Monday 18 May 2015

Sierra Bermeja




Beyond serving as a superb backdrop for Valle Romano Golf complex, Sierra Bermeja is a great place to spend an unforgettable day.



Surrounded by fresh air, ancient trees and possibly the best views of the Costa del Sol, with an average height of 1,000m (its highest point being 1,450m), covering 1,236ha. It is an area that has undergone major volcanic activity; the rocks are rich in the olivine mineral. Rainwater has oxidized the iron and magnesium present in the rocks and the iron oxide has coloured the rock reddish-ginger, a hue that gives the sierra its name.  



The sierra's most notable tree is the Pinsapo (Spanish fir), which only grows in Andalucía in this area and the neighboring  Serranía de Ronda. This botanical jewel is only found in half a dozen places in the world. You will also find maritime and Austrian pines, cork and kermes oaks, junipers and yew trees. There are some species of Mediterranean scrubland such as rosemary and dwarf fan palms.

There are not dangerous animals in the area, but you can find mountain goats, the roe deer and the Egyptian mongoose. Less visible are the otters and wild cats. Raptors nest in the many sheer slopes and include booted eagles, Griffon vultures, sparrow hawks and eagle and long-eared owls.



Once you get close to the summit, you will find "Refugio de los Reales". During the day, you can buy drinks and snacks here (but just in case, bring your own food as I can’t guarantee it will be open when you get there).  




Nearby you will find a recreational area with picnic tables. There is also a car park and a short walk leads to the mirador point from where you can enjoy breathtaking views.



Footpaths:

There are tree hiking trails that are marked (Los Realillos, Paseo de los Pinsapos and Salvador Guerrero), of medium difficulty so it is recommended to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Please keep in mind that the temperature is often 10° less than the waterfront, so think about whether you want to take something warm. Best time to visit is Spring and Autumn. 





How to get there:

You can drive to near the top of Sierra Bermeja in under an hour. Take the road signposted Genalguacil from the traffic lights on the Estepona inner bypass (Avda de Andalucia), near the Mercadona supermarket. This is the MA 557.




About half an hour after leaving Estepona you will reach "Peñas Blancas" pass. Turn left following the sign up to "Los Reales" (36.504643, -5.188839) . The tarmac road is old, however a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary.

From Peñas Blancas pass the road also leads down to Jubrique and to Genalguacil and on to the Gaucin – Ronda road. In this way one can make an enjoyable half day drive from Estepona up to Sierra Bermeja and then returning by Gaucin and Manilva or by Ronda and San Pedro .

The shelter (El Refugio) GPS coordinates: (36.482422, -5.200806)


I hope you can enjoy this wonderful spot of Estepona!



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