the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The PR-A 114 trail is more than just a route from Ciudad Jardín to Puerto de la Torre; it’s an invitation to discover the lesser-known facets of Málaga, its landscapes, and its history. It offers hikers an immersive experience, allowing them to witness the impact of human activity on nature, enjoy the region’s traditional land use, and marvel at the engineering feats of the El Agujero and El Limonero reservoirs. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, walking this trail is a journey through the heart of Málaga, offering new perspectives and a profound connection with the land.