With summer here, more and more people are beginning to get ready for their beach holiday. It seems that every town hall along the coast is frantically cleaning and making sure their beaches are in prime condition for the summer rush.
There is no doubt about it, Spain offers some great places for a beach holiday. There are also some truly beautiful spots in the countryside.
Most of these places are off the regular tourist route and do take some form of effort to get to. But it is effort well spent. Here is one such place.
Just along the River (Rio) Higueron, next to the village of Frigiliana on the Costa del Sol.
Rio Higueron
Walks along the Rio Higueron near Frigiliana are increasingly popular. It is not hard to understand why.
The water is crystal clear, very cold and makes a refreshing place to visit in the summer months. For a day away from the beach, you can’t go wrong. It is also very straightforward to get to as well. Bring good shoes, plenty of water/sunscreen and, of course, a swimming suit.
The picture below is the place we usually aim for.
Pozo Batan Alberca
The Pozo Batan Alberca is large water deposit fed by the acequia there. Forming what could be Spain’s nicest natural swimming pool. It dates from Roman times.
A word of warning – officially swimming is not recommended/allowed.
We swim there and quite a few others do as well. But always make sure you can get out easily, water levels can change very quickly. The water is cold. Very cold. That said, it is a great way to cool off after the walk to get there.
How to get there
Take the autovia N340 direction Motril/Almeria. Coming off at the exit for Nerja.
At the top of the exit, bear left and go up the hill to Frigiliana – signposted. Continue upwards until you arrive at a junction, at the edge of the town, take the road straight ahead following signs to the Casco historico.
Eventually arriving at a car park on the right. We normally park here. Straight after the car park, take a sharp right and look out for a Unicaja bank at the top of the slope. There’s a path to the right of the bank, follow this path downwards. The road is fairly steep in places and eventually brings you down to the river.
Follow the path upwards – away from the village. You have to cross the river itself numerous times. To get to the larger pools and the Pozo carry on for two-three kilometres.
For the more adventurous, keep following the river upwards, you eventually start coming to a series of waterfalls and deeper pools for swimming.
Follow the same route back. Makes a great day out for all the family.
I guide walks thru this valley about twice a week and this resevoir is beautiful.
The kids usually jump off the wall just above the sign that says “No Diving : No Swimming!”
Indeed they do!! Probably not the safest past-time though….but it is a lot of fun
Your walks look fantastic. Hiking in that area is second to none. Highly recommended!!