El Tomillar is a neighbourhood in the Puerto de la Torre district. For planning your trip, there are three different perspectives to consider: paths through nature, the history of the Torre Vigía and the Ermita, and a children’s park with a literary theme. The route that suits your schedule can be chosen mainly by considering its stated length, walking time and difficulty.

Hiking trails: distance and difficulty

The Puerto de la Torre section of the Sendero Ciudad Jardín–Puerto de la Torre starts on Calle Fuente Alegre, below the Autovía del Mediterráneo. Wooden posts mark the trail. Depending on the detours to the Torre Vigía de Verdiales or the Ermita de Verdiales, the route is about 11 kilometres long.

The Sendero PR-A 114 Ciudad Jardín–Puerto de la Torre connects the two neighbourhoods through natural surroundings and leads to the Embalse de El Limonero. It is a linear route covering 17.3 kilometres one way; the estimated walking time is five hours and 15 minutes, and the difficulty level is moderate to high. A 950-metre variant leads to the Presa del Agujero, where it meets the other route option. The linear route and its moderate-to-high rating can help you plan your time. As route details may change, check the latest information before setting out.

Bus route 21 can be used to reach the trail. From the Lope de Rueda (Correos) stop, it is about a 15-minute walk to the starting point. Check the connection again before travelling.

Landscape and history

From higher points, you can enjoy views of Málaga and the Mediterranean. Some sections of the route pass terraced slopes planted with olive trees, grapevines and almond trees. Sweeping views of the city and sea are therefore combined with stretches shaped by agriculture.

The Torre Vigía de Verdiales is an old watchtower dating from the medieval Islamic period. The Ermita de Verdiales, by contrast, dates from the 18th century and stands at a place that historically linked Málaga and Antequera. The watchtower and hermitage thus reflect different historical periods and add a cultural focus to the choice of route.

Park and local events

The themed children’s park La Isla del Tesoro is in the El Tomillar neighbourhood of the Puerto de la Torre district. It is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s best-known work. Play equipment includes slides with a tower, a ship’s mast with climbing ropes, and tiered climbing nets. Facilities may change; if any specific equipment is important for your visit, check the latest park information.

Local events also offer a different way to experience the neighbourhood. The 2026 Puerto de la Torre Fair programme included the fairground on Calle Escritora Matilde del Nido and a traditional horse-drawn carriage display. As seasonal event schedules can change, check the specific dates before your trip.

The weekly market takes place every Tuesday on Calle Pirita in the Recinto Ferial area. If you plan to visit, check the market day before you go, as weekly schedules can change.

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