La Maroma Ascent from Canillas de Aceituno
Official Casa de la Nieve trail from Canillas de Aceituno to La Maroma (2,068 m), the highest peak in Málaga province: 9 km each way and about 1,400 m of climbing on the sunny south face.
About La Maroma Ascent from Canillas de Aceituno
The Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama signs three routes to La Maroma (2,068 m), the highest point in Málaga province. The Casa de la Nieve trail climbs the sunny southern side from Canillas de Aceituno and is named after the neveros, men who stored snow in pits near the summit and carried it down by mule at night to sell in summer. The ropes (maromas) used to reach the snow pit gave the mountain its name.
The path leaves the town hall and zigzags up the Lomilla del Albercón through sparse pine and thyme. After just over 2 km comes the Fuente de la Rábita and its cave, the usual first stop. Higher up, the Collado de la Gitana (1,415 m) leads to the steep zigzags of Los Charcones and a crest above the Almanchares gorge. A climb of over 1.5 km reaches the Collado de la Casa de la Nieve, leaving about 500 m of stony ground to the top. The trail is linear, 9 km each way, with about 1,400 m of height gain.
No permit is needed. Shade is scarce and the springs are unreliable, so carry at least 3 litres of water. In winter the top holds snow and ice, and cloud and wind make it dangerous; turn back if the weather closes in. Dogs must be on a lead. There is free parking near the start and at the village entrance. The route suits fit, experienced walkers only.
Autumn and spring are best. Start at first light, carry a windproof layer and head torch, and allow eight to nine hours.
La Maroma Ascent from Canillas de Aceituno in pictures
What you’ll find
- Car parkParkingFree
- Dogs allowedDogs on leadFree
- Free accessFree visitFree
- HikingWalking routeFree
- Linear routeOne-way trailFree
- ViewpointScenic viewpointFree
Nearby places to visit
The route starts in the white village of Canillas de Aceituno (0 km), which shares its trailhead with the shorter Ruta del Saltillo and Hanging Bridge (0 km), a good warm-up walk the day before. The neighbouring village of Sedella is 4 km west and Salares, with its Moorish minaret, 6 km away along the foot of the sierra. Wine from the steep hill vineyards can be tasted at Bodegas Bentomiz in Sayalonga, 10 km south, and the three via ferratas of Vía Ferrata de Comares are 15 km west across the Axarquía hills.
La Maroma Ascent from Canillas de Aceituno at a glance
Category
Sports Outdoor adventures
Town
Canillas de Aceituno
Address
Plaza de la Constitución, by the Ayuntamiento (start of the Casa de la Nieve trail), 29716 Canillas de Aceituno, Málaga, Spain
Opening hours
Open all year; best from October to May. Snow and ice are common in winter, and summer heat on the south face makes a pre-dawn start essential. Access can be restricted by the Junta on days of extreme fire risk.
Prices
Free; no permit required. Free parking in the village.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 on the official website. Times and prices can change, so confirm before you go.
More places nearby
Other places within 25 km of La Maroma Ascent from Canillas de Aceituno, nearest first.
