Mount Calamorro, in Benalmádena, is one of the best-known places on the Costa del Sol for enjoying nature, hiking and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Located at an altitude of around 770 metres, this spot in the Sierra de Benalmádena offers views over much of the Málaga coastline and, on particularly clear days, even Gibraltar and the African coast.
One of its main advantages is that there are several ways to reach the upper part of the mountain. You can hike up Mount Calamorro, take the Benalmádena Cable Car, or combine both options.
Where is Mount Calamorro?
Mount Calamorro is located in Benalmádena, in the province of Málaga, rising above Arroyo de la Miel and the Costa del Sol. It forms part of the Sierra de Benalmádena, which is connected to the Sierra de Mijas, and its location allows you to go from urban and coastal areas to a completely mountainous environment in just a few minutes.
The landscape is dominated by Mediterranean vegetation, scrubland, pine forests and limestone terrain. Its proximity to Benalmádena makes Calamorro a very accessible excursion for anyone looking to combine a coastal holiday with a nature experience.
How to get to the top of Mount Calamorro?
There are two main ways to reach the upper area of Mount Calamorro: hiking up one of its trails or taking the Benalmádena Cable Car. Both options offer very different experiences.
Going up Mount Calamorro by cable car
The Benalmádena Cable Car connects Arroyo de la Miel with the upper area of Mount Calamorro. Its upper station is located at approximately 769 metres above sea level, allowing visitors to cover almost the entire elevation gain of the mountain.
During the journey, you can enjoy excellent panoramic views of Benalmádena and the Costa del Sol. Once at the top, you can explore different trails, visit the viewpoints and discover part of the upper area of the mountain range. This option is particularly suitable for families, people who do not want to undertake a demanding climb, or visitors with limited time.
Hiking up Mount Calamorro
For hiking enthusiasts, walking up Mount Calamorro is probably the most complete way to discover this area of Benalmádena. The Sierra de Benalmádena has a network of trails offering different ascents and connections between several points in the mountains.
Some routes lead directly to the Calamorro area, while others take you to Puerto Viejo, one of the main trail junctions in the mountain range, from where you can continue towards the summit.
Hiking trails to Mount Calamorro
The Benalmádena trail network consists of six main routes covering different areas of the mountains. Some start near Arroyo de la Miel or Benalmádena Pueblo, while others cross the highest areas of the range.
If your specific goal is to hike up Mount Calamorro, the most direct option is the R-1 Arroyo de los Muertos, Calamorro variant. The other routes are interesting alternatives for reaching places such as Puerto Viejo, Cerro del Moro or the Tajos de la Sabia, from where you can connect with other trails in the network.
Arroyo de los Muertos Route – Calamorro variant
Route 1, Arroyo de los Muertos, is the most recommended option for anyone wanting to hike up Mount Calamorro from Benalmádena. The route begins in the northern part of Arroyo de la Miel, near the cemetery, and gradually gains elevation along the mountainside. Its official elevation profile shows an almost continuous climb from just over 200 metres above sea level to approximately 770 metres at Calamorro.
One of the important points appears after approximately two kilometres, where the trail splits into two variants. The Calamorro variant continues towards the summit, while the Ermita variant follows the lower slopes of the mountain towards Cueva del Toro and does not reach the summit.
If you continue towards Calamorro, the route passes through places such as Puerto de las Ovejas and Puerto Viejo before tackling the final part of the ascent. Puerto Viejo is particularly important because it serves as a major trail junction in the Sierra de Benalmádena, connecting the R-1 with the Los Leñadores and Los Cazadores routes.
The distance to Calamorro is approximately 5 kilometres one way. Although it is not particularly long, the elevation gain makes it more demanding than the distance might suggest, especially during the hotter months.
R-1 Calamorro route information:
- Starting point: northern area of Arroyo de la Miel / near the cemetery.
- End point: Mount Calamorro.
- Distance: approximately 5 km one way.
- Final altitude: around 770 m.
- Highlights: Puerto de las Ovejas, Puerto Viejo and Calamorro.
- Route type: almost continuous ascent.
- Recommended for: hikers looking for the most direct route to Mount Calamorro.
Thanks to its combination of distance, elevation gain and direct access to the mountain, it is probably the best route for hiking up Mount Calamorro for the first time.
Los Leñadores Trail
The Los Leñadores Trail, or R-2, does not end directly at Calamorro, but it is one of the best alternatives for approaching the mountain before connecting with the R-1.
The route begins on the A-368 road, which connects Benalmádena Pueblo with Arroyo de la Miel, specifically at the entrance to the former landfill opposite the petrol station. Its destination is Puerto Viejo, at an altitude of around 625 metres, after approximately 3 kilometres.
The trail initially follows a steep paved road before crossing the A-7 via an overpass. From there, it continues towards an old quarry, whose southern side is climbed along a zigzagging section.
Once past the quarry, the character of the route changes. The gradient becomes gentler and the trail follows the western slope of Calamorro, through areas of esparto grass, rosemary, Mediterranean dwarf palms, juniper, thyme and small pine groves.
In addition to views towards the Guadalhorce Valley and the Alhaurín de la Torre quarries, from this point you can take the R-1 to continue towards Mount Calamorro or the R-6 towards Cerro Guerrero.
R-2 Los Leñadores route information:
- Starting point: A-368 road, entrance to the former landfill.
- End point: Puerto Viejo.
- Distance: approximately 3 km.
- Final altitude: around 625 m.
- Features: steep initial climb, quarry and a gentler ascent afterwards.
- Connection to Calamorro: from Puerto Viejo via the R-1.
- Recommended for: hikers looking for an alternative to the classic ascent.
This is a particularly interesting route if you want to climb via Los Leñadores and then continue to Calamorro, creating a more varied excursion than following the full R-1 route.
El Quejigal Trail
The R-3, or El Quejigal Trail, is one of the most scenic routes in the Sierra de Benalmádena and is particularly notable for the changes in vegetation and terrain encountered along the way.
It begins on the road between Benalmádena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel, near the A-7 viaduct, at approximately 175 metres above sea level. From there, it covers around 3.5 kilometres before meeting the R-6, at an altitude of approximately 580 metres.
The first section follows a stream bed and passes beneath the viaduct. The trail then begins climbing the hillside through an area of Aleppo pine until reaching approximately 330 metres, where it connects with Route 4.
Further ahead lies one of the places that gives this trail its distinctive character: Regajo del Quejigal. At around 425 metres above sea level, the greater humidity of the stream bed encourages much denser vegetation, including oleanders, brambles, rushes and other species that contrast with the rosemary scrub and pine forests found in drier areas.
After crossing the stream, another steep climb begins. The terrain also changes gradually, transitioning from limestone marble to areas of dolomitic marble and sandier ground. As you gain elevation, views open up towards Tajo del Quejigal and the Tajos de la Sabia.
At the end of the R-3, you reach the junction with the R-6. Heading east, you can continue to Puerto Viejo, where the trail connects with the R-1 towards Mount Calamorro. Heading west, the path continues towards Castillejo.
R-3 El Quejigal route information:
- Starting point: A-7 viaduct, Benalmádena Pueblo–Arroyo de la Miel road.
- Starting altitude: approximately 175 m.
- End point: connection with the R-6.
- Final altitude: approximately 580 m.
- Distance: around 3.5 km.
- Highlights: Regajo del Quejigal, pine forests and views of the cliffs.
- Connection to Calamorro: R-6 towards Puerto Viejo, followed by the R-1.
- Recommended for: hikers who particularly value scenery and varied vegetation.
Sections of the Gran Senda de Málaga GR-249 also follow parts of this route, specifically sections connected to the Mijas–Benalmádena and Benalmádena–Alhaurín de la Torre stages.
Tajos de la Sabia Route
Route 4, Tajos de la Sabia, is another alternative for exploring the upper area of the Sierra de Benalmádena before connecting with the rest of the trail network.
The route is slightly more than 4 kilometres long and allows hikers to climb towards the Tajos de la Sabia area, reaching approximately 700 metres at its junction with the Los Cazadores Route.
One of its attractions is the possibility of choosing between different paths at the beginning of the route. Information from the Benalmádena Cable Car describes an initial fork where hikers can choose either an easier route or another path that runs along the side of the mountain before beginning a steeper ascent. The two paths rejoin at approximately 450 metres above sea level.
As you climb, the landscape gradually takes on a much more mountainous character. There are rosemary bushes, rockroses, esparto grass, junipers and different species of pine, as well as some holm oaks. The higher areas also offer extensive panoramic views over the ravines and mountain terrain.
The R-4 ends by connecting with Route 6, or the Los Cazadores Trail, allowing you to continue towards Puerto Viejo and, from there, connect with the R-1 towards Calamorro.
R-4 Tajos de la Sabia route information:
- Distance: slightly more than 4 km.
- Approximate maximum altitude: around 700 m at the junction with the R-6.
- Highlights: Tajos de la Sabia and the higher areas of the mountain range.
- Connections: R-3 and R-6.
- Connection to Calamorro: via the R-6 towards Puerto Viejo and then the R-1.
- Recommended for: hikers looking for a longer, more panoramic excursion through the Sierra de Benalmádena.
Mina de la Trinidad Route
Route 5, Mina de la Trinidad, is one of the routes with the greatest elevation gain in the entire network and is a more suitable alternative for hikers accustomed to demanding trails.
It starts in the western area of Benalmádena and climbs from relatively low elevations to Cerro del Moro, located at approximately 925 metres above sea level. The full route is more than 5 kilometres long.
The municipal elevation profile makes its main characteristic quite clear: much of the route involves climbing, with a considerable overall elevation gain. The trail crosses the A-7, continues alongside several streams and gradually climbs through the mountains until reaching its highest areas.
Halfway along the route lies the place that gives the trail its name: the Mina de la Trinidad, a former ochre mine that is no longer in use. Official information from the Cable Car states that the old mining complex extends for more than 200 metres underground and contains formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. It is an interesting feature of the route’s landscape, not an invitation to enter the mine.
The route continues climbing towards Cerro del Moro, one of the highest points in this area of the Sierra de Mijas. There it connects with the R-6, which crosses the upper part of the mountains towards Puerto Viejo, from where you can continue towards Mount Calamorro.
R-5 Mina de la Trinidad route information:
- Distance: more than 5 km.
- End point: Cerro del Moro.
- Final altitude: approximately 925 m.
- Highlight: the former Mina de la Trinidad.
- Route type: long ascent with considerable elevation gain.
- Connection: R-6 in the upper area.
- Recommended for: fit hikers looking for a more demanding route.
In fact, the Cable Car itself recommends completing this trail downhill from Cerro del Moro if you want to avoid tackling its steepest slopes on the ascent.
Los Cazadores Trail
Route 6, or the Los Cazadores Trail, differs from the previous routes because its main purpose is to cross the upper areas of the Sierra de Benalmádena, connecting several of the major trails in the network.
It links the area around Cerro del Moro with Puerto Viejo, passing through places such as Tajos de la Sabia and Cerro Guerrero. Along the way, it connects with routes R-5, R-4, R-3, R-1 and R-2, making this trail the backbone of many longer excursions through the mountains.
When followed from the higher elevations towards Puerto Viejo, the overall route trends downhill. The municipal elevation profile shows that it begins at around 900–1,000 metres and ends at approximately 600–650 metres, although there are several smaller climbs and descents along the way.
One of its most interesting sections passes beneath the Tajos de la Sabia, through a landscape dominated by rosemary, kermes oak, pine forests and some junipers. As it lies in the upper part of the mountain range, it also offers expansive views and a much stronger mountain atmosphere than the routes beginning near the urban area.
Another of its highlights is Cerro Guerrero, described by Benalmádena’s tourist information as one of the mountain range’s excellent natural viewpoints. From there, you can continue towards Puerto Viejo.
Upon reaching Puerto Viejo, the R-6 connects with the R-1, allowing you to tackle the final section towards Calamorro. It also connects with Los Leñadores for hikers wishing to return via a different route.
R-6 Los Cazadores route information:
- Route: upper mountain area between Cerro del Moro and Puerto Viejo.
- Highlights: Tajos de la Sabia and Cerro Guerrero.
- Main feature: connects many of the mountain range’s trails.
- Connections: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5.
- Connection to Calamorro: from Puerto Viejo via the R-1.
- Recommended for: hikers looking to complete a long traverse or combine several different routes.
The best viewpoints on Mount Calamorro
One of the main reasons to climb Mount Calamorro is the views. In the summit area, you will find three main panoramic viewpoints: the Central Viewpoint, the South Viewpoint and the North Viewpoint, each facing a different part of the Málaga landscape.
Central Viewpoint
The Central Viewpoint is the most accessible, as it is located next to the upper station of the Benalmádena Cable Car.
From here, you can enjoy one of Calamorro’s most recognisable panoramic views, overlooking Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Costa and the Mediterranean. You can also see some of the municipality’s best-known landmarks, including Puerto Marina, Parque de la Paloma and the beaches of Benalmádena.
Thanks to its proximity to the cable car and its open views towards the coast, it is probably the best place for a first stop as soon as you reach the summit.
South Viewpoint
If you are looking for the best views of the Costa del Sol from Mount Calamorro, the South Viewpoint is one place you should not miss.
It is reached via a trail classified as easy and offers an extensive panoramic view of the Málaga coastline. From here, you can see the coast, the beaches of Fuengirola and, when visibility conditions are good, the Rock of Gibraltar. From this orientation, it may also be possible to see Sierra Nevada.
The viewpoint also has a shaded area, making it a good place to stop and rest while exploring the summit.
North Viewpoint
The North Viewpoint reveals a completely different side of Mount Calamorro. Instead of facing the Mediterranean, it overlooks the mountainous landscape of inland Málaga.
From this point, you can enjoy views of the Sierra de Mijas and the Guadalhorce Valley, as well as nearby towns such as Alhaurín de la Torre and Alhaurín el Grande. Several of the mountain range’s main peaks can also be seen, including Pico de Mijas, Cerro del Moro, Jabalcuza and Jarapalos.
The trail leading to this viewpoint is classified as moderate difficulty, but it is particularly worthwhile if you want to experience a landscape different from that of the Costa del Sol.
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Calamorro is one of the best ways to discover the more natural side of Benalmádena. Its hiking trails, summit viewpoints and panoramic views over the Mediterranean make it possible to enjoy a different kind of day out just a few kilometres from the main towns and resorts of the Costa del Sol.
And if, after exploring the mountains, you want to add a little more adrenaline to your visit, Rangers Safari Tours offers a range of adventure experiences that allow you to continue discovering the landscapes of the surrounding area in a different way.
You can round off your trip with a buggy tour in Málaga, discover inland tracks and landscapes with their quad tours in Málaga, or book a buggy tour in Mijas to explore some of the area’s most impressive scenery.
This way, a visit to Mount Calamorro can become a much more complete experience: hiking, mountains, panoramic views and adventure, all in one of the most attractive natural settings on the Costa del Sol.
