Five plans in Malaga's countryside as alternative to Holy Week processions

Holy Week isn't just about processions and live re-enactments in Malaga or other towns where religious tradition is strong. Every year, more and more people are seeking alternatives in the province's interior areas to enjoy the public holidays in a different way, away from the crowds and at a more leisurely pace.

The Malaga countryside offers one of its finest moments of the year at this time. The rains of recent weeks have brought the green back to the mountains and valleys, the rivers flow more strongly than usual and the villages look particularly well-kept. Added to this is a wide range of hiking trails, cultural activities and little gastronomic discoveries that turn any trip into a complete experience.

From the Alto Genal to the Guadiaro Valley, via the Sierra de las Nieves, the Guadalteba or the Axarquía, here are five suggestions for rediscovering the province of Malaga during Holy Week from a different perspective.

The Alto Genal district is once again proving to be a top retreat for those seeking to unwind in the Malaga countryside, especially in these weeks as the landscape begins to turn green after the rains. The chestnut groves, still far from their autumnal splendor, are now starting to sprout their first green leaves, creating a vibrant and ever-changing environment.

Beyond nature, there's another reason for the area's recent surge in popularity: the transformation of its small villages. Parauta, Cartajima, Pujerra, and Igualeja have all incorporated experiences that make them even more appealing to visitors. The streets of Parauta, for example, are lined with rush seated chairs and other decorative touches, creating a unique experience, despite the unfortunate closure of the Enchanted Forest.

Cartajima has embraced murals and outdoor art, while initiatives like crochet and small art offers have flourished in Pujerra, giving the village its own unique identity. Added to this are routes such as Cartajima's Senda Perdida and paths through chestnut groves, allowing visitors to combine leisurely strolls with exploration. The result is a truly mesmerising escape from the city, where the appeal lies not only in the scenery but also in the ability of these villages to reinvent themselves without losing their essence.

This spring, the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves stands out as one of the most well-rounded destinations in the Malaga countryside. The rains of recent weeks have revived streams, springs and small waterfalls, making many routes particularly rewarding experiences.

Among them, one of the most sought-after at this time of year stands out is the Cascadas route from Tolox, with the more accessible alternative leading to the pool or Charco de la Virgen, ideal for those who prefer a shorter walk.

From there, the possibilities multiply. Trails such as those to the Cueva del Agua or Puerto Bellina allow you to walk amongst Spanish firs on accessible routes, whilst for those seeking a greater challenge, there is always the climb to the summit of Torrecilla, whether from Yunquera, Tolox or Los Quejigales.

But it's not all about hiking or mountaineering. Towns such as Yunquera, El Burgo and Tolox have beautiful town centres. Yunquera has preserved its traditional layout in excellent condition. El Burgo hides the remains of its old castle nestled amongst the houses, almost invisible at first glance, whilst Tolox, in addition to its growing commitment to art, retains corners linked to its fortress past, such as that barely visible castle street. In Yunquera, make sure you check for the underground cellar.

Added to this are attractions such as the Turón river in El Burgo or the many trails that start from these towns, leading into Spanish fir forests or spectacular waterfalls. Nature, history and heritage intertwine without the need for long journeys.

The Guadalteba is one of those districts where history isn't told in museums, but out in the field. Towns such as Teba, Ardales and Cañete la Real allow you to map out a route taking in some of the most important fortresses in the interior of the province, many of which are open to visitors.

This is the case with the castle of La Estrella in Teba; the castle of La Peña in Ardales; and the castle of Hins Canit in Cañete la Real - all sites that take visitors on a journey through fascinating historical episodes as those featuring figures such as Sir James Douglas or the Andalusian rebel Omar Ben Hafsún.

Indeed, the figure of the latter inevitably draws one's attention to Bobastro, one of the province's great historical landmarks, situated in a spectacular natural setting. Beyond these better-known sites, the area also harbours other, less obvious vestiges, such as the fortress of Turón, where barely any visible remains are left, but which offers the appeal of a more authentic and less-visited experience.

All these castles share a common feature: their strategic location, which today offers some of the best viewpoints in Malaga. From these vantage points, one can look out over the mountain ranges, valleys and reservoirs that shape an instantly recognisable landscape, with views of the Cañete la Real or the area around Ardales.

The district offers an extensive network of trails. From routes such as the Carboneras trail, which passes through a pine forest in Cañete la Real, to the routes connecting Teba with this town as part of the Gran Senda de Málaga, via the circular walks in Ardales alongside the Turón river. All this makes the Guadalteba a truly wonderful destination, with heritage, landscape and hiking combined and hardly any overcrowding.

Deep within the Axarquía lies an area that has long been asserting its own identity: the Corazón Moscatel. Moclinejo, Almáchar and El Borge form this triangle of villages, situated very close to one another, where the Muscat grape is not merely a crop, but a way of life that has shaped the landscape for centuries.

Although the grape harvest is still a long way off, spring is a key moment in this agricultural cycle. The steep slopes, covered in vineyards, now bask in the sun that will shape the development of the grapes over the coming months. Amid wine presses, drying racks and country lanes, visitors can understand how this unique territory, designated a world agricultural heritage site, has been shaped.

The trip also offers the chance to explore sites that shed light on this culture. In Moclinejo, Antonio Muñoz Cabrera's winery (Dimobe) offers access to the world of Muscat wine; in Almáchar, the Casa Museo de la Pasa delves into a centuries-old tradition; and in El Borge, the Galería del Bandolero provides a broader view of local history, beyond the clichés, in a village marked by its past.

Added to this is the chance to link up short routes, such as the climb up the Patarra hill from Moclinejo or Almáchar, or simply to wander through the town centres, with their narrow streets, viewpoints and churches that surprise with their scale and richness. It is a peaceful experience, deeply rooted in the local area, where each stop offers a better understanding of one of Malaga's most unique agricultural cultures.

The Guadiaro river acts as the backbone of a district linking Cortes de la Frontera, Jimera de Líbar and Benaoján, with Montejaque lying almost inseparably close by, just a stone's throw from the other villages. At this time of year, following the rains, the valley offers one of its most rewarding sights, with springs and water sources in full flow, such as the Artezuelas spring at Estación de Jimera or the one that emerges near the railway town of Benaoján, both feeding a river that sets the rhythm for the entire area.

The Cueva del Gato near Estación de Benaoján (you can walk there along a path from the station if you fancy) remains one of the major attractions. On the way to Jimera lies the Cueva de la Pileta, a prehistoric gem. Further on, the Buitreras del Guadiaro offer one of the most spectacular landscapes in the province, with the river wedged between vertical walls. Also worth a visit are the Angosturas, on the route between Jimera and Benaoján.

The route can be complemented by shorter walks along the river or trips to areas where ponds and bathing spots are preparing for the summer, particularly in Jimera and Estación de Cortes. In the former, you can also explore the Orchid trails. All this can be done without having to travel far, linking short stretches that allow you to enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace.

Like any good trip, the experience features food. In Benaoján and Montejaque, you can find traditional molletes de agua in bakeries such as Máximo's or Hermanos Gil's, as well as local specialities such as torta de chicharrones. Further west, in Salitre, establishments such as the Valdivia restaurant take beef to a whole new level.