Ítrabo - La Guindalera - PR-A 52 Trail

At the start of the Ítrabo - La Guindalera - PR-A 52 Trail offers two alternative routes: uphill along the road to Jete to circumvent part of the town, or enjoy the network of streets and houses within the urban centre of Ítrabo. Near the school, the two routes meet up.

We can stop at a fountain for a cool drink of water before continuing our route along the so-called Camino del Polideportivo. We pass by family kitchen gardens and subtropical crops. Many species of birds find food and shelter here. The track is wide and has a fairly gentle slope, allowing us to enjoy beautiful views of a ravine called Barranco del Río Nacimiento and over the town itself.

To the right (leaving our route) there is a chapel known as Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, patron saint of Ítrabo, where we can enjoy a viewpoint called Mirador del Payment of the shrine, affording spectacular panoramic views.

Making our way back to the trail, we take a path called Camino del Nacimiento. We now have two choices: a rural track or an old stony path. Both options takes us through low-mountain vegetation including various species of shrubs and bushes.

Then we reach a Recreational Area called Área Recreativa del Nacimiento, where the cool water and vegetation entices you to stop and rest. Continuing on up, the route offers two possible paths: the Cortijo Contreras path and the Molino path.

We find traditional almond and olive plantations dotted with the occasional carob tree. And looking skywards, we may even spot some eagles.

We now come to a beauty spot known as Paraje del Cuchillón where there is an impressive ravine and a Cave of the same name. It also affords fabulous views of the Costa Tropical: the Mediterranean, the Vega plains, the Nasrid town of Salobreña and Motril. Passing by blueberry bushes and willow trees, we come to vineyards that produce the highly-rated Ítrabo wine.

At Cortijo Contreras farmhouse, next to some willows, we find Fuente de la Higuera spring, where we can stop and rest before setting out on the final stretch of our journey.

At the top of Cuesta de la Jara we can enjoy spectacular views of Sierra de los Guájares, Sierra de la Almijara and Sierra de las Albuñuelas.

Our final destination is close now, and we again have two options: a long, flat path or a short, steep path. Both offer vineyards, cherry trees and ancient chestnut trees. The views are spectacular: mountains, beaches and sea.