La Concha
La Concha
4.5
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4.5
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GUILLAUME a
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Very nice hike made in August as a couple. We left early (7:30) to avoid the strong heat but cooked some anyway on the return;-)
Parking at this time was easy.
The climb is very sporty because very steep, and composed of many climbing portions, very rocky paths, on the mountain side.
The scenery along the way is sublime and worth all this effort.
At the top, the view is spectacular.
But the wasps forced us to come down quickly.
Provide plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, and snacks, and a reliable GPS track because the last kilometer is less well marked than the 1st.
We took 5 hours (not counting the break at the top, longer).
Parking at this time was easy.
The climb is very sporty because very steep, and composed of many climbing portions, very rocky paths, on the mountain side.
The scenery along the way is sublime and worth all this effort.
At the top, the view is spectacular.
But the wasps forced us to come down quickly.
Provide plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, and snacks, and a reliable GPS track because the last kilometer is less well marked than the 1st.
We took 5 hours (not counting the break at the top, longer).
Automatically translated
Written 22 August 2024
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.
Shabanama
Chigwell, UK415 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
I’ve hiked and climbed many places, Patagonia, the Andes, New Zealand, the three peaks in the UK over 24 hours, and more, but La Concha was by far the toughest! Don’t let anyone tell you it’s a few hours, you will need an eight hour day, the entire hike/climb is 95 % rocks and boulders. It’s is steep in places, dangerous and then the drop below is on narrow ledges, a couple of places have chains to help you across. The views all the way are beautiful. If you have bad knees, this may not be for you, otherwise strap the knees up well. The stones are marked to guide you along, but they are poorly marked, you may lose your way, we did, resulting in us taking a more difficult climb up. On return we heard shouts for help in Spanish (Ayuda) we helped two young boys completely lost 2.6km from the exit down below in pine trees, no clue where they were, it very grateful.
It feels like three mountains, but the summit and views from the top are breathtakingly stunning.
Tips:
Do take plenty water
Do take lunch pack, snacks, some sugary snacks/drinks. You’ll need them
Do take a sun cap and glasses
Do wear proper walking shoes, or ankle supported trainers, it’s tough terrain all the way up and down
Don’t go alone
Take repellent, the summit has wasps galore, it’s not the place to eat
Stop to enjoy the views because you’ll be busy looking down trying to navigate the rocks and boulders
If you get lost retrace your steps to the last marked stone, it worked for us
It feels like three mountains, but the summit and views from the top are breathtakingly stunning.
Tips:
Do take plenty water
Do take lunch pack, snacks, some sugary snacks/drinks. You’ll need them
Do take a sun cap and glasses
Do wear proper walking shoes, or ankle supported trainers, it’s tough terrain all the way up and down
Don’t go alone
Take repellent, the summit has wasps galore, it’s not the place to eat
Stop to enjoy the views because you’ll be busy looking down trying to navigate the rocks and boulders
If you get lost retrace your steps to the last marked stone, it worked for us
Written 4 October 2023
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.
Malc
Farnham Common, UK75 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Climbed La Concha from Refugio de Juanar. It's an exhilarating and tough climb, at least 5 hours return, probably 6 with stops for rest and photos. I would travel light but with plenty of water and chocolate!
You need to be fit and have a head for heights, there are three short sections with chains to help as the drop is severe. Although the third chained section can be avoided with a 5 minute detour when you reach one of the wooden signposts near the top.
The ground is stoney and you have to take care with your footing all the way. The stone has good traction with good shoes.
But the views are incredible and well worth the pain. It won't be for everybody, know your limits. I'm 59 and walking this in winter and my legs are still feeling it the day after.
You need to be fit and have a head for heights, there are three short sections with chains to help as the drop is severe. Although the third chained section can be avoided with a 5 minute detour when you reach one of the wooden signposts near the top.
The ground is stoney and you have to take care with your footing all the way. The stone has good traction with good shoes.
But the views are incredible and well worth the pain. It won't be for everybody, know your limits. I'm 59 and walking this in winter and my legs are still feeling it the day after.
Written 17 December 2022
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.
Jim C
Ireland3 contributions
Nov 2022
Beautiful summit hike near Marbella, you would not believe the change of scenery from the coast. Go with a guide, it is surprisingly dangerous there is no cell phone reception don't count on your phone here. Don't go alone.
Written 13 December 2022
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.
Darko Najdovski
Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia4 contributions
Dec 2021
Perfect view from the top of La Concha, you can make postcards with your phone. The path is not so easy for beginners, lets say you need to be ready to push yourself for 2 hours one way. No food is necessary but water is a must. The whole round trip lasts 5-6 hours depending the pace. Its definitely worth it
Written 4 January 2022
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.
Tony G
London, UK131 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Fantastic hike although highly dangerous in places
I reckon 50% of people can’t do it. Around the back where the chains are demands strength and focus or else you fall to your death
Hard going up but harder on the feet coming down. Food and water essentials and take a camera as the views are incredible
5 hour round trip with breaks etc
I reckon 50% of people can’t do it. Around the back where the chains are demands strength and focus or else you fall to your death
Hard going up but harder on the feet coming down. Food and water essentials and take a camera as the views are incredible
5 hour round trip with breaks etc
Written 5 January 2023
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.
stoebi
Düsseldorf, Germany23 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Started at 7:30 in the morning from the Refugio parking place. I am 52, fit and only had a bottle of water and some food with me.
It is really a tough one. 7 km each way with 850 m + height gain. 80% of the way you walk over rough stones and you need to watch every single step.
Parts of the way are very narrow paths on mountain edge and some areas are equipped with chains to hold on.
Very easy to get lost as the trail crosses long ways over solid rock - you cannot follow a path.
Amazing views on a clear March day, looking from Fuengirola skyline in the east until Gibraltar, Ceuta and the whole Moroccan coastline.
It‘s a beautiful scenery but you have to be able to climb rocks using both arms and legs and walk on the edge.
It is really a tough one. 7 km each way with 850 m + height gain. 80% of the way you walk over rough stones and you need to watch every single step.
Parts of the way are very narrow paths on mountain edge and some areas are equipped with chains to hold on.
Very easy to get lost as the trail crosses long ways over solid rock - you cannot follow a path.
Amazing views on a clear March day, looking from Fuengirola skyline in the east until Gibraltar, Ceuta and the whole Moroccan coastline.
It‘s a beautiful scenery but you have to be able to climb rocks using both arms and legs and walk on the edge.
Written 21 March 2023
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.
Marianne L
11 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Mega cool trip with fantastic views, nice hike. Can be difficult to park, so choose the smallest car you can.
Remember water - preferably 1 liter per person on hot days.
Remember water - preferably 1 liter per person on hot days.
Written 15 February 2024
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.
Experienceur
Paris, France835 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
Suggestions addressed to the town-hall o ayutamiento : would suggest you to do a risk assessment in order to improve and make this place more user friendly for more people to enjoy this fantastic site.
Creo que ustedes del Ayutamiento tendrían que hacer el viaje en equipo y hacer un analysis de las cosas que se pueden cambiar y ameliorar. Solo con un marcador, hazer marcas sobre las rocas para que la gente siguen el camino correcto en la segunda y tercera parte. No se si las cadenas estas suficiente larga y creo que anillos serian mas seguro, sino tambien cuerdas. Ustedes piensan que todo los niños pueden hacer el camino - No hay panel con instrucciones explicando en detalles.
Gracias y espero que alguien lo va leer.
We did the trip yesterday and did not expect this to be such a challenge : although we consider ourself more or less fit, we felt that it is important to share specific comments with you before you start this mission.
Objectively it has been a great great day. It took us 5 hours to do the trip, weather was great, not cold, not hot - total 13 km for the round trip.
Summer time : would not be possible - only first part could be done because of the heat.
Issue : the path or the trail when you find it are full of sharp rocks so you must walk watching your feet. When you get to the rocky part which starts to be extreme there are not enough signs to guide and clarify directions - When you get to the last part which is pretty intense, if you miss the trail you end up doing proper climbing.
Also; the path where there are the chains to grab on could be improved and a proper risk assessment should be done. We did find this area slightly dangerous - Do not fall or do not loose your balance !!!!!
If you are scared of height do only the first part if not you may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation - for example we did the trip with a friend of ours who has his parachute licence however he is scared of height when unattached; he had to stop and could not carry on - Sounds paradoxale but true.
Our advices: start at 9 then you are done on time for a nice lunch in around.
- Get proper shoes - food, drinks and dry fruits.
- Manage your phone battery.
- Choose the trip you wish to do before - If two hours are fine, then walk the first part, have your picnic, some pictures and come back - you would have had walked already two hours, so good enough.
To conclude - to do the full trip you need to be in good conditions. Take in consideration that if you reach the end and for technical and health reasons you are too tired to come back, it can be of an issue.
Anyhow place to visit, there is also a short trip of 1h30 which would be more appropriate - we shall do it next time.
Creo que ustedes del Ayutamiento tendrían que hacer el viaje en equipo y hacer un analysis de las cosas que se pueden cambiar y ameliorar. Solo con un marcador, hazer marcas sobre las rocas para que la gente siguen el camino correcto en la segunda y tercera parte. No se si las cadenas estas suficiente larga y creo que anillos serian mas seguro, sino tambien cuerdas. Ustedes piensan que todo los niños pueden hacer el camino - No hay panel con instrucciones explicando en detalles.
Gracias y espero que alguien lo va leer.
We did the trip yesterday and did not expect this to be such a challenge : although we consider ourself more or less fit, we felt that it is important to share specific comments with you before you start this mission.
Objectively it has been a great great day. It took us 5 hours to do the trip, weather was great, not cold, not hot - total 13 km for the round trip.
Summer time : would not be possible - only first part could be done because of the heat.
Issue : the path or the trail when you find it are full of sharp rocks so you must walk watching your feet. When you get to the rocky part which starts to be extreme there are not enough signs to guide and clarify directions - When you get to the last part which is pretty intense, if you miss the trail you end up doing proper climbing.
Also; the path where there are the chains to grab on could be improved and a proper risk assessment should be done. We did find this area slightly dangerous - Do not fall or do not loose your balance !!!!!
If you are scared of height do only the first part if not you may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation - for example we did the trip with a friend of ours who has his parachute licence however he is scared of height when unattached; he had to stop and could not carry on - Sounds paradoxale but true.
Our advices: start at 9 then you are done on time for a nice lunch in around.
- Get proper shoes - food, drinks and dry fruits.
- Manage your phone battery.
- Choose the trip you wish to do before - If two hours are fine, then walk the first part, have your picnic, some pictures and come back - you would have had walked already two hours, so good enough.
To conclude - to do the full trip you need to be in good conditions. Take in consideration that if you reach the end and for technical and health reasons you are too tired to come back, it can be of an issue.
Anyhow place to visit, there is also a short trip of 1h30 which would be more appropriate - we shall do it next time.
Written 20 November 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.
CristinaRavagnan
Stoke Poges, UK50 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We did climb up to the summit of La Concha today and I was very keen to write this review as people specially families need to be aware of the difficult of this climb.
We loved it but it was hard and dangerous on some parts of the last 30 minutes climb.
We parked pass El Refugio El Juanar, walk for a bit passing the beautiful olive tree fields, there are no signs at this point but just walk straight for a while and you will eventually find the different sings. There are several walks to do here so make sure you study the one you will do before heading there!
I have attached photos so you can see all of them.
We did ruta 6 from El Refugio El Juanar and later join ruta 4 to the La Concha summit.
We were 2 families, my family (2 adults & 2 teenagers 16 and 14 years old) we are extremely sporty and have done trekking in Borneo, Guatemala, Ecuador and many other adventurous holidays so we do have experience and are not afraid of a challenge. The other family was composed of 2 sporty adults but less sporty kids, one 15 years old girl and 11 years old boy.
They did struggle! The dad and the daughter arrived to the last wooden pole were the proper path finishes and decided to stop on the first chain on the rock when the path became more dangerous, the mum and the boy kept trekking until the last sign where it said 15 minutes to the summit ( it is more like 30 minutes actually!) at this point I have to admit the climb became extremely tough, climbing on the rock, no paths! We had to follow the rocks that previous climbers had place on piles in order to help the new climbers find their way and I can tell you we did struggle to find them and from time to time we lost our way and had to climb up or down the wall of the mountain, it was very frustrating not to see signs.
Why on hearth nobody marked the path properly??? I have seen in other countries red marks on the rock or arrows paint so people won't get lost, any way, that is how it is here, there are no signs so once the easy path finishes you really have to pay attention in order not to get lost up there!
We went up really relaxed chatting with the other family, taking fotos and stoping to eat and drink several times. We finally made it to the summit after 4 1/2 hrs ( if it was just my family we would had probably made it in 3 1/2 hrs.
On the last 30 minutes climb you have to be extremely careful, concentrate and watch where you walk, if you sleep or loose your balance, you'll go down the mountain!!!
On the way back We went down pretty easy, no stops as it was just us 4, we made it down in 1 1/2 hr.
We had 4 bottles of water of a little and a half each for us 4 and it was not enough water, we finished it all by the time we had reached the summit and had to climb down without water, we definitely needed other 2 bottles of water to end the trek down the mountain. I will say bring 2 litres per person if you are planing to reach the summit.
I hope I made it quite realistic and people realise it is not an easy walk to get to the summit.
If You have small kids I will recommend you do some of the short walks down in La Concha where you can reach the parador for a good view of the coast.
And if you are claiming up to the summit, normal Trainers won't do it, you need proper tracking Boots with a good grip!
Enjoy the climb! ⛰🐐
We loved it but it was hard and dangerous on some parts of the last 30 minutes climb.
We parked pass El Refugio El Juanar, walk for a bit passing the beautiful olive tree fields, there are no signs at this point but just walk straight for a while and you will eventually find the different sings. There are several walks to do here so make sure you study the one you will do before heading there!
I have attached photos so you can see all of them.
We did ruta 6 from El Refugio El Juanar and later join ruta 4 to the La Concha summit.
We were 2 families, my family (2 adults & 2 teenagers 16 and 14 years old) we are extremely sporty and have done trekking in Borneo, Guatemala, Ecuador and many other adventurous holidays so we do have experience and are not afraid of a challenge. The other family was composed of 2 sporty adults but less sporty kids, one 15 years old girl and 11 years old boy.
They did struggle! The dad and the daughter arrived to the last wooden pole were the proper path finishes and decided to stop on the first chain on the rock when the path became more dangerous, the mum and the boy kept trekking until the last sign where it said 15 minutes to the summit ( it is more like 30 minutes actually!) at this point I have to admit the climb became extremely tough, climbing on the rock, no paths! We had to follow the rocks that previous climbers had place on piles in order to help the new climbers find their way and I can tell you we did struggle to find them and from time to time we lost our way and had to climb up or down the wall of the mountain, it was very frustrating not to see signs.
Why on hearth nobody marked the path properly??? I have seen in other countries red marks on the rock or arrows paint so people won't get lost, any way, that is how it is here, there are no signs so once the easy path finishes you really have to pay attention in order not to get lost up there!
We went up really relaxed chatting with the other family, taking fotos and stoping to eat and drink several times. We finally made it to the summit after 4 1/2 hrs ( if it was just my family we would had probably made it in 3 1/2 hrs.
On the last 30 minutes climb you have to be extremely careful, concentrate and watch where you walk, if you sleep or loose your balance, you'll go down the mountain!!!
On the way back We went down pretty easy, no stops as it was just us 4, we made it down in 1 1/2 hr.
We had 4 bottles of water of a little and a half each for us 4 and it was not enough water, we finished it all by the time we had reached the summit and had to climb down without water, we definitely needed other 2 bottles of water to end the trek down the mountain. I will say bring 2 litres per person if you are planing to reach the summit.
I hope I made it quite realistic and people realise it is not an easy walk to get to the summit.
If You have small kids I will recommend you do some of the short walks down in La Concha where you can reach the parador for a good view of the coast.
And if you are claiming up to the summit, normal Trainers won't do it, you need proper tracking Boots with a good grip!
Enjoy the climb! ⛰🐐
Written 31 August 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.
Any recommendation for an experienced guide to climb the concha ?
Written 27 January 2019
The Facebook group 'Things 2 Do Marbella' have organised group hikes before, try contacting them :)
Written 6 June 2019
Is this an open walking trail or do you have to go through admission gates? Will be there in December and thought it might be a good one to try on 25th.
Written 2 November 2018
It is an open walking trail - no admission cost.
Hopefully the weather will be dry and clear so you can get the best of the views !
Written 4 November 2018
Can anyone recommend a guide for la choncha? Thinking of climbing it in 10 days
Written 26 September 2018
I have a well written, illustrated, step by step guide for the walk if you want to do it "self guided". If interested, just drop me an email at walksinandalucia at gmail No charge!
Written 11 October 2018
AzizDC
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Is it possible to spend the night at the top? Any problems might arise?
Written 19 March 2018
Good answer but you can't; you may stay at the hotel next to the parking. I would recommend to start early the walk to end on a good lunch. Get ready to climb, enjoy !
Written 25 March 2018
comment y arrive-t-on de Puerto Banus ?
Written 7 September 2017
Hi Michel - there is a good website with walking dudes including how to get to the start. I'm not allowed to put the link in here but if you go to walks in andalucia (all one string), you'll get there :-)
Written 18 September 2017
hola.. alguien sabe desde cual punto/ruta es mejor llegar al sitio en coche? muchas gracias
Written 25 August 2017
Debe dirigirse a El Juanar para dejar allí el coche.
Written 24 September 2017
We want to go from Benalmadela to La Concha. Does anyone have expiricenes with this. Do you know how to get from Marbella City to La Concha mayby by bus?
Written 18 August 2017
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