A Guide to Hiking El Saltillo in Canillas de Aceituno
Are you looking for a beautiful walk without the crowds in Malaga? That’s exactly what you’ll get at El Saltillo.
This hiking trail is in the charming inland town of Canillas de Aceituno, a destination many travellers don’t know about and I truly believe it’s underrated.
You’ll find the picturesque white-painted houses characteristic of Andalusia, bright flowers hanging on the walls, and the atmosphere of an authentic pueblo.
Having recently visited Canillas de Aceituno and El Saltillo, I’ll share the essential information you need before venturing there.
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How to get to El Saltillo
The only direct way to El Saltillo from Malaga is by car. The journey takes approximately an hour and involves driving on the motorway and roads.
The road to Canillas del Aceituno, the town where the El Saltillo hike starts, is windy. Bear in mind that it’s a mountain town. You’ll be fine if you’re okay with driving windy and narrow roads. If not, I recommend booking a tour.
I booked this hiking tour, which included transportation from Malaga City Centre. The meeting point is near Mercado de Atarazanas.
Regardless of how you get there, if you suffer from motion sickness, like me, open the windows and consider getting some tablets or a natural remedy like ginger sweets. These do help.
Key information about El Saltillo hike
- Kilometres/miles: 7 km / 4.3 mi (11 km / 6.8 mi if you go beyond the bridge)
- Difficulty: Medium-high
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
A detailed guide about El Saltillo
The truth is that I don’t have many friends who love hiking, and I don’t like going on hikes on my own; it’s more fun with people.
Also, I would never venture to do a hike alone without knowing what it is like. This is why I decided to book this excursion with a guide.
And I encourage you to do the same to avoid unsafe situations when you’re abroad unless it’s a very easy walk.
El Saltillo is considered a moderate hike, but it can be classified as moderate-difficult if you go through some paths. I’ll tell you about it later.
What I love the most about this hike is how tranquil it is compared to popular trails such as Caminito del Rey.
I went to El Saltillo on a Wednesday morning and didn’t see many people. There were are few group of friends but walked most of it without seeing anyone.
You can start walking from the bottom of the town all the way to the town hall and Mirador de Blas Infante. Just follow the signs.
There are parts of the path in which you’ll walk in between the water canal that supplies water to the plantations and town.
As you walk, pay attention to the vegetation. Expect to see olive trees and tropical trees and plants that grow avocados, mangoes and custard apples. In addition, you can find herbs like rosemary and thyme and flowers like lavender.
You might find more or less of these depending on the season.
If you wonder what fauna you can see in El Saltillo, the main animal you can spot is the mountain goat (cabra Montesa). I thought it was going to be easier to see them, but thanks to the guide who spotted them first, I only saw two from far away.
If you’re lucky, you might see eagles flying near the peak of La Maroma Mountain. There’s a closed path to protect the prey birds of the area.
Not far from the start of the hike, you’ll also find a small built-in pond where you can hear the sound of frogs. This used to be the town’s washing clothes spot. Women had to go up all the way to wash their clothes. Nowadays, people swim here in the hottest months!
In fact, one of the men I saw on my walk went into the pond to cool down. Although it was a beautiful warm spring day, I wouldn’t have done so.
Even if you don’t plan to get in the water, stop here to admire the view of Canillas and La Viñuela Reservoir.
When you get close to the bridge, I recommend having a little break because you’ll be walking down the stairs to get there. It takes about 6 minutes or a bit longer if you stop along the way. The stairs are steep, so you’ll feel the workout.
This is probably the worst part of the hike, especially for those who aren’t used to going on walks like this.
My recommendation is to cross the bridge and then go back because the walk gets more challenging.
Be mindful that only ten people can cross the bridge at a time.
You’ll have done the 7-kilometre walk if you return to Canillas from the suspension bridge.
This is really a moderate walk and definitely not advisable for those who suffer from any medical condition or vertigo.
It’s more challenging than Caminito del Rey because it’s steeper and, therefore, requires a higher level of fitness. When I went to Caminito, I felt it was easy and flat. But again, it isn’t for everyone, either, especially for those who don’t like heights.
What to do in Canillas de Aceituno
Before or after your walk to El Saltillo, I advise you to explore Canillas de Aceituno. It’s truly beautiful and worth the time, and it won’t take much of your time.
These are the main things to do in Canillas de Aceituno:
- Take photos in the most photogenic streets like Calle de las Flores.
- Contemplate the beautiful views from Mirador de la Virgen and Mirador de Blas Infante.
- Eat at a tapas bar. The Secret Garden Restaurant is highly rated. If you want to eat something traditional from Canillas de Aceituno, the most typical dish is chivo lechal, roasted suckling goat with garlic.
- See Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church.
Where to stay in Canillas de Aceituno
I’ve only been to Canillas de Aceituno on a day trip and, therefore, haven’t stayed anywhere.
However, while doing my research, I found these lovely guest houses with good reviews:
Frequently asked questions about El Saltillo
Is El Saltillo hike free?
Yes, there is no entry fee, and it’s always open.
What’s the best time to go on El Saltillo hike?
Spring is the best time to go on this route. You’ll likely enjoy a sunny day with a warm but pleasant temperature, and this is also the best time to enjoy the beautiful flora. I don’t recommend El Saltillo in summer because this area’s temperatures are very high.
Can I do this hike with kids?
Canillas de Aceituno town hall doesn’t recommend taking children under 10. I personally don’t see this hike for families with small children. Many other hiking trails in Malaga are easier and safer for kids. For example, El Bosque Encantado de Parauta (I’ve written this article about it) and Dunas de Artola in Marbella.
Can I do this hike with dogs?
I saw a few hikers with dogs, but you don’t want to take your furry friend on this trail if he or she isn’t used to long walks and is well-behaved.
What should I take with me to El Saltillo?
I recommend a snack or small picnic to boost your energy levels, as well as water and sun cream. Pack light and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Conclusion
Is the El Saltillo hiking trail worth it? My answer is yes. You’ll love this route if you want a quiet and relaxing walk in nature with incredible mountain views.
Do you have any questions? Drop them in the comments below.
Cristina
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This looks like a peaceful hike! I just loved the photo of the canal. That is such a cool little tidbit. It kinda reminds me of the aquaducts the romans built from up high. A hidden gem for sure.