You might remember, I’ve told you before about the spectacular U-shaped Zafarraya Pass (El Boquete de Zafarraya) marking the boundary between the provinces of Málaga and Granada, and which can be seen for miles around.
Standing over 900 metres above sea level, the Pass has been used for centuries as a key route through the sierras, linking lands south-west of Granada, with the towns and villages along the coast, east of Málaga.
On the approach to the gap in the mountains, above the road on the left, a small tunnel through the rock can be seen. This once formed part of the Periana to Zafarraya railway line, abandoned fifty years ago. The tunnel is now used by horse-riders and walkers who enjoy strolling along the dirt road where the railway once ran.
Last time I went through the Zafarraya Pass, instead of whizzing by, I decided to stop and have a look. After driving under the the old iron railway bridge, I parked in the small car park on the left side of the road.
It’s only a few steps up the gentle slope to where the narrow gauge railway once ran. The main tracks were removed long ago, but there is still a short length remaining to illustrate what it must have looked like.
The views from the Mirador El Boquete (lookout point) both across the Pass and down towards the coast are stunning. This is a lovely peaceful place to stop for a picnic, and there are a couple of picnic tables for public use.
From here you can see the peaks of Tajo de la Cueva and El Morron de La Cuña, the hamlets of Espino, Los Cortijillos, Los Pavitos and Los Morales as well as numerous white houses, dotted like paint spots on a canvas, as far as the eye can see. The village of Alcaucín and the Parque Natural lie ahead, overseen by La Maroma, the highest mountain in the Axarquía region at 2066 metres.
If you cast your eyes further down the valley, La Viñuela reservoir and the Mediterranean Sea glimmer in the distance.
I wandered along the dirt track, and ahead of me I could see the old narrow railway tunnel.
As I approached, the enormity of the task in building the tunnel was obvious. It had been hewn through the rock by hand. What a job!
Rather than just strolling as I did, and depending on how fit you are, you might enjoy an adventurous walk or a more gentle ramble from Periana, the source of the old railway line, back to the Boquete de Zafarraya.
Whatever you choose, be sure to watch out for the fabulous birds.
How to get there
To get to the Zafarraya Pass, drive north from the A7/E15 Autovía del Mediterraneo, past the town of Vélez-Málaga and briefly alongside Lake Vinuela, before heading up the A402, a winding mountain road.
You will see the gap in the mountains ahead, getting closer and closer the higher you climb.
East of Málaga 
Thanks for the inspiration about this nice place – we went there today! See some of my pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/roomman . There’s also much more information on the website of the club running the little replica railway: http://eltrendelllano.com/
Hi, I have just read your report about Zaffaraya – I have walked a little of that rail track before I was confined to my wheelchair and was wondering if you know of any places – other than the long promenade at Torre del Mar – that would be suitable for me. I live in Benamocarra – near Velez-Malaga and cannot even get around my village.
Thanks and regards,
Lynne Hanson
Hi Lynne
Sorry to hear of your difficulties – you’re right, there are not many areas of flat land around here, that’s for sure. I love the promenade at Torre del Mar, though.
There is a nice, paved promenade at Torrox Costa or you could try out Marina del Este (the boat marina between La Herradura and Almunecar) or how about the promenade down at Rincon de la Victoria – through the old railway tunnels? These are all flat, picturesque and have cafes or restaurants to hand.
If you can get into Malaga, I’m pretty sure you would love the new port area of Muello Uno. There are usually lots of activities going on – like an artesian market at weekends. I love going there with our visitors 🙂
Let me know how you get on, won’t you?
Marianne
Hi, many thanks for your response.
Rincon de la Victoria sounds interesting – we have never thought of going there. We have been to Torre, and walked all along to Mezquitilla; Torrox Costa; and Benajarafe many times. It will be good to explore somewhere new.
We did find the Marina once and then I’m sure it was moved as we just kept going round in circles the next time!
Many thanks again and I shall let you know how we get on.
Regards,
Lynne
________________________________
We don’t go to Marina del Este very often, and like you, sometimes think it’s a bit difficult to find, but it’s worth persisting. All I can say is that it’s off the old N340 coast road – after the La Herradura turn-off, but before Almuñecar. Once you turn off the N340 there, it’s always worth stopping for the views across the lovely horse-shoe bay of La Herradura.
Muelle Uno in Malaga is magnificent – you’ll want to stay all day 🙂
Pingback: Silent Sunday in Andalucía: Door Lock and Key, Frigiliana | East of Málaga
Pingback: Bicycle, Bicycle, Bicycle …. I want to ride my bicycle | East of Málaga
I love this post!
It’s such a gorgeous, peaceful place to visit. You’d love it here 🙂
Great post and photos Marianne. We’ll have to go up and have a look very soon. We drive through the Zafarraya Pass often, but have never stopped off!! looks beautiful
I’d always done the same, John – but it’s well worth stopping 🙂
That last shot is stunning Marianne. x
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Thanks David – it’s a wonderful view from there 🙂
What an amazing pass! And the views and landscape, just stunningly beautiful. Thanks for a fun adventure. Have a great weekend. Wishing you and your family a blessed New Year.
You’re welcome, IT – glad you enjoyed it 🙂
What a beautiful area you live in Marianne. Rich with culture and history. Your photos help preserve that.
What a lovely thing to say, Lynne – I’ve never thought about it that way before, but you’re quite right.
Blog posts and online digital photographs not only help to preserve such culture and history but are a fantastic way to share it with others, throughout the world, who might never know anything of it.
I really appreciate your very kind comment. Thank you 🙂
My pleasure. 🙂
Beautiful photos. Definitely reminds me of our cycling trip to Spain. Must be those hills that seem familiar 🙂
It’s a great place to cycle around these parts 🙂
When you walk along there you can look down to the little village of Guaro where I live – The source of the River Guaro, which is one of the main feeds for Lake Vinuela comes out of the mountain there and after heavy rains there is a spectacular waterfall to see. The village has a very popular restaurant, El Caseron de Guaro, with a terrace with lovely views, especially at sunset 🙂
That’s good to know, Barbara. Thanks for that.
I don’t believe I’ve ever been to Guaro – sounds like a plan for a day out 🙂
Just be aware that the restaurant is closed on Fridays!
OH … OK 🙂
Thanks Barbara!
I think the original track, although narrow gauge, was a much wider gauge than that! The length of track that you see now is modern, and has been laid by a scale model railway group that operates on some weekends. The old track bed is a lovely cycle ride down to Periana (or a long slog up from Periana!)
Hi Derek
Yes, it is rather narrow – even for narrow gauge, isn’t it? 🙂
I didn’t know about the model railway group – so thanks for adding that information.
When I was there I was passed by a couple of people on bikes. Pretty safe for them there 🙂
Thanks for giving a photographic tour – great images, wonderful scenery, looks a great place to get away from it all!
I always enjoy (and look forward) to visiting this area. It’s very peaceful.
Thanks for your comment, Sue – much appreciated 🙂
Waking up this morning in grey old England, little did Big Man and I expect to see such a wonderful post about part of his home town – thank you, this has made our day!
Morning Tanya and Big Man 🙂
Ah yes, I remember you saying that BM heralded from Ventas de Zafarraya. Glad to be able to brighten your day!
We are in for a wet and stormy weekend here too, if it’s any consolation. 😦
Thanks for the great tour, great photos too.
Glad you enjoyed it, Joan 🙂
Now that is what I call narrow gauge!
Yep ….. narrow!
Shame that these old lines have gone. Last year I tried to find the old Catalonia coastal railway but didn’t realise that it had gone!
Yes it is – especially as there are no others in this area, because of the mountainous terrain.
A beautiful post!
Thanks, Red 😉
Sad that so many railway lines are lost but they do make fabulous walks!
The logistics of the gradient of this railway line made it so difficult. It’s a shame, because there are rail lines to the west and north of here, but not to the east of Malaga.
Thanks for your comment, Gilly – always much appreciated 🙂
Great photos Marianne! Looks like a lovely walk…..we have a couple in Valencia and one in Murcia although without the tracks!
The tracks only run for a couple of hundred metres to give the impression of what it once looked like. The rest of the walk is just a dirt track.
It’s a perfect place to get away from things and enjoy nature.
Thanks for your comment, Paddy – always appreciated 🙂