Hiking the Trail from Istán to Marbella februar 26, 2024 – Posted in: Andalusia, Spain
Discovering the Sierra Blanca Trail: A Journey from Istán to Marbella
Nestled in the heart of the Costa del Sol, the trail from Istán to Marbella offers an enchanting journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes southern Spain has to offer. Stretching over 8.8 kilometers, this trail, known as PR-A 140, is a testament to the natural beauty and rugged terrain of the region. It invites adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike to explore the serenity and scenic vistas that define this picturesque area.
A Path Through Nature’s Marvels
The journey begins from the road leading to the Sierra Blanca quarry, presenting a route that is slightly more challenging and longer than its predecessors. The trail meanders through paths and tracks, unveiling the most beautiful stretch not only for the route it takes but also for the spectacular locations it traverses and the panoramic views it offers. Cyclists may find certain sections challenging, requiring the bike to be carried over the shoulder on more than one occasion. The distance covered in this initial part is just under 3,000 meters, with an estimated completion time of one and a half hours.
Ascending from the roadside, the path climbs in parallel, just above the road, shielded by a beautiful dry stone wall. This leads to a sort of plateau from where a stream is crossed, and the ascent continues alongside it until reaching a zone of walls. Here, a path veers to the right in a descending direction, followed by a track with a house on the right. The trail, marked by the distinctive “Peñón Bermejo” with its vertical and orange cliffs on the left, continues straight ahead, navigating through various tracks that link the road to nearby estates.
The journey encounters a wooden house with a substantial concrete base on the left, soon leading to the Monchalbán stream. With ongoing construction of several urbanizations in the area, slight modifications to the path might be encountered. The route maintains its course close to the mountain slope, ensuring Sierra Blanca’s grey rock remains on the left and the reservoir line on the right. After conquering the final port and a somewhat steep descent, a track to the left leads to the quarry, the “great bite” taken out of Sierra Blanca, visible from the entire western Costa del Sol.
The Final Leg: A Descent into Ease
From the quarry of Sierra Blanca to Nagüeles, this final segment is the longest yet easiest, with no risk of getting lost. The path entirely slopes downhill, through tracks and urbanization roads, making it accessible for walking or mountain biking. Despite being the least visually stimulating part of the journey, except for the final stretch, it’s suitable for all and takes just over an hour and a half to complete, spanning approximately 3,600 meters.
The trail from the quarry heads southeast, descending past the tower used for transporting stones, which still stands today. It leads to a vast plain offering a clear view of the destination, marked by a large expanse of pine trees. Following this track across the plain, the trail descends to an asphalted area, through an upcoming urbanized zone, and onto a road flanked by pines on the left and carob trees on the right, eventually reaching the Nagüeles park, marking the end of this remarkable route.
A Journey Worth Taking
The PR-A 140 trail from Istán to Marbella encapsulates the essence of Andalusian natural beauty, challenging terrains, and the peaceful harmony of untouched landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a mountain biking enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the allure of nature, this trail promises an unforgettable adventure through some of the most captivating scenery Spain has to offer.