La Concha, Marbella
La Concha (‘the shell’) looms over the bustling Spanish coast at over 1,200 metres. It is the highest mountain in and around the Marbella area of Andalusia
La Concha Marbella (‘the shell’) looms over the bustling Spanish coast at over 1,200 metres. La Concha is the highest mountain in and around the Marbella area of Andalusia, offering an unrivalled parallel view of the Costa del Sol, Estepona, San Pedro, Puerto Banús, The reservoir of La Concepción, and Sierra de las Nieves national park. A view on a clear day, that stretches all the way to Gibraltar and Africa. Few other places in the mountainous region of Andalusia can offer such dynamic views of the diverse landscape that surrounds it.
It is not surprising that La Concha – the first in a group of mountains that extend from the Mediterranean Sea coast to inner Andalusia – is such a draw for both holidaymakers and Andalusian residents alike.
La Concha, Marbella
What might be surprising to first time visitors is its close proximity to the white beaches, bustle and glamour of Marbella. In fact, many climbers choose Marbella as one of three main starting points for the climbing of La Concha peak. The contrast between the plush comforts and clean streets of Marbella, to the breath-taking and sometimes unforgiving Andalusian countryside as you trek up La Concha Mountain, would not be lost on any visitor. Not that the climb needs to be uncomfortable, and walkers have options as to where to begin and which route to take.
As well as Marbella, other starting points for climbing La Concha are Istán – which is a small mountain village north-west of the peak and approximately 300 meters high – and the ‘Refugio De Juanar’, which is a small hotel in an area of natural beauty at approximately 760 meters high.
Mountain Trekking
While there are many options and areas of natural beauty for families looking for a day activity without too much of a challenge (at least one of the walks is linear, so you can turn back at any point), it is worth noting that La Concha means “shell” in Spanish – the mountain has been named La Concha because of its distinct “shell shape”, there are certainly exposed ridges, vertical walls and a rocky peak to be found, offering many interesting routes to the more experienced mountain walker’s
Many inexperienced walkers, or those with children, opt to begin their climb at Refugio de Juanar Hotel, which is just 10 minutes from Marbella up the road to Ójen. From this point, one of several different routes can be selected, all varying in difficulty and time to walk.
UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve
While nearby Marbella might be famed for its bars, restaurants and golf courses, La Concha has a lot of natural and biological interest and belongs to the UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve (although is just outside the limits of the Natural Park of Sierra de Las Nieves). Along the climb, you can see olive groves, pine trees, berry bushes and walnut trees as well as Spanish goats, eagles and owls; completely undisturbed by – but still in very close proximity to – all the creature comforts anyone could require in nearby Marbella.
Nearby Marbella is no doubt important to visitors coming from afar who may choose not to stay at the mountain hotel of ‘Refugio del Juanar’, as camping in the area is expressly forbidden – as is, perhaps more obviously, making fires.
Natural species and wildlife – including The Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo), a species of tree which survived the last glaciation – must be considered at all times, although no special permissions are needed to hike the mountain itself.
When to climb?
It is worth noting that many visitors to La Concha choose to climb in the winter time, when the weather is mild – not just because of the warm southern climate, but also because of the close proximity of the sea. Climbers in the summertime face the challenge of the high temperatures and high UV radiation.
While this is certainly not unpleasant (assuming considerations are given to sun screen, water and appropriate clothing), many people prefer to visit when the weather is milder, and these winter tourists are no doubt welcome boost to nearby Marbella.
Tourist Attraction
For an activity that is flexible in budget (there is no charge to climb the mountain, but some visitors may opt to take a registered guide), as challenging as you’d like it to be, and attractive all year round – La Concha is a tourist attraction that is not going anywhere.
There is no doubt that the Costa Del Sol is a stunning place to visit, and there can be few greater places to view the coast and beyond than from La Concha.
If you need more information on the area and are looking for a place to live Magna Estates would love to help you
