Conquering El Cielo: An Epic 8-Hour Hike in Nerja
El Cielo (1508 m) is a peak you can see facing east from Nerja. The photo taken from Nerja, Balcón de Europa
What was supposed to be just another hike turned into an unforgettable adventure, exceeding all my expectations. Our plan was simple: let our families enjoy fantastic weather, fresh air, and spectacular views. Little did we know how challenging it would be!
The Journey Begins
My husband found a route on Wikiloc— El Pinarillo – Cielo (1.508 mts) (Sierra Almijara, Málaga) in the Sierra Almijara, Málaga—and we decided to take it, trusting that we were more than just average hikers!
We arrived at Área recreativa El Pinarillo by car around 10:30 AM. The area is great for a day in the forest, perfect for picnics and BBQs, with real toilets available. Feeling optimistic, we started our hike at 11:00 AM with our wonderful friends, children, our dog, and backpacks full of food and water (thank goodness!). The crisp air and promise of adventure kept us motivated as we ascended.
The Challenge of the Climb
I wouldn’t describe this hike as easy. It was beautiful but very long and quite tough, especially with children. At the beginning, we struggled to find the entrance to the trail. It was easy to lose the path, and some sections were so rocky that we weren’t sure whether we were following an actual route or just heading up the mountain on our own.
We paused frequently for water breaks and to take in the scenery. Sharing this experience made all the difference—cheering each other on, laughing through the struggles, and pushing forward together. I remember one moment after the third hour when I thought we had reached the top, only to realize it was a false summit. We still had almost another hour to climb!
Reaching the peak wasn’t easy, but we finally made it around 3:00 PM. Looking back, I believe the route we took up wasn’t the official one, as there wasn’t much information on how to reach the peak along the way.
Reaching the Summit
The view from the top made every struggle worthwhile. The landscape was breathtaking—you could see the Mediterranean Sea, Nerja, the mountains of the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama de Granada Natural Park, the stunning Sierra Nevada, Almuñécar, and La Herradura.
The Way Back
If the climb was tough, the descent was much easier. The way down was well-marked, and in hindsight, it would have been a better route to take up as well. Despite the easier path, the steep slopes required careful footing, and after hours on our feet, our legs felt like jelly. As night fell, we found ourselves hiking in total darkness under a starless sky.
Final Thoughts
The hike to El Cielo was one of the hardest I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. It tested my endurance, but the memories we created made every step worth it. If you’re up for a challenge and want to witness some of the best views in Andalusia, this trek is a must.
My Advice:
- Start early—so you don’t find yourself hiking back in the dark!
- Be realistic about children’s abilities—it’s an 8-hour hike, and for my 10-year-old daughter, it was too much. I had to rely on a lot of motivational songs on Spotify to keep her going!
- Bring plenty of water, food, and good hiking shoes—and, most importantly, a strong mindset!
Would I do it again? Absolutely! But next time, I’ll take my own advice into account.
The view on Cielo from La Herradura