Newly decorated studio apartments with lake views directly from the...
Summer, without a doubt, is not the best time of the year to go hiking in southern Spain. However, if at the end of the walk the reward is a refreshing natural cold rock pool, then things are a little different!
by Michael Madsen,
– sharing the authentic Andalusia with you
The Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park is a perfect location to find these hidden rock pools, thanks to the winter snow and the abundance of rainfall in the area, rivers offer a perfect place to get away from the crowded beaches and enjoy Mother Nature in all its beauty.
The rivers Turón, Verde, Grande and Guadalevín make up some of the rivers in the area, springs and underground aquifers maintain their flow in summer.
Even though in August at the weekend many people head to this area, with the many rock pools to choose from, you can still find pools with few people. Stick to coming on a weekday to make sure you have it all to yourself.
One of these hidden gems – El Dique – is found just outside the small whitewashed village of El Burgo – not far from the coast of Marbella and Fuengirola – the dirt track “Carril del Dique” runs along the river Turón. A few kilometers up the gravel road, you will find the trail down to the dike – a little wall that has dammed up the river and created an incredibly beautiful natural rock pool in between the trees.
The hike of just over 2.5 kilometers can be done comfortably on foot. It can also be accessed by car if you are going with small children, there is an area where you can park. The lane guides us through poplars and olive groves following the river bed to El Dique. A few meters further, you can find another dam, smaller in size, and also very popular, El Largo.
The natural pool – El Dique
The water is cold, so you cannot bathe for very long. It is, however, shallow enough for young children to stand and splash in, while you relax on the riverbank – this makes it a perfect spot for the entire family.
I´d recommend you to combine the visit to the rock pool with a hike starting at the nearby village of Tolox, where there are more incredible waterfalls to see.
You could drive up from the coast towards Coin, then stop off in Tolox and El Burgo for a hike, swim and or bite to eat. After experiencing Sierra de las Nieves, cross over to the incredible town of Ronda and then head back to the coast via the picturesque town of San Pedro de Alcántara.
Other splendid rock pools to choose from:
- Charca De Las Mozas, Rio Guadalmina. Benahavís
- Charco Del Potón Alto, Río Grande, Tolox
- Poza De Los Huevos
- El Barranco Blanco
- El Charco De Las Viñas (not busy)
- Pereilas River. Coin
- Rio Grande Guaro
- Charca De La Virgen, Río De Los Caballos. Tolox
- El Charco De Las Nutrias
Three unique places to stay near the Sierra de las Nieves:
Castillo de Monda. You found it on Autentical.com! It can, however, only be booked on Booking.com: |
|
B&B Cortijo La Pura. You found it on Autentical.com! It can, however, only be booked on Booking.com: |
|
Finca El Arpa. Book it here on |
:
Unique accommodation away from the crowds that might interest you:
Country house at 4 km from Algarrobo, with pool (8x4...
Some places are just more spectacular and excepcional than others....
Cottage in tranquil setting from which to enjoy wonderful views...
This Casita is set in Gaucín and offers an outdoor...
Recently renovated country house, with several water springs, where you...
Typical Andalusian house with careful decoration, with a rustic atmosphere....
Ideal rural accommodation for two people. It has a double...
The Tiana Caves are made up of 6 rural houses...
This country house offers all you need, 40 minutes from...
This detached holiday home, located in the Andalusia region, is...
Malaga has become very fashionable - and has upgraded to...
This holiday home with private pool, located just outside one...
Finca cottage built in typical Spanish style. The house is...
Newly decorated studio apartments with lake views directly from the...
Gibraltar is very little and has limited possibilities for accommodations...
Tarifa has become so popular that it is often full...
This romantic village house, located in the south of the...
This rural farmhouse with private pool near Olvera | Ronda,...
This very cozy village house in Comares has a roofterrace...
Casa El Pocito is located in the historic center of...
Beautiful House, rustic style, very bright, with magnificent views of...
A collection of 6 stone cottages situated in a peaceful...
This traditional country house with pool is located in the...
Penthouse Apartment in Algodonales, with restaurants, bars, supermarkets and shops...
In the heart of Axarquia in Andalucia, Spain, just 15...
Apartments with double bed, great lake views, a very nice...
Upon entering the house you have an open living and...
Marbella is the trendy and fashionable place on Costa del...
This townhouse is set in beautiful tropical gardens with a...
One bedroom apartment, with two single beds or a double...
Ideally located between Estepona and San Pedro, the resort is...
In the historic center, the main attractions, wineries are within...
It is a new house exclusively designed with nice materials...
This well equiped villa with heated pool offers you stunning...
A wonderful new holiday home with private pool for larger...
Rural apartment 53 m2, between the forest (Ardales Park) and...
1-, 2- & 3- bedroom apartments for 2-6 persons with...
Magnificent house at street level, on the ground floor and...
This apartment is cozy and spacious, with traditional high ceilings,...
Located in a XVII century mansion in the Jewish Quarter...
Ideally located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter (...
Apartment in a small complex with communual pool (8.5mx2.5m), on...
Apartment located in Complejo Residencial Zahazar, is located in rural...
This house was built with maximum comfort, quality and nice...
Great and spectacular house for 8-14 persons, with 3 independent...
Apartment Located Among The Jewels Of Cadiz Old Town And...
Two cosy cottages for 2-3 persons in a traditional old...
Charming apartment located in the heart of Granada, in a...
The villa is located within a protected area in a...
At Autentical we just have a little selection... But we...
The Atlantic coastline south of Cadiz is beautiful - and...
Granada has so much to offer. Not just the La...
Seville is the second most touristic city in Spain, so...
Nerja is full of tourists. So is Frigiliana. But if...
Newly decorated studio apartments with lake views directly from the...
El Chorro is the best place in Europe for climbing...
Don´t take our word for it! Hear our guests´ opinions:
Louisa: "Their home is located on a beautiful lake (no...
Anna: "We wanted a quiet location where we could swim...
Kate: "The apartment was so well equipped and such a...
Emily: "Everywhere was beautiful and looked a thousand times better...
Jules: "It seems only occupants of El Arpa and the...
Darvis: "Very very peaceful and calming surroundings its everywhere you...
Amanda: "We are so lucky we did. The space was...
James: "They truly love their project and this care and...
Jake: "Great location for climbing, easy walk up to Desplomilandia,...