Hiking route: To the Esparto Fountain

The water reservoir known as La Fuente del Esparto was built in 1994. As its name indicates, in this area we will find drinking water from the spring located in the Sierra de Almijara very close to the town of Nerja . The origin of its name is due to the large amount of esparto that this area housed. Formerly, in the surroundings of the spring, esparto was collected for artisanal purposes. Many of the artisan products that were made from it were baskets, espadrilles, ropes, etc.

The route that leads us to the Fuente del Esparto from the town of Nerja is a point of reference to follow many other routes. It is a linear round trip. The length of the route is approximately 11.6 kilometers with a duration of 3 hours. The level of difficulty of this route is low. Therefore, this trail is perfect for beginners who dare to try hiking for the first time.

The indications to follow by road are the following: From the N-340 we take the detour towards the Cueva de Nerja . Once we have traveled about 500 meters, we must continue along the lane that we see on our left. This lane is easy to identify because it is close to the Las Cuevas de Nerja car park. In addition, the lane is surrounded by a small pine forest. Taking into account these indications there is no loss.

The beginning of the path is surrounded by low mountains full of pine trees. One detail that will catch your attention will be the plots of land that are in repopulation. You will find yourself in front of a young pine forest surrounded by lands that are recovering from the damage suffered in the last fires. On the right you will see the Barranco de la Coladilla . Point from which you can enjoy a perfect panoramic view of Puente del Águila .

After two kilometers from the beginning you will come to a fork. The directions will guide you to the Fuente del Esparto. At this point we must take the detour to the left. Leaving behind the detour to the right corresponding to La Civila (a group of houses located on a hillside popularly known as El Cortijo de la Civila). We continue along the path contemplating in the distance the figure of the Barranco de la Coladilla. You will enjoy spectacular views . In the distance of the valley the landscape is lush. Village of boxwood, palm hearts, junipers, rosemary and young Aleppo pines. Without leaving aside the opposite slope. Belonging to Cerro Mangüeno . Easily identifiable, since a firebreak runs along the crest of the mountain.

Once we have traveled about 2 kilometers from the fork we will have passed the old landfill. At this point we would find ourselves in the El Pinarillo area . A well-known recreational area among Nerja residents and tourists. In this place we can enjoy numerous services (drinking water, barbecues, eating areas ...). If you want to make a stop to recover energy, we definitely recommend this place.

Leaving El Pinarillo on our left, we will see a lane that will take us to La Fuente del Esparto. The distance to travel from El Pinarillo is approximately 2 kilometers.