La Axarquia and the Northeast

The Montes de Málaga Natural Park, which begins just five kilometers north of the city, stretches across a steeply rising mountain massif with almost no valleys or plains. This impressive landscape is criss-crossed by countless torrents, steep paths and passes and offers an impressive example of the successful reforestation of a typical Mediterranean forest. Originally, the region was severely affected by deforestation and erosion, but extensive reforestation measures have restored the nature park in recent decades and it now presents itself as a largely intact ecosystem.

The nature park is particularly well-known for its stable populations of numerous animal species, some of which are threatened with extinction. Notable inhabitants include chameleons, pearl lizards and ribbed newts, as well as larger mammals such as badgers, polecats, foxes, weasels, gorse and wildcats and stone martens. Wild boar are also native to the area. The nature park is also an important habitat for various birds of prey and owls, including short-toed eagles, booted eagles, sparrowhawks, goshawks and owls.

The Montes de Málaga Natural Park is not only an important nature reserve, but also a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who want to experience the diversity of Mediterranean flora and fauna in an almost untouched environment. The combination of wild, inaccessible nature and successful nature conservation makes the park a special jewel in the Málaga region.

The northern part of the Axarquía is rich in cultural heritage and traditional customs. The villages in this region, such as Comares, Periana, Alfarnate and Colmenar, have preserved their traditional architecture and way of life. Whitewashed houses with red tiled roofs, narrow streets and flower-filled courtyards characterize the image of these picturesque villages.

The region is deeply rooted in its traditions, which is reflected in the numerous festivals, religious processions and local customs. Particularly noteworthy are the festivals in honor of the patron saints of the villages, which are often celebrated with music, dancing and traditional food. Flamenco, an important cultural expression of Andalusia, is also deeply rooted in the Axarquía and is celebrated at many festivities. The region is also known for its thermal springs, especially in Periana, where the "Baños de Vilo" thermal baths have been valued for centuries for their healing properties. The way of life in the northern part of the Axarquía is strongly influenced by agriculture. People here live mainly from the production of olive oil, wine, almonds and raisins.

Both villages are connected by winding country roads that allow for picturesque drives through the hilly landscape. Colmenar, often referred to as the "gateway to the Montes de Málaga", is known for its honey production and offers charming white houses and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Riogordo is famous for its annual Passion of Christ, an important religious spectacle. Both villages offer an authentic Andalusian experience with traditional festivals and gastronomy, away from the touristy coastal areas.

The turquoise-colored La Viñuela reservoir, located in the heart of the Axarquía, is the largest water reservoir on the Costa del Sol, covering over 565 hectares. It is surrounded by picturesque hills and olive groves and fills its reservoir mainly from the Río Guaro and the tributaries of the Río Sabar, Río Benamargosa and Río Salia. The roads running along its southern banks A356 and A402, offers impressive views of the water and the surrounding landscapes. These roads connect the coastal region with the hinterland and allow us to enjoy a relaxed motorcycle cruising.

The mountain pass (916m) at Zafarraya in the Sierra de Alhama marks the border between the provinces of Málaga and Granada. This pass offers breathtaking panoramic views and is an important geographical feature of the region. The A402 pass road winds through the spectacular mountain landscape and offers impressive views of the wide valley in front of Zafarraya and the surrounding mountains. It is an important transport link and also a highlight for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty and agricultural surroundings. After crossing the pass, we reach an impressive, extensive plateau framed by the mountains of the Sierra de Alhama to the north and the Sierra de Tejeda to the south. This region lies at an altitude of around 900 meters and is characterized by fertile soils that are used intensively for agriculture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables, cereals and olives. The climate is temperate, with cold winters and warm summers, which makes the region particularly suitable for cultivation.

The town of Alhama de Granada is located on a huge, rocky mountain spur, surrounded by a deep ravine with the River Alhama flowing through its bed. The name “Alhama” is derived from the Arabic word for “hot springs”, and the city has indeed been known for its thermal springs since Roman times. The Roman Octavian had the first thermal baths built.

A particular highlight is the well-preserved Moorish architecture that characterizes the historic center, including the remains of the old city wall and Moorish baths. Alhama de Granada played an important role in the history of Spain, especially during the Reconquista, when the city was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1482, marking the beginning of the end of the Nasrid Empire in Granada.

Surrounded by pine trees and cypresses lies the turquoise-blue Los Bermejales reservoir, nestled in the rolling hills of the Sierra de Almijara. It serves as an important water reservoir and is a popular excursion destination. The tower that rises out of the lake is reminiscent of a sunken city, but is part of the dam wall on which we stop. The road that we then take along the western shore of the reservoir offers breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding mountains. This route is particularly attractive for motorcyclists as it leads through unspoiled nature and offers access to various viewpoints.

We drive along the northern foothills of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Nature Park back to the mountain pass at Zafarraya. This region forms the transition from the rugged mountain ranges of the nature park to the gentler hilly landscapes and fertile valleys of the hinterland. It is dominated by an interplay of steep mountain slopes, deep ravines and smaller, terraced fields, often interspersed with olive groves and almond trees. The mountain ranges in this region are characterized by their jagged limestone formations, which form a multitude of caves and gorges created by erosion. In Zafarraya we leave the highlands and find ourselves back in the province of Málaga.

If we opt for this route extension, we stay in the province of Granada for a few more kilometers and drive along the southern foothills of the Sierra de Loja in a north-westerly direction to Alfarnate. The road runs along the edge of the Sierra and winds through an impressive landscape of jagged limestone formations and karst landscapes, characterized by gentle climbs and descents and lined with Mediterranean vegetation. Finally, we reach the area of Alfarnate, picturesquely situated in a hollow between high mountains. Alfarnate is one of the highest villages in the province of Málaga and is known for its traditional architecture, olive oil production and cherry cultivation.

The route from Periana to Casabermeja leads through a region with a very varied landscape, characterized by typical Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic mountain landscapes and the cultural treasures of traditional villages.

Periana, situated on a hill, is known for its olive groves and the production of high-quality olive oil, in particular the famous "Aceite Verdial". On leaving the village, you first drive through a gentle hilly landscape characterized by olive trees, almond trees and vineyards. The roads are narrow and wind their way through the hilly landscape, offering magnificent views of the La Viñuela reservoir and the surrounding mountains.

The route continues westwards to Casabermeja, through the valley of the Río Guaro, which is characterized by rolling hills and small fields. Here, green fields alternate with wild scrubland and fragrant herbs, giving the landscape a natural and unspoiled beauty. The road gradually climbs and the vegetation becomes denser, with pine forests and Mediterranean shrubs covering the mountain slopes.

The pass lies at an altitude of around 1,085 meters, making it one of the higher points in this region and a technical challenge for motorcyclists. The road that leads over the Puerto del Sol winds its way through the mountain landscape in serpentines with numerous hairpin bends and offers numerous viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the surroundings. The Puerto del Sol is a popular spot for photographers, especially on a clear day.

Historically, the Puerto del Sol was an important connecting route between the various communities in the region. It was used by traders, travelers and shepherds to transport goods and livestock between the mountain villages and the markets in the plains below. Due to its strategic location, the pass was also used as a natural crossing point in various historical conflicts.

Culturally, the Puerto del Sol is also associated with local legends and traditions. The sun plays a central role in many of these stories, which may explain the name of the pass ("Sol" means "sun" in Spanish). The sunrises and sunsets that can be experienced from this point are particularly spectacular and have always fired the imagination of the people in this region.

The MA-3101 mountain road from Casabermeja to the El Agujero and El Limonero reservoirs is a scenic and winding route in the province of Málaga that leads through an impressive mountain landscape and offers exciting insights into the nature and infrastructure of the region. This route is an absolute must for motorcyclists, but also a demanding drive technical challenge. The seemingly endless bends demand full concentration, especially towards the end of our tour.

The ride begins in Casabermeja, a charming white village known for its traditional Andalusian architecture and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. From Casabermeja, the road winds through a hilly and mountainous landscape that is typical of this region. Along the way, there are always breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the mountains rising in the background. The winding route demands a lot from riders due to its gradients and tight bends, but offers exciting insights into the nature and infrastructure of the region.

The first of the two reservoirs, El Agujero, is picturesquely situated in a valley and is surrounded by dense vegetation. The reservoir is part of a water system that supplies the city of Málaga and the surrounding areas with water. After El Agujero, the MA-3101 continues to the El Limonero reservoir. This reservoir is slightly larger and is closer to the city, which we then reach from the north via the A7 coastal highway.