Hard
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 17.8 km / 11.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 875 m
- Typical duration
- 5 hr 7 min
- River
- Canyon and gorge
- Panoramic viewpoint
Camino de los Arrieros
ModerateAndalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 449 m (1,473 ft)
- Typical time
- 2 hr 52 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Camino de los Arrieros
Camino de los Arrieros is a 10.5 km hiking route in Andalusia, Spain. It climbs roughly 449 m (1,473 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 hr 52 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.
The coastline does the heavy lifting: cliff edges, coves and open horizon for most of the way. This is part of a historic pilgrimage network, so expect waymarking, other walkers and infrastructure built for long days. The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring. The nearest town of any size is Almuñécar, about 21.3 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Ayuntamiento de Albuñuelas.
In short, Camino de los Arrieros suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate10.5 km449 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 first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Coastal
- Forest
- Pilgrimage route
- Waymarked route
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- 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
- 69/100
- Adventure
- 41/100
- Difficulty
- 36/100
- Accessibility
- 51/100
- Family
- 34/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
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.
- Check the tide table if any part of the route runs along the beach.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Cliff edges may be unfenced and undercut. Keep well back from the drop, especially in wind.
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
Golden hour along the cliffs is the obvious call, and a slow shutter on the water at the base of the rocks adds movement. 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
No one has reviewed Camino de los Arrieros yet. Be the first.
Trails near Camino de los Arrieros
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Easy
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 51 m
- Typical duration
- 21 min
- Canyon and gorge
- Waymarked route
Easy
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3 m
- Typical duration
- 9 min
- Canyon and gorge
- Waymarked route
Moderate
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 11.7 km / 7.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 257 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 49 min
- Forest
- Waymarked route
Hard
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 15.5 km / 9.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 815 m
- Typical duration
- 4 hr 29 min
- Waymarked route
Hard
Andalusia · Spain
- Distance
- 15.2 km / 9.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 787 m
- Typical duration
- 4 hr 21 min
- Waymarked route