In Pizarra, hiking trails, landscapes and heritage offer different ways to enjoy a getaway. Routes range from the El Santo section, with its estimated walking time, to a 52-kilometre circular hike divided into four sections. There are also opportunities for birdwatching, rock-cut architecture and local festivals.
Hiking trails and landscapes
The SL-A 213 hiking trail network runs through the Sierra de Gibralmora and connects Pizarra with Cerralba, as well as Cerralba with Zalea and El Santo. The Área recreativa Raja Ancha is located on the SL-A 213 and features a viewpoint and a recreational area with barbecue grills, tables and benches. The El Santo section is a 5,868-metre linear trail from the Área recreativa Raja Ancha to Calle Ermita; the estimated walking time is two hours and 45 minutes.
A longer option is the PR-A 118 “Contrastes y Azahar”: this circular hiking route, approved and signposted by the Junta de Andalucía, passes through Pizarra, covers a total of 52 kilometres and is divided into four sections. Its landscapes include riverside orchards with citrus trees as well as dry areas with carob and almond trees and traditional cortijos. Information panels along the route point out Pizarra’s monuments and archaeological remains.
The birdwatching trails also vary in length and landscape. “La Charcuela” is 3,300 metres long, can be explored on foot or by mountain bike and takes an estimated hour. The trail follows a stretch of the middle and lower Guadalhorce, where waterbirds and birds of prey can be seen, along with insect-eating and seed-eating birds. “Subida al Santo” is 5,290 metres long and can also be explored on foot or by mountain bike. Between May and August, at night, European nightjars that nest at El Santo feed on insects attracted by artificial lighting. The linear “Gibralmora” birdwatching trail is 11,000 metres long, leads to the summit of the Sierra and offers views of the surrounding landscape.
Rock-cut architecture and history
The Ermita La Fuensanta combines architectural history with a viewpoint: it was built in the 16th century over an old Mozarabic church partly built into the rock. Its single nave is carved into the rock. From the ermita, the view extends across the citrus-growing Vega, the bridges over the Guadalhorce and the Sierra de las Nieves.
The Museo Municipal de Pizarra is housed in Cortijo Casablanca, also known as Cortijo del Arte. It displays archaeological and ethnographic objects, as well as works by the American painter Gino Hollander. The Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol features a single-nave Mudéjar design and an elaborately decorated artesonado wooden ceiling. Its square tower has three storeys: the first two are made of masonry, while the third is made of brick. A painting of Saint John the Baptist, dating from the first third of the 17th century, hangs in the baptistery; its artist is unknown.
Remains of a Mozarabic settlement survive at Castillejos de Quintana, including numerous dwellings partly excavated into the rock, tombs carved entirely into the rock and a former quarry. Castillejos de Luna is home to a Bronze Age necropolis with burials in cist graves. The Torre Árabe de la Cruz in the Sierra de Gibralmora served as a lookout and communication point between the castles of Álora and Cártama. The Monumento Sagrado Corazón de Jesús stands at one of the highest points in the Sierra de Gibralmora, overlooking Pizarra and its Vega.
Festivals, tapas and practical planning
Every year on 28 February, many people take part in the Romería “El Santo”, travelling on foot or on horseback. The traditional Rifa of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta takes place on 15 August and is recognised as a “Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Andalucía”; the exact programme may vary from year to year. During Semana Santa, three brotherhoods coordinate the processions.
The Ruta de la Tapa has been held in Pizarra since 2007 and is recognised as a “Fiesta Singular de la Provincia de Málaga”. A route map guides visitors to participating bars and restaurants, where they can sample a variety of local tapas. If you are travelling for a festival, you can check the specific programme in advance.
The Autobús Municipal connects Pizarra with the districts of Cerralba, Zalea and Gibralmora during the day, Monday to Friday. Check the timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Cerralba, Campillos, Alhaurin El Grande, Frigiliana, Benalauría, Arriate, Algarrobo, Cartajima.
Return to the main travel overview: Málaga.
