Andalusia is known the world over for its exceptional walking and scenic routes, among which the Caminito del Rey stands out on its pedestal. Soon, however, this southern region of Spain will be gaining a new route that will undoubtedly be travelled by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year: the Senda Litoral (Coastal Path) project.
Senda Litoral: the new symbol of the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s picturesque coastlines, famous for its beautiful beaches, charming towns and unique landscapes. A new and important tourism project in the area is the Senda Litoral, which aims to highlight the beauty of the coast and make it more accessible to tourists and locals. Senda Litoral is a tourism and leisure project that aims to create a coherent walking and cycling route along the Mediterranean coast, linking the many towns and beaches on the Costa del Sol, from Manilva to Nerja.
Senda Litoral is a long-term initiative that includes the construction and maintenance of the route, including pavements, cycle paths, bridges and other facilities to access the coast. When completed, it will be over 160 km long – currently 80% has already been completed. The main idea behind the project was to promote tourism, protect the environment and provide access to the coast for locals and tourists.
Legend:
- green – coastal path is complete
- orange – can easily pass through a harbour, marina or other area
- blue – walk along the beach
- red – it is safe to deviate from the route to move to the next section
The entire tour is available at this link, as well as on the project website.
Along the route there is something for everyone
Senda Litoral attracts tourists from all over the world who want to discover the delights of the Costa del Sol. It offers the opportunity to visit beautiful towns, enjoy the beaches and enjoy the rich nature and culture of the region. This project makes Andalusia an even more attractive place to visit and enjoy the outdoors.
The route passes through areas rich in historical significance. Along the way, you will encounter remnants of ancient civilisations, such as Roman ruins and watchtowers that once guarded against pirate attacks, which we have also written more extensively about on our blog.
Tourism development and environmental protection
Another important aspect is the strong emphasis placed on promoting sustainable tourism and environmental protection. In planning the entire route and the work involved in its creation, the originators placed great importance on protecting the natural habitats of the birds and other animals that inhabit the Costa del Sol, while also promoting responsible behaviour among tourists choosing to walk along the coast.
The path crosses several protected natural areas, showcasing the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Look out for unique species of coastal plants and birds, including gulls or… cormorants.
Promotion of Andalusian villages
Many towns and villages along the Senda Litoral host cultural events and festivals throughout the year. These events often celebrate local traditions, music and cuisine, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Costa del Sol.
Numerous restaurants and chiringuitos (beach restaurants) are scattered along the coast. They offer the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the coast. Along the route, you can also encounter various installations and sculptures by local artists. These add an extra layer of cultural richness to the coastal experience of discovering the Costa del Sol.
Beat Senda Litoral by bike
The Senda Litoral route has been designed to be accessible to people of all ages and travel expectations. It is a family-friendly destination – with wide, well-maintained paths that are suitable for walking.
In all sections, cyclists or people travelling on scooters, scooters and other unicycles must give way to pedestrians. The rules for cyclists vary according to the provinces and regulations imposed by the town halls of each town and city. Pay attention to them, especially on sections of the Paseo Maritimo (seaside promenade). The most important ones you should know are:
- In Estepona, cyclists are not allowed on the promenade,
- In Mijas Costa, cyclists are not allowed on the promenade on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and from Monday to Friday cyclists are not allowed from 11am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm,
- In Marbella, cyclists using the promenade must observe a speed limit of 10 km/h, and in summer a special street route is created for them.
Senda Litoral is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Discovering the wealth of nature, history and culture of the Costa del Sol has never been more fascinating. Experience unforgettable moments on this unique walking and cycling route!
