Autumn hiking route through Axarquía: Pulgarín to Periana on 25 October

Autumn offers some of the most pleasant hiking conditions in southern Spain, as summer heat retreats and inland landscapes take on a quieter rhythm. Outdoor enthusiasts visiting or residing near the Costa del Sol will have an organised opportunity to explore the local mountains when a guided hike takes place on 25 October 2026, traversing Stage 9 of the GR249 Gran Senda de Málaga from Pulgarín in Alfarnatejo to Periana.

Organised under the province's "Senderos Otoño 2026" programme, this excursion highlights the dramatic mountain interior of the Axarquía. By focusing on active tourism outside the high summer season, the initiative brings walkers deep into the province’s rural corridors at a time when cooler temperatures make extended trail walking particularly enjoyable.

Discovering the Axarquía mountain corridor

The route connects the hamlet of Pulgarín, located in the municipality of Alfarnatejo, with the whitewashed inland town of Periana. Walking along this designated section of the GR249 reveals a rugged, sculpted side of Málaga that contrasts starkly with the coastal beaches.

Hikers following this mountain corridor move through limestone formations, open upland pastures, and terraced olive orchards that define the high Axarquía. Far from the busier tourist trails along the coast, this segment delivers wide, sweeping views across deep valleys, offering a genuine look into the geography and agricultural heritage that shaped inland Andalusian villages.

What this means for visitors from Nerja

For travellers staying in Nerja, exploring the upper Axarquía makes for a rewarding day trip away from the sea. While Nerja is famed for its cliffs and coves, the mountain backdrops visible from the coast are best appreciated from within their winding valleys.

Reaching the starting areas around Alfarnatejo and Periana takes approximately an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes by car from Nerja, navigating inland via Vélez-Málaga and the scenic mountain roads. Whether participating in an official seasonal walk or tracing the clearly signposted GR249 paths independently during your stay, autumn provides the ideal climate to experience the Axarquía's natural beauty on foot.

Good to know

• Event date: 25 October 2026.
• Trail section: Stage 9 of the GR249 (Gran Senda de Málaga).
• Starting and ending points: Pulgarín (Alfarnatejo) to Periana.
• Programme: "Senderos Otoño 2026" (Autumn Trails 2026), an initiative promoting inland eco-tourism across Málaga province.
• Preparation: Wear sturdy walking footwear and carry adequate water, sun protection, and layered clothing suitable for mountain microclimates.