A REFRESHING DIP AROUND MALAGA

The torrid Spanish summer is not only hot for the visitors from northern Europe but also for the locals. It makes all of us to look for diverse possibilities to take a cold water bath. Of course, there are many fantastic coastal areas in Spain, although I would like to recommend you something different: what do you think about a dip in the fresh water of Andalusian river? Around Malaga it is possible to find infinite areas like that and believe me, you will not be disappointed, since there is no better option for nature lovers to cool off during hot summer days in a river surrounded by a wonderful landscape. Would you like to join me?

BARRANCO BLANCO AND THE VESTIGIES OF THE 2^ND WORLD WAR

If you are interested in taking a cool dip in a river and enjoying a great landscape, although you do not wish to hike for a long time, Barranco Blanco is the most suitable route for you, even if you come with children. This fabulous area is located about 45 minutes by car from Malaga, near to Coin and Alahurin el Grande. The roads which takes you to Barranco Blanco allows you to delight in watching the Andalusian countryside views. So, why not to have a bath in the Alaminos River in Barranco Blanco and escape from the suffocating summer afternoons in southern Spain? The way to get there is easy by the MA-3303 road, and just passing the entrance you will find a parking area, which is mandatory to use between 1^st June and 15^th October, unless you would like to receive a fine. In another part of the year there is also a possibility to park closer to the place where the track starts. Apropos, do you remember from your Geography classes that the term ravine (in Spanish “barranco”) refers to a channel of a stream and the channel itself means the place where the river passes?

While we are on the subject, there is a very curious and chilling story about this idyllic setting. The researchers of the 2^nd World War (1939 – 1945) point out that during the warlike conflict, a training camp of the Nazis was settled down there due to the friendship between Franco and Hitler. Fortunately, many decades have passed since that shocking times and nowadays you only have a chance to notice some remains of the old buildings dominated by wild nature. 

TIPS:

• Start your track early before the place becomes crowded.
• Bring something to eat and do some picnic on the riverside.
• Go up to the waterfall even if you get all wet, this is your mainly goal.

CHILLAR RIVER: A REFRESHING WALK

If you are ready for a longer walk, the Chillar River that rises in the Sierra de Almijara, is more appropriate option for you. Belonging to the Mediterranean watershed it is a short river of only 17 km length and medium fast due to the inclination of the terrain. The difference among this river and others from the Mediterranean watershed consists in fact that its materials are karst, such as, for instance, limestone rocks or gypsums that in the past were subjected to a chemical process, and consequently, its flow remains abundant throughout the year, including the dry season, summer months. So, there will be plenty of cool water for you to enjoy the route through the Chillar River. By the way, watershed refers to a group of rivers that flow into the same sea or ocean. In Spain there are Mediterranean, Cantabrian and Atlantic watersheds. In fact most of the rivers in Spain and in Europe belong to Atlantic watershed because of the Alpine orogenesis in the tertiary period (check the explanation in my other blog post about Torcal de Antequera), which inclined the European continent towards west.

The track through the Chillar River is truly refreshing and charming. It begins in Nerja, an Andalusian white village of a spectacular beauty, where you should take the detour to Carril de los Almanchares on the N-340 Rd. Near the detour there is an improvised parking area and the beginning of your adventure. Following the channel for about 4 km you will have the opportunity to bathe in various waterfalls and to cross such marvelous places, such as los Cahorros, narrow passageways, sculpted between rocks up to 20 meters high. Whiteout a doubt, you will not to stay indifferent to the grandeur of the nature around you. The end of the route is located at the height of an old construction, called dam.

TIPS:

• Bring the good shoes, the river is full of big slippery stones.
• Don’t forgot a swimsuit to show off your body and to have a cool dip.
• If you aren’t tired enough visit the beautiful Nerja village in surroundings.

THE CHORRO: KING’S RESERVOIRS

A mandatory stop to have a bath in fresh water source close to Malaga are The Chorro reservoirs. The construction of this wonderful natural location began in 1914 during the reign of Alfonso XIII who later came for the inauguration held in 1921. The Chorro recreational area has camping sites, although, if you are looking only for a nice day with friends and your family, there is a place dedicated to celebrate picnics, equipped with benches and tables, public restrooms, barbecues (but, keep in mind that in Spain it is really hot in summer, therefore, at this time it is not possible to light the fire anywhere). You also have the possibility to rent watersport equipment or buy some drinks at the small entrance next to the parking area, which only cost 1€ per day. Apropos, it is important that you know that each person must also pay 1€, but it is cheap for the opportunity to have so much fun.

I usually visit The Chorro several times a year, the uniqueness of its beauty makes it a place, where everyone wishes to return. Especially, during the summertime, when you will love taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise water son intense that it almost seems to be painted. However, there is no artificial trick in it, the unique color of the water is due to the presence of a harmless seaweed, which dyes the water creating a spectacle for your eyes. Imagine how wonderful it is to swim in this beautiful natural area surrounded by high limestone mountains, in whose caves men used to lived in the prehistoric period…but this I will explain you in another blog post about El Caminito del Rey route.

TIPS:

• Come early, the best benches next to the water are in demand.
• From the place El Mirador at the end of the day you can take amazing pictures.
• Rent a kayak and drive it around the reservoir, the landscape is unique.