El Saltillo, Malaga, is one of those hikes no one has heard of. A hike in the dark shadows of the world-famous Caminito del Rey.
This is good news for anyone looking for a spectacular Malaga hiking trail without the crowds.
Even though more people have found their way to hiking El Saltillo from Canillas de Aceituno, a cute little white village in the province of Malaga, most visitors go there to climb Malaga’s highest peak, La Maroma (2066m).
So, what makes El Saltillo so special? The trail follows the water pipelines along steep hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and mountains. It crosses the newly built suspension bridge of 54 meters.
Continuing up a steep rocky part with chains to hold on to, you can ascend to a viewpoint with mesmerizing views of the valley and the mighty La Maroma peak before turning back. This guide has all the information you need to hike El Saltillo trail.
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When is the best time to hike El Saltillo Malaga?
In the hot summer months from June to mid-September, temperatures are extremely hostile for hiking El Saltillo Malaga. Even though there are parts with running water at the beginning of the trail, it doesn’t last for long. There is a waterfall and a small natural pool just past the junction that takes you down to the hanging bridge, but this part of the trail is currently closed off.
The reason I was given, is that it doesn’t live up to the standards required for the “La gran Senda de Malaga” route which it’s a part of. This is the 739 km long hiking route crossing Malaga Province over 35 stages.
I walked to the waterfall before the hanging bridge was built, and there are steep drops along the narrow path, though I don’t remember them being worst than earlier stages of the trail.
From mid-September until May temperatures are usually more pleasant even though you may get days with 30 degrees Celsius in the shoulder seasons too. Sunny days can be warm when you’re hiking and as the altitude is not high on this hike, you should dress in layers so you can take off any long sleeves if necessary. Most of the trail is exposed to the sun.
Insider tip! If you have the opportunity, go there mid-week to avoid local weekend hikers.
What to bring when you hike El Saltillo
The trail is only 11,3 kilometers long but with burning sun and large stretches without shade, the hike can be hard if you’re not prepared. That’s why I have put together a list of recommended things to bring on your day hike.
Depending on the season you’re hiking, you might not need to bring a wind jacket or long pants but it doesn’t hurt to bring something to cover up with just in case the weather changes or you take longer to get back than planned.
finally, make sure you wear good hiking shoes, especially if you plan on going all the way to the viewpoint, as the ground is uneven can be slippery with loose ground. You could also consider hiking poles for the last bit of the trail.
So, what to put in your day pack:
- Hat/caps
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Lunch pack (I recommend bringing a sandwich/baguette, energy bars, fruit, and nuts for the day to keep your energy levels up)
- Camera
Find the best sustainable backpack for you here.
How to get to El Saltillo Canillas de Aceituno
El Saltillo Trail starts in the white village Canillas de Aceituno in the Province of Malaga so you need to get there first. From Malaga, you can take the bus or you can drive.
By bus
There is a bus service from Vélez-Malaga to Canillas de Aceituno which has a pretty bad time table.
Monday to Friday it goes at 13:30 and 19:20, on Saturdays it goes at 13:20, while there is no service on Sundays or public holidays.
Also, the return to Vélez-Malaga isn’t much more flexible. Monday to Friday there are buses at 07:30 and 16:00. Saturdays it goes one at 09:00.
You can check out the official bus table here.
Luckily, there is also another company commuting between Malaga and Salares which has a stop in Canillas de Aceituno. They travel a bit more frequently and is a better option if you plan to go for a day trip from Malaga. They still don’t run on Sundays or other public holidays. You can look at their time tables here.
By car
The easiest way to get to El Saltillo Canillas de Aceituno is without a doubt by car. Driving from Malaga via A-7 is only about an hour driving passed Vélez-Malaga.
If you can’t find parking in the village, there is a public parking lot at the entrance of the village where you can park for free.
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Where to stay in Canillas de Aceituno
In case you opt for the bus or just want to spend the night in Canillas de Aceituno, there are opportunities to stay in rural houses around the town.
A good choice is Casa Bonita. You can book your stay here.
But if you prefer to stay centrally in Canillas de Aceituno, Olive & Ivy Guesthouse is the best place to stay! This friendly and clean guesthouse is situated right behind the Town Hall and they serve a mean breakfast.
Book your stay at Olive & Ivy Guesthouse here.
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Hiking El Saltillo Malaga
The 11,3 kilometers hike starts in the white village, Canillas de Aceituno. Walking up the left side of the main square, continue zig-zag up the stairs through the houses. It’s well marked with signs to Puente Colgante del Saltillo.
In the middle of the top stairs, follow the signs to the path on your right that you will follow for the next hour or so.
This small path will take you through olive trees and continue to a concrete aqueduct a few hundred meters ahead. From there, follow the trail which goes along the water pipes until you see signs down to the hanging bridge to the right. If you continue a few meters ahead before turning down, you get some pretty good views of the bridge from above.
The path going down to the hanging bridge can be slippery with loose surfaces, so take it easy on this stretch. The hanging bridge is the 3rd longest in Spain with its 54 meters hanging 79 meters above the ground. This bridge was built in 2020 and the trail was reopened on the 26th of October the same year.
Some people choose to turn around after crossing the hanging bridge, which would make the hike about 3-4 hours with breaks. But most continue up the steep, narrow path that winds up to the top of the other side of the gorge, making it a 5-6 hours hike including breaks.
This is the most adventurous part of the trail and if you struggled with vertigo across the hanging bridge, you might reconsider this. There are several parts with chains to hold on to, so if you take care of where you step, it’s completely safe.
Once up there, keep following the trail until you get to a dirt road. Take this to the left and continue straight past a little hut on your left and you find the viewpoint.
I warn you! This hike is not for anyone who suffers from vertigo. Large parts of the trail are super narrow with steep drops down the hillside. I had to get my friends to hold my dog the first time I went as I had enough concentrating on myself (as you might already know, I’m not very bold when it comes to heights). The second time I hiked it, my furry friend stayed at home.
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Responsible hiking in El Saltillo Canillas de Aceituno
To make sure you support the local community, why not shop for your fruit and snacks in the supermarket in Canillas de Aceituno? If you bring your own reusable bags, you don’t have to get a plastic bag in the shop.
As always, make sure you don’t leave any rubbish behind on the trail, including fruit rests. As the fruit is not indigenous to the area it should not be planted either. Also, there is a big chance that your fruit isn’t organic, and this harms animals and insects eating the fruit rests from the ground, fruit that also isn’t part of their natural diet.
You can read more about why sustainable travel is important here.
Finally, make sure you bring a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic! My favorite bottle is this one from Greens Steel, as it keeps the water cold for the entire day.
Get your own Green Steels water bottle here!
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Great info. Looks like a wonderful place!
Thank you! It really is:)
Awesome! I will definitely keep this in mind for later this year when I’m in Spain. Thank you!
Great! I hope you enjoy Spain!