La Maroma: The highest peak of the Axarquía.

La Maroma, also known as Pico de Tejeda, rises to an altitude of 2,066 metres above sea level and towers over the province of Málaga. This imposing mountain is located in the heart of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park and is an ideal destination for lovers of hiking, nature and spectacular panoramic views. Its summit is regularly covered in snow in winter, providing great views of the coast or Viñuela. Although the mountain is commonly known as 'La Maroma', its original name is Tejeda.

Location and access

La Maroma is located on the natural border between the provinces of Malaga and Granada. It belongs to the picturesque municipality of Canillas de Aceituno in Malaga, but can also be reached from nearby towns such as Alcaucín and Alhama de Granada. The trails are well signposted and vary in difficulty, making it a suitable destination for walkers of all levels.

-From the northeast, you can reach the mountain via the "El Robledal" trail from Ventas de Zafraya or Alhama de Granada. This eight-kilometre route takes around four hours to complete.

-On the west side, the ten-kilometre route from the El Alcázar recreational area in Alcaucín offers a challenging five-hour hike. The trails wind through rugged landscapes and reward walkers with breathtaking views.

Whichever way you climb the Maroma, it is never short.

Origin of the name

The name "La Maroma" has a curious and local origin. It is said that it comes from the ropes or ropes that were used in the past to descend into snow pits on the top of the mountain. These snow pits were filled with blocks of snow and ice and remained cold there all year round. The blocks were extracted with maromas (ropes made of esparto grass, which you will also find everywhere along the way) and then transported on mules to the valley, including to Canillas de Aceituno and other villages in the Axaquía.

The main routes

1. There are several routes to reach the top of La Maroma, each with its own charm:

   Route from Canillas de Aceituno: This is one of the most popular routes and starts in this picturesque white village in the Axarquía. The route takes you past spectacular places such as the Barranco de la Raja and the Saltillo path, famous for its suspension bridge.

   
   

2. Route from Alcaucín: This route starts in the recreational area of ​​El Alcázar and goes through lush pine forests. You will have impressive views of the La Viñuela reservoir and the Costa del Sol.

   
   

3. Route from Alhama de Granada: Ideal for those coming from the Granada side. The route goes through rocky landscapes with views of the Sierra Nevada on clear days.

   
   

4. From the south you can take the 'Ruta de los Neveros', an 11 km long hiking trail that starts at the Ayuntamente (town hall) of Canillas de Aceituno.

   This historical path used to be a route for transporting ice using donkeys. Today, you can walk this route in five hours and enjoy the historical perspective of the surroundings.

   
   

   

   
   

Since La Maroma is located within the natural park, hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. However, exploring these trails does require some planning and stamina.

Flora and fauna

La Maroma is a refuge with a rich biodiversity. During your ascent you will see species such as the Aleppo pine, the oak and, in the highest areas, the high mountain vegetation adapted to extreme conditions. As for the fauna, you can come across ibex, golden eagles and foxes, among others.

View from the top

One of the greatest rewards when you reach the top of La Maroma is the breathtaking view. From this privileged point, on clear days you can see the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa del Sol and even the Rif Mountains in Morocco. You can also admire the landscapes of the Vega de Granada and the Sierra Nevada.

Recommendations for hikers

• Wear suitable mountain clothing, as temperatures at the top can be much lower than at the bottom.

• Comfortable and sturdy shoes, especially if you are taking one of the longer routes.

• Take enough water and some food with you, as there are no supply points during the climb.

• Check the weather conditions before taking part in the tour, as the weather can change quickly.

Conclusion

La Maroma is not only a geographical landmark, but also a symbol of Andalusia’s natural heritage. Climbing to the summit is not only a physical challenge, but also a chance to become one with nature and enjoy some of the most impressive landscapes in southern Spain.