Hiking · Valle de Lecrín

Trails for hikers

Waymarked trails to discover El Valle on foot: the spectacular Barranco Luna with marine fossils from the Tethys Sea, the Ruta del Azahar SL-A 214 among orange groves and Arab irrigation channels, and the climb to Restábal Castle.

Trails for all levels, with gentle gradients and views of Sierra Nevada and the Béznar Reservoir.

The trails

Waymarked · all levelsWhere to eat →

Medium difficulty

Ruta 01 · Barranco Luna

Karst gorge with fossils from the Tethys Sea

Distance: 4.8 km
Duration: ~1 h 50 min
Elevation gain: +122 m
Type: Loop

A spectacular natural canyon carved over millions of years. Marine fossil remains all along the route — sediments laid down when the Tethys Sea covered this area. A geological landscape unique in El Valle de Lecrín.

📍 Starting point: Saleres · cemetery car park (GR-3204)

🪧 Waymarking: SL-A 287 · white-and-green markings

⚠ Caution: Access along the GR-3300 road requires extra care in the first 250 metres. Mountain footwear and enough water are recommended.

See the full route → See on Wikiloc →

Low difficulty

Ruta 02 · Ruta del Azahar

A loop trail among orange groves and Arab irrigation channels

Distance: 6.3 km
Duration: ~2 hours
Elevation gain: Gentle
Type: Loop

A gentle route among orange orchards and historic Arab-origin channels. Ideal for the whole family and for photography, especially in spring when the scent of orange blossom fills the air. In autumn, the fruit-laden orange trees offer a landscape of intense colour.

📍 Starting point: Mirador de las Alvirillas · Melegís (km 4 of the GR-3204)

🪧 Waymarking: SL-A 214 official · Junta de Andalucía

See the full route → See on Wikiloc →

Low difficulty

Ruta 03 · Restábal Castle

Restábal → Saleres through olive groves and ravines

Distance: ~5 km
Duration: ~2 hours
Elevation gain: Moderate
Type: One way between villages

A trail connecting Restábal with Saleres, passing the remains of the 14th-century Nasrid castle, also known as the Moors’ Castle. Panoramic views of the Béznar reservoir and Sierra Nevada.

📍 Starting point: Restábal · Town Hall square

🪧 Waymarking: Local · check with the Town Hall

See the full route → See on Wikiloc →

Tourism →