Charco de la Virgen is one of the most well-known natural spots in Tolox, located in the Sierra de las Nieves area. The natural pool is found in the R\u00edo de los Caballos, at the end of a trail that follows the water through Mediterranean vegetation, old irrigation channels, and the characteristic peridotite slopes of the Sierra Parda de Tolox. <\/p>\n\n
Access is via the approved trail SL-A 239 Charco de la Virgen<\/a>, which starts next to the Fuente Amargosa Spa. Along the route, it’s necessary to ford the R\u00edo de los Caballos and Arroyo Palmarejo several times, and in one section, to follow the path of an old irrigation channel. The itinerary ends in a more enclosed area, where a waterfall cascades into the Charco de la Virgen. <\/p>\n\n Physical demand:<\/strong> low Although it is the least demanding of the three routes in this guide, it should not be considered an easily accessible stroll. River crossings, wet stones, and areas near the waterfall require careful walking. The Malaga Provincial Council guide also warns of the presence of moss on rocks near the water, which can make them especially slippery. <\/p>\n\n The water flow changes throughout the year. Turismo Tolox especially recommends visiting during spring and autumn, when water courses usually have a higher flow, although Charco de la Virgen is also frequented by swimmers during the summer. At any time, it is important to avoid the route when heavy rainfall is forecast or after intense rains. <\/p>\n\n The Charca de las Nutrias<\/a> is one of the most well-known natural pools of the Castor River, in the interior of Estepona. The landscape changes completely compared to the nearby coast: here the river flows between rocky slopes, resin pine forests, and Mediterranean vegetation, forming a large natural pool fed by a small waterfall. <\/p>\n\n Access begins from the A-7, taking exit 160 and continuing along the Alberdina road. After about 3.5 kilometers by road, you reach an esplanade near the AP-7 where you can leave your vehicle. From that point, the walking route begins through the Los Molinos-El Nicio area. <\/p>\n\n The track continues for approximately 2.5 kilometers to the vicinity of the Castor River. From there, a more irregular section begins: you follow a path to the bank and ascend the river for about 750 meters, navigating natural obstacles until you reach the natural pool. <\/p>\n\n Physical demand:<\/strong> medium It should not be considered a simple, immediately accessible swimming area. Most of the route is comfortable, but the final section along the river requires attention to the terrain and safe movement among rocks and vegetation. <\/p>\n\n The natural pool is deep in its central part. The Malaga Provincial Council expressly warns of the danger of jumping from the side walls and also notes that there is little shade and the sun shines for much of the day. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the hottest hours and carry enough water. <\/p>\n\n The surroundings are worth visiting beyond just swimming. The small waterfall that feeds the natural pool, the white marble walls, and the natural potholes located upstream make this section of the Castor River one of the most unique river landscapes on the western Costa del Sol. <\/p>\n\n The upper course of the Higuer\u00f3n River, north of Frigiliana, offers the most demanding option in this guide. The river crosses the Sierra de Almijara, forming narrow gorges \u2014 locally known as cahorros<\/em> \u2014, waterfalls, and natural potholes in a rugged and beautiful landscape. <\/p>\n\n Among these spots, the Cahorro del Pichirri<\/a> stands out, located within the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. According to the Malaga Provincial Council’s guide Charcas y pozas de M\u00e1laga<\/em>, access begins from Frigiliana following the GR-249 towards Nerja until reaching the Higuer\u00f3n River. From there, it is necessary to ascend the riverbed itself for approximately 7.5 kilometers \u2014 one way only \u2014 to reach the gorge, characterized by four waterfalls and several natural potholes. <\/p>\n\n Physical demand:<\/strong> high We classify this as a route with high physical demand due to the distance, the prolonged journey along the riverbed itself, and the characteristics of the terrain. It should not be considered a stroll just to reach a waterfall or a natural pool: getting to Pichirri and back means a long day in a natural mountain environment. <\/p>\n\n River conditions can vary significantly depending on flow and rainfall. Wet surfaces can be slippery, and after periods of intense precipitation, certain paths and access points near the Higuer\u00f3n River may be affected. Before starting the route, it is essential to check the weather forecast and avoid the route when conditions are not suitable. <\/p>\n\n The effort allows you to discover one of the wildest river landscapes in Axarqu\u00eda, where water has carved narrow passages through the rock and a succession of waterfalls and small natural pools in the heart of the Sierra de Almijara.<\/p>\n\n Although the three suggestions have different levels of demand, all run through natural environments where water, rock, and weather conditions can significantly alter the route. Proper preparation is a fundamental part of the experience. <\/p>\n\n Hiking footwear with good grip<\/strong> is especially important. On these routes, you may encounter wet stones, riverbed areas, fords, and uneven surfaces. Flip-flops or footwear designed exclusively for the beach are not suitable for these routes. <\/p>\n\n It is advisable to wear light, comfortable, and quick-drying clothing<\/strong>, especially on itineraries where it is necessary to cross the river. A swimsuit may be practical if you wish to enter a natural pool, but it should be considered an accessory: the main equipment should be that of a hiking route. <\/p>\n\n It is also recommended to bring plenty of water, sun protection, a hat, and some food<\/strong>, adapting the quantity to the duration and difficulty of each itinerary. For the Cahorros del Pichirri route, for example, it’s a full day, and the needs are very different from a short trip to Charco de la Virgen. <\/p>\n\n Before setting off, it is important to check the weather forecast<\/strong>, especially if rain is announced. An apparently calm riverbed can change quickly after intense rainfall. It is also advisable to check the current condition of the trails and respect any closures or temporary access restrictions. <\/p>\n\n Finally, these areas are part of sensitive ecosystems. Not leaving waste, avoiding damage to vegetation, respecting wildlife, and not altering the natural pools or riverbeds contributes to preserving environments whose main attraction lies precisely in their natural character. <\/p>\n\n The three previous routes are just a small sample of the richness of the province’s river landscapes. The Malaga Provincial Council published the guide Charcas y pozas de M\u00e1laga<\/strong>, a comprehensive inventory of spots distributed across different basins and regions of Malaga. <\/p>\n\n The publication includes very diverse places, from Vado de los Patos, in the Ch\u00edllar River, to Charco de la Virgen, Charco del Pont\u00f3n Alto, Barranco Blanco, or numerous natural pools in the Guadiaro, Genal, and Sierras Bermejas rivers. Each entry includes information on location, access, natural environment, coordinates, and aspects to consider before visiting. <\/p>\n\n For those who wish to continue discovering these places, the following official resources can be consulted free of charge:<\/p>\n\n The guide was published in 2017, so it is especially useful as a source of inspiration and guidance, but before traveling to any of these locations, we always recommend checking their current status, possible changes in access, and any restrictions that may be in force.<\/p>\n\n Staying in Malaga<\/a> allows you to easily combine the urban and Mediterranean atmosphere of the city with nature getaways to different parts of the province. Tolox, Estepona, and Frigiliana showcase three very different landscapes and remind us that Malaga offers much more than just coast and beaches. <\/p>\n\n From Abele 45 Old Town, you can enjoy the historic center on foot and use the city as a base to continue exploring the province during multi-day stays. If you want more ideas, you can also consult our guide to day trips from Malaga<\/a>, with one-day suggestions to some of the most interesting destinations in the area. <\/p>\n\n Check availability at Abele 45 Old Town<\/p>\n\n![\"Charco](\"https:\/\/abele45.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/charco-de-la-virgen-tolox-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Charca de las Nutrias, Castor River \u2014 Estepona<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Charca](\"https:\/\/abele45.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/charca-de-las-nutrias-rio-castor-estepona-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Cahorros del Pichirri and Higuer\u00f3n River \u2014 Frigiliana<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Waterfall](\"https:\/\/abele45.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cahorros-del-pichirri-rio-higueron-frigiliana-1024x658.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
What to bring for water routes in Malaga<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
More natural pools and swimming spots to discover in the province of Malaga<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Malaga as a starting point to discover the province<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n