El Pinarillo Recreation Area - Image 1
1 / 10

El Pinarillo Recreation Area

4.4
·161 reviews·Nerja, Spain

A serene natural park near Nerja, perfect for picnics, hiking, and cycling amidst pine forests and mountain vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler months

Vehicular access is open

CrowdLow
Loading map...
El Pinarillo Recreation Area - Image 1

El Pinarillo Recreation Area

Best Time

Cooler months

Vehicular access is open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene natural park near Nerja, perfect for picnics, hiking, and cycling amidst pine forests and mountain vistas.

4.4
(161 reviews)

"Beautiful area, great for picnic and as a starting point for hiking."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Picnic Paradise

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

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

Mountain Views

Throughout the park

Breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park await.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Accessing El Pinarillo

While El Pinarillo is a natural park, vehicular access can be restricted, especially during warmer months due to fire risk. Be prepared for a potential 5km walk on an unpaved road from the Nerja Caves parking lot if the road is blocked. Check local advisories before you go.

Best for Picnics & Hiking

El Pinarillo is ideal for picnics with its tables and benches, and it serves as a fantastic starting point for hiking adventures into the surrounding mountains. It's a great escape from the beach crowds, offering natural beauty and fresh air.

Best Times

When
Cooler months
Why
Vehicular access is open
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for peaceful picnics
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Pleasant for hiking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ruta por excelencia en Nerja Subida al pinarillo#saliendo desde la cueva de nerja, te adentras en el parque y disfrutarás de un recorrido para todos los públicos muy agradable #canovasnerja #nerja #costadelsol #balcondeeuropa
@canovasnerja
94 likes • 8.6K views

🚗 Check Road Access

Vehicular access can be restricted. Be ready for a walk if the road is blocked from Nerja Caves parking. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Tables and benches are available, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Reddit

Nerja es más que playa, hoy ha tocado senderismo por el pinarillo #canovasnerja #nerja #balcondeeuropa #parati #senderismo
@canovasnerja
197 likes • 4.1K views
Colailla-Pinarillo-Apretaero-Fuente del Esparto🔁🌲🥾⛰️
beiixiyo
73 likes • 0 views

🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes

Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the trails and unpaved roads. TikTok

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated, especially if you plan on hiking longer routes. TikTok

¡Comenzamos una nueva semana!💪🏻 Siempre cerca de ti, somos tú Protección Civil🔸🔹 📸 Vigilancia en el Área Recreativa El Pinarillo🌲🍃 #lasprotescuentan #proteccioncivil #nerja #elpinarillo
proteccioncivilnerja
43 likes • 0 views

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. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Tables and benches are available, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Reddit

🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes

Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the trails and unpaved roads. TikTok

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated, especially if you plan on hiking longer routes. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, perfect for active pups. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(161 reviews)

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

Beautiful natural park
Great for picnics
Ideal hiking starting point

What People Dislike

Road access restrictions
Barbecues closed

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. Reddit Some visitors have parked halfway up and ventured further. Reddit

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. Reddit

If the road is blocked, the walk from the parking lot near Nerja Caves to El Pinarillo is about 5km on an unpaved road. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach El Pinarillo, offering a pleasant route through the natural park. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Barbecues are available but are temporarily closed for use due to the high risk of fires. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You can expect stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the natural park. Some trails also follow an aqueduct supplying water to local towns. Instagram

While there isn't a restaurant directly within the recreational area, some sources mention a bar and playground. Reddit It's best to pack your own food for a picnic. Reddit

El Pinarillo is perfect for picnics, hiking, and enjoying nature. It's also a popular spot for mountain biking and canicross. TikTok+2

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Absolutely. The rolling hills, rugged mountains, and expansive natural park offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

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. TikTok

Mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour can create dramatic shadows and warm tones across the landscape. Instagram

The aqueduct sections, particularly those supplying water to local towns, offer unique photographic subjects. The Cuesta del Cielo trail also provides rewarding viewpoints. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Pinarillo is a great escape for families. It offers picnic tables and a playground, making it easy to spend a fun-filled day outdoors. Reddit While barbecues are temporarily closed, the picnic facilities are perfect for packing lunches and enjoying a meal surrounded by nature. Reddit The drive or walk into the park provides a sense of adventure, and the natural setting is safe for children to explore under supervision. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and check road access beforehand. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers

For those who love to hike, El Pinarillo is an excellent starting point. You can embark on trails like Cuesta del Cielo for stunning mountain views or explore routes along the historic aqueduct. Instagram The area is part of a larger natural park, offering diverse landscapes and a chance to connect with nature. TikTok Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be prepared for varying terrain. TikTok It's a refreshing alternative to the coastal attractions of Nerja. TikTok

🚴 Cyclists & Mountain Bikers

El Pinarillo is a prime spot for cycling, especially mountain biking. The unpaved roads and trails offer a thrilling experience through the pine forests. TikTok+1 It's a popular route for those looking to get some exercise and enjoy the natural scenery away from the main roads. TikTok Consider bringing a bike if you're staying in Nerja or plan to rent one locally for an active day out. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking Adventures from El Pinarillo

El Pinarillo Recreation Area is a gateway to numerous hiking trails, catering to various fitness levels. Many visitors use it as a starting point to explore the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. Popular routes include the ascent to Cuesta del Cielo, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the coastline. TikTok Some trails follow sections of an ancient aqueduct that still supplies water to local towns, adding a historical and engineering element to the hike. Instagram

For those seeking more challenging treks, routes like Colailla-Pinarillo-Apretaero-Fuente del Esparto are mentioned, indicating a network of interconnected paths. Instagram 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. TikTok The natural beauty and varied terrain make it a rewarding experience for hikers of all abilities. TikTok

Cycling and Mountain Biking

El Pinarillo is a popular destination for cyclists, particularly mountain bikers. The unpaved roads and trails winding through the pine forests provide an excellent playground for those looking for an off-road adventure. Videos showcase individuals enjoying btt (mountain biking) routes in the area, highlighting the scenic and challenging nature of the terrain. TikTok+1

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. TikTok The natural park setting ensures a peaceful and immersive cycling experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. TikTok

Family Fun and Picnics

El Pinarillo is a fantastic spot for families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. The recreation area is equipped with tables and benches, making it ideal for picnics. Reddit It's described as a 'very nice place to have a barbecue with children,' although the barbecues themselves are currently closed due to fire risk. Reddit There's also a playground for kids, ensuring that younger visitors have entertainment. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2