Itinerary
This terrain is flatter and placed under the steep western side of the Tejeda Mountains with a dense replanted pine wood. The stage goes across undulating ground with olive trees and allows us to enjoy the view of the most important spots in Axarquía.
Summary
This Stage passes through a mid-size village, Alcaucín, which separates two very different landscapes. Going to Alcaucín the GR lowers to the Garganta de los Tajos Lisos then crosses at the Cueva de la Fájara with its upwelling.
Then, always on footpaths, it ascends along the boundary between the Natural Park of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama and the cultivated areas, among pine woods and olive groves, marked by a fence which is dissected by numerous gates. After Alcaucin there is a succession of ups and downs via several water courses, the fi rst being a steep slope to the river Alcaucin.
You will walk on forest tracks of varying conditions, passing through olive groves to connect with the old train line that went up to the Boquete de Zafarraya, arriving at Periana station and entering the village.
The best
The site of the Cueva de la Fájara cave is spectacular from a geological and speleological point of view. The walk along the boundary of the Natural Park offers the chance to compare the reforested areas with the more human infl uenced sectors, keep in mind that not too long ago grape vines dominated these very slopes of the sierra.
Both sections follow traditional footpaths which used to connect the villages. There are superb views, as you walk towards Periana, of Boquete de Zafarraya, the tourist area and residential area of Pantano de la Viñuela and Comares village. Strolling along the old train tracks of Málaga to Ventas de Zafarraya, which was in use between 1922 and 1968, is also one of the curiosities and attractions of this Stage.