The Aleppo pine forests of the Montes de Málaga natural park act like a protective blanket for the soils. Without them, rain would wash away large sections and cause floods. This was the case over and over again from the 15th century up until less than a century ago, as a result of the cutting down of ancient forests in order to cultivate vines, olive trees and almond trees.

The park is easily accessible and close to the coastal and mountain towns that surround it. It is considered the green lung of the surrounding areas, and visitors will find plenty of things to do in its recreational areas. Educational activities related to the environment are available at La Aula de la Naturaleza Las Contadoras (Environmental Education Centre Environmental Education Centre).

You can also enjoy hiking here. During the rainy season you can see beautiful waterfalls such as Picapedreros. Via trails such as Torrijos, walkers will notice the remains of crops and buildings that remind us of the wine-producing history of the area, whilst enjoying the coolness of the stream and the gallery forest. At one time, the vine crops produced magnificent sweet, semi-sweet and dry wines. But, as a result of a number of plagues, they were eventually wiped out. Some of these traditional constructions would be housed in the same building; the grape press, oil mills and bread ovens. The Lagar de Torrijos (The Torrijos Press) is an example of this type of building and it currently houses the ecomuseum of the same name, where visitors can learn more about trades related to wine production.

Alternatively, routes such as Pocopan allow you to enjoy the repopulated pine forests, that make up the bulk of the vegetation here. With any luck, you’ll see squirrels along the way, but you will have to look very closely indeed if you have any hope of seeing the notoriously well-camouflaged chameleon. Along the route, expanses of trees made up of holm oaks, Portuguese oaks and cork oaks gradually take over the pine forest.

Another attraction of this natural park is the beautiful panoramic views of the capital of the Costa del Sol, and of other mountains in the province. A good place to do this is the El Cochino viewpoint, where, with the help of binoculars, you can see the glorious flight of birds of prey such as booted eagles and short-toed snake eagles.

To end the day, you can sample the famous wine produced in these mountains in local bars, even during the Verdiales fiestas. These are the traditional, colourful dances customary on the feasts of San Juan, Santiago and on 28th December.

Other recommended visits associated with the park are the villages of Colmenar and Casabermeja, where you will enjoy Mediterranean architecture and monuments, which include Casabermeja's unique cemetery, a designated Historic-Artistic Monument, built with traditional architecture.