Itinerary
The stage is distinguished by the contrast of colours created by the Mountains of Arco Calizo (Limestone Arch), a patchwork of fields, Mediterranean scrubland and motionless water of Viñuela Reservoir. At the end of the trail, you will see the imposing rocky mountain tops of Tajo de Gomer and Tajo de Doña.
Summary
Stage 9 marks your entry into the Central Limestone Arch of Málaga, where the GR continues until Stage 12. From Periana it leads in search of the beautiful districts of Marchamona, where at the cross-roads it reaches its maximum altitude, and the village of Guaro. Then it directs you towards the west to the foot of the Sierras de Alhama and Guaro (La Torca, 1500 m) and the Sierra de Enmedio (Vilo, 1,415 m). From the village of Guaro the itinerary acquires a jagged profile passing through an area of dense Mediterranean vegetation and olive groves, until it reaches down to the villages of Pulgarin Alto and Pulgarin Bajo (Alfarnatejo).
The best
The four villages which are in this stage deserve a peaceful visit, even if Marchamona is out-of-the-way. Guaro is noteworthy, especially in the rainy seasons as the waterfalls at the source of the river Guaro are then brash and deafening. The farmhouses Cortijo de Zapata and Cortijo la Cueva situated between the sierra and the fields make up a typical picture of integration into the environment. The wild olive trees in the vicinity of the Cortijo de Zapata and the Monte of the Cerrajon de los Baños recall the Mediterranean forest, with plenty of vines and evergreen thickets. And from this site the landscapes towards the surrounding mountains and low Axarquía are spectacular.
Finally, entering Pulgarin Bajo the walker is welcomed by olive groves which are hundreds of years old and without a doubt, photogenic, also there are views to the gorges of Caballo and Bermejo to the north and Tajo (gorge) de Doña Ana to north-west.