El Pinarillo Recreation Area
A serene natural park near Nerja, perfect for picnics, hiking, and cycling amidst pine forests and mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vehicular access is open
El Pinarillo Recreation Area
Best Time
Vehicular access is open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural park near Nerja, perfect for picnics, hiking, and cycling amidst pine forests and mountain vistas.
"Beautiful area, great for picnic and as a starting point for hiking."
🚗 Check Road Access
Vehicular access can be restricted. Be ready for a walk if the road is blocked from Nerja Caves parking.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Tables and benches are available, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Picnic Paradise
Main recreational area
Enjoy a meal amidst nature with provided tables and benches. Perfect for families and groups seeking a scenic outdoor dining experience.

Hiking Trailheads
Various paths leading into the mountains
Embark on invigorating hikes, with trails like Cuesta del Cielo offering stunning mountain vistas and aqueduct views.
Mountain Views
Throughout the park
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park await.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing El Pinarillo
Best for Picnics & Hiking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Access
Vehicular access can be restricted. Be ready for a walk if the road is blocked from Nerja Caves parking.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Tables and benches are available, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the trails and unpaved roads.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan on hiking longer routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Access
Vehicular access can be restricted. Be ready for a walk if the road is blocked from Nerja Caves parking.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Tables and benches are available, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the trails and unpaved roads.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan on hiking longer routes.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, perfect for active pups.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise El Pinarillo for its beautiful natural setting, perfect for picnics and hiking with stunning mountain views. It's a family-friendly spot with basic facilities and a playground. However, access can be an issue, with potential long walks required if roads are closed due to fire risk, and barbecue facilities are temporarily unavailable.
"Beautiful area, with benches and tables and basic toilet facilities, set in a natural park with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also barbecues ready for use but due to the high risk of fires these are temporarily closed for use. In the cooler months of the year vehicular access is open to the area."
Paul Beckham
"great for picnic and as a starting point for hiking. parked halfway up last time, next time will be parking by the area and venture further up into the mountains."
Ossian Stefan Olsen
"Very nice place to have a barbeque with children, clean, perfect views. It is perfect to go hiking starting from this area. Can reach it by car."
Lina Pabedinskaitė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to El Pinarillo, but vehicular access may be restricted, especially in warmer months due to fire risk. If the road is blocked, you might need to park near Nerja Caves and walk approximately 5km on an unpaved road. Some visitors have parked halfway up and ventured further.
Yes, in cooler months, vehicular access is generally open. However, it can be closed during high fire risk periods, requiring a walk from a designated parking area.
If the road is blocked, the walk from the parking lot near Nerja Caves to El Pinarillo is about 5km on an unpaved road.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach El Pinarillo, offering a pleasant route through the natural park.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Driving or cycling are the most common methods of access. It's advisable to check local transport schedules if relying on public options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
El Pinarillo Recreation Area is a natural park and generally does not require an entrance fee. It's a free public space for recreation.
As a natural park, El Pinarillo doesn't have strict opening and closing hours like a typical attraction. However, vehicular access might be restricted at certain times, and it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
During periods of high fire risk, vehicular access to the area is temporarily closed. Barbecues are also temporarily closed for use due to fire risk.
There is a parking area available, but it can fill up, and vehicular access to the main recreational area might be restricted. If the road is blocked, you'll need to park near Nerja Caves.
Barbecues are available but are temporarily closed for use due to the high risk of fires.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The area offers benches, tables, and basic toilet facilities. It's well-equipped for picnics and as a starting point for outdoor activities.
Yes, it's a very nice place for families. There's a playground for kids, and the natural setting is great for them to explore.
You can expect stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the natural park. Some trails also follow an aqueduct supplying water to local towns.
While there isn't a restaurant directly within the recreational area, some sources mention a bar and playground. It's best to pack your own food for a picnic.
El Pinarillo is perfect for picnics, hiking, and enjoying nature. It's also a popular spot for mountain biking and canicross.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the panoramic mountain vistas, the rustic picnic areas, and the unique aqueduct sections along the hiking trails. The natural light filtering through the pine trees creates beautiful scenes.
Absolutely. The rolling hills, rugged mountains, and expansive natural park offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
While not guaranteed, the natural park setting provides a habitat for various local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for birds and other small creatures.
Mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour can create dramatic shadows and warm tones across the landscape.
The aqueduct sections, particularly those supplying water to local towns, offer unique photographic subjects. The Cuesta del Cielo trail also provides rewarding viewpoints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
🚴 Cyclists & Mountain Bikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Adventures from El Pinarillo
For those seeking more challenging treks, routes like Colailla-Pinarillo-Apretaero-Fuente del Esparto are mentioned, indicating a network of interconnected paths. It's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water, as some paths can be unpaved and the terrain can be uneven. The natural beauty and varied terrain make it a rewarding experience for hikers of all abilities.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cyclists can access El Pinarillo from Nerja, making it a convenient excursion from the coastal town. The route itself, whether by bike or on foot, offers a refreshing contrast to the beach activities Nerja is known for. The natural park setting ensures a peaceful and immersive cycling experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Family Fun and Picnics
The accessibility by car (when permitted) and the relatively gentle nature of the main recreational area make it easy for families to enjoy. It provides a safe and natural environment for children to play and explore, away from traffic. The combination of picnic facilities and a playground makes it a well-rounded destination for a family day out.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit