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THE OLD ROAD FROM MALAGA TO GRANADA
A spectacular drive through stunning mountain scenery, on roads that bens and twist U bends and a couple of consecutive 360 degree bends, however THE HARDEST PART OF THIS ROUTE IS FINDING A STARTING POINT – you need to come off the motorway go into Malaga and then back out again, as there is no direct access from the motorway to the C345 (A7000). You need to get on to the green marked road, and once out of the city I promise that it is really worth the effort. The map on the right is from google with the route from Malaga centre to the start of our drive on the Camino de Colenmar (A7000).
The “OLD ROAD TO GRANADA” passes thorough the Montes de Málaga Natural Park is the name of a natural park. It is named after the Montes de Málaga range located was established in 1989.
The vegetation is dominated by shrubland and a multitude of tree species mostly pines, including the stone pine and Monterrey pine. Other trees found in the area are Algerian oak, cork oak, scarlet oak, olive tree and carob tree.
The animals in the protected area include the genet, badger, fox, ocellated lizard, Andalusian wall lizard, Mediterranean chameleon and the Iberian ribbed newt. There are also birds of prey such as the eagle, Eurasian sparrowhawk and northern goshawk.
Enjoy the scenery,
don’t drive too fast and take in the views – you are taken through the national park that is the Mountains of Malaga, and so it is protected there are a few ventas (cafe/restaurants) on the way but the rest is pristine mountain countryside. The road surface is also quite good, which can be considered a bonus in the mountains. This route is very popular with cyclists and Motor Cyclist all of whom can be a little over keen when taking the many bends
I have marked the route in green on this large scale map so that you can see the whole journey, as it is inclined to twist and turn. At Colmenar keep following the green route (don’t get sidetracked by the tempting signs that return you to the motorway) as the next stage doubles back and encircles the beautiful lakes at Vinuela you encounter a landscape that is completely different from the previous stage. There are a few points along this route where the road signs try to get you onto the main road, so don’t follow the granada signs – rather move from village to village.
The variety of scenery and lack of traffic makes this this such a wonderful trip, take your time and enjoy. Keep this map and return via the Granada/Motril road and then follow the coast road back.
