Moderate
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 7.3 km / 4.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 353 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 3 min
- Forest
- Waymarked route
Arenas - Castillo de Benthomiz - Arenas
EasyAndalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 5.9 km (3.7 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 130 m (427 ft)
- Typical time
- 1 hr 26 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Arenas - Castillo de Benthomiz - Arenas
Arenas - Castillo de Benthomiz - Arenas is a 5.9 km hiking route in Andalusia, Spain. It climbs roughly 130 m (427 ft) along the way. Most people take around 1 hr 26 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The grade stays gentle throughout, so it works as a first hike of a trip.
History runs alongside the walking here, with stonework that predates every path on the map.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring. The nearest town of any size is Vélez-Málaga, about 6.0 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Arenas - Castillo de Benthomiz - Arenas suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Easy5.9 km130 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Castle and ruins
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 44/100
- Adventure
- 21/100
- Difficulty
- 17/100
- Accessibility
- 70/100
- Family
- 75/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.
Safety
Emergency services in Spain are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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