Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve
Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve
Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
77 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
29
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Tim L
Swansea County, UK48 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
No. 5 bus from Malaga buy a 1.30 euro ticket to Guadalmar which is the next stop after St Julian. Buses every 30 minutes. Cross the road turn left and walk the few metres back to the little roundabout and take first right. The road sweeps to right through 90 degrees and then to the left you will see the embankment that marks the reserve. Climb the embankment and turn left and in a few minutes you will get to the bridge for walkers, cyclists and park staff that takes you over the river into the reserve proper.
Visited first week of April 2017 when the northern area was covered in a sea of flowers. Numerous birds everywhere. There are well placed hides for birdwatching that also provide shade and shelter and a place to picnic. Also plenty of trees to shade under. Walking is flat dirt trails.
There are NO TOILETS and NOWHERE to get refreshments.
You will need stout shoes or boots, water, victuals, hat, jacket, camera, binoculars.
Unsuitable for small children or the disabled.
Excellent for mountain biking.
One reviewer mentioned walking back to Malaga along the beach but the western arm of the Guadalhorce does not have a bridge here. There is a sandbank at the mouth but 1/4 was submerged. Might be possible to cross with a calm sea, low tide and after a drought.
Visited first week of April 2017 when the northern area was covered in a sea of flowers. Numerous birds everywhere. There are well placed hides for birdwatching that also provide shade and shelter and a place to picnic. Also plenty of trees to shade under. Walking is flat dirt trails.
There are NO TOILETS and NOWHERE to get refreshments.
You will need stout shoes or boots, water, victuals, hat, jacket, camera, binoculars.
Unsuitable for small children or the disabled.
Excellent for mountain biking.
One reviewer mentioned walking back to Malaga along the beach but the western arm of the Guadalhorce does not have a bridge here. There is a sandbank at the mouth but 1/4 was submerged. Might be possible to cross with a calm sea, low tide and after a drought.
Written April 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlanWarrington
Warrington2 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
We visited the reserve in May. We were frustrated to find that the Tourist Office had no info. on how to get there, mainly because they were unaware of it ! We set off from Benalmadena on the No.110 to Malaga.The driver said he would drop us off at the nearest stop to Guadalmar, but he forgot so, on a packed to capacity bus, we were taken through to Malaga. We sheepishly boarded the same bus to try again on the return, and the same driver said he would let us know this time. He dropped us off near IKEA, which required a massive walk to get to the reserve. For the future we think the best stops on this route are adjacent to Makro. Going from Benalmadena/Torremolinos you then go round the back of the Ford dealer's and there is a long straight footpath which takes you in about one mile to the bridge over the Guadalhorce River to the reserve. Coming from Malaga you must cross the dual carriageway by the footbridge which is painted in Makro blue. I've explained this option because I couldn't find info. on the web about the No.10 route which has previously been reported. We saw great egrets, bee-eaters, stilts, various waders and various warblers etc. We loved it. No shade, except in the hides; take water.
Written May 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TabbycatCrawley
Crawley, UK59 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
We were staying in Malaga and wanted to go to the Laguna Fuente de Piedra, but as we were relying on public transport, we unfortunaterly could not find any buses or trains that gave us adequate time at the lagoon. (this may be better at peak season)
Instead we visited the Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve. We caught the no. 10 bus outside the Malaga railway station and for 1.30 euros (per person each way) and a 20 minute bus ride we had a brilliang day out bird spotting.
Ask to be dropped off just as you reach Guadalamar (there's a roundabout with a colourful tiled plaque with the name of the town). Take the first turning on the left and it takes you to the east side of the estuary. Make sure you go across the bridge (at the opposite end to the beach) and you will get to the hides and 4 or 5 different lagoons.
Each lagoon had lots of different types of birds and amongst many others we were lucky enough to see 3 white flamingoes, stilts and some turtles.
Tourist info at Malaga told us we could have caught a no. 16 bus, but this takeds you to the west side of the estuary and I don't think you can get across the river.
Apart from the wildlife, this was an extremely relaxing and pleasant day out away from the hussle and bussle of the tourists in the city and considering it is wedged in betweeen the airport, the motorway and Malaga it is so very peaceful.
Don't forget you binoculars. The website for http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protec gives you stacks of very useful information on both of these bird watching sites.
Instead we visited the Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve. We caught the no. 10 bus outside the Malaga railway station and for 1.30 euros (per person each way) and a 20 minute bus ride we had a brilliang day out bird spotting.
Ask to be dropped off just as you reach Guadalamar (there's a roundabout with a colourful tiled plaque with the name of the town). Take the first turning on the left and it takes you to the east side of the estuary. Make sure you go across the bridge (at the opposite end to the beach) and you will get to the hides and 4 or 5 different lagoons.
Each lagoon had lots of different types of birds and amongst many others we were lucky enough to see 3 white flamingoes, stilts and some turtles.
Tourist info at Malaga told us we could have caught a no. 16 bus, but this takeds you to the west side of the estuary and I don't think you can get across the river.
Apart from the wildlife, this was an extremely relaxing and pleasant day out away from the hussle and bussle of the tourists in the city and considering it is wedged in betweeen the airport, the motorway and Malaga it is so very peaceful.
Don't forget you binoculars. The website for http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protec gives you stacks of very useful information on both of these bird watching sites.
Written April 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul J
None, Italy7 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
Spent about 4 hours at this reserve in Feb, and saw a number of species you won't see in the UK including Booted Eagle, Sardinian Warbler, Flamingo and Crag Martin. We caught the no 5 bus from Malaga and got off in Guadalmar, about a 30 min ride which left about a 5 min walk to the reserve. There is only one entrance to the reserve, it's on the west side of the reserve on the Calle Guadalhorce.
Written February 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas H
Derby, UK30 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We travelled on the number 5 bus from Almeda Principal and got off just past the roundabout in Guadalmar.A ten minute walk takes you to the river embankment from which you cross a footbridge into the reserve.There is trail which skirts the outside and ends up at the beach and another which goes into the centre,both well signposted.Although middle of the day we saw a good variety of birds such as black winged stilts,avocets,white headed ducks and even a juvenile flamingo.There are also plenty of warblers about and a few birds of prey overhead.Note ther are no toilet facilities on the reserve, although there are two small bars near to the bus stop where we got off, both recommended.
Written May 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlisonAnderson
Scotland44 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We had a great visit here recently. Saw lots of birds we dont see in the UK, especially the flamingos. Both the 5 and 10 buses go out that way from Malaga and we followed another trip advisor directions, getting off at Makro (easy to spot), and crossing the main road on the footbridge, turn left at the bottom, past the Ford garage and you are there. Well worth the trip from the city, nice beach too.
Written April 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz R
Bristol, UK83 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Amidst the tower blocks on the coast at Malaga is this wilderness between two rivers, on one side bordered by the sea. Not the easiest place to find but worth the effort. There are several well constructed hides from which to see birdlife and several lagoons and reedbeds. You can walk a circular route including a few hundred yards on the beach. Worth preparing a picnic and taking your time.
Written February 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter H
Redhill, UK593 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
This site is accessed from the west, from San Julian. If you come off the A7 for San Julian, go down a little way, almost to the sea and turn left toward what is Malaga. Continue 500 yards until you come to the river. Park for free in the residential road (near an all weather football pitch) and go up to higher level. Turn left and walk north another 400 yards to a concrete bridge. Cross it and a signboard will explain the free site. Quite a mix of birds. Our first visit last week. Most likely someone walkiing around will be able to point out the birds if you do not reconise them. Quite a few new sightings for us and very enjoyable in the sunshine.
Written November 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Queenadelaide
Glenfield, UK79 contributions
Mar 2016
First of all - how to get there on the bus. Take no 5 or 10 and get off at Makro (ring the bell when you cross the river). Cross the road on the footbridge. At the bottom turn back on yourself and walk past the various garages until you reach a bar. Just past there is a wide path with signs (though not to the reserve). Turn right, keep going under the road bridge then left over the river. Then there are boards showing the paths and hides. About 15 minutes walk. We didn't manage to see the whole site but saw some great birds - white headed duck, black winged stilt, kentish plover.
Written March 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaybelo
Exeter, UK17 contributions
The nature reserve is on the western edge of Malaga, near the airport, and encompasses the river estuary. There's a path system through it and some bird watching hides. I'm not a bird watcher, but there seemed to be quite a lot, though mostly ducks.
Despite traffic noise it's tranquil and lovely, and at the sea end is a lovely beach. Worth a trip if you like walking and nature.
There's a web site here http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/guadalhorce.htm
but they don't say that you can get to either end of the area using the #10 bus from the city centre.
Despite traffic noise it's tranquil and lovely, and at the sea end is a lovely beach. Worth a trip if you like walking and nature.
There's a web site here http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/guadalhorce.htm
but they don't say that you can get to either end of the area using the #10 bus from the city centre.
Written February 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si vas en coche particular debes abandonar la autopista por la salida San Julián y coger la rotonda en dirección Guadalhorce. Luego está bien señalizado. Puedes aparcar el vehículo en la calle y enseguida está el sendero que conduce a las diferentes lagunas y la playa.
Written March 24, 2019
Are there cycle routes around the reserve or is it just for walkers?
Many thanks
Written November 30, 2018
You can cycle along the tracks on a mountain bike. I would guess about 2 or 3 miles in total.
Written December 1, 2018
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