Ruta del Saltillo and Hanging Bridge
Signed 8 km return walk from Canillas de Aceituno along an irrigation channel and metal walkways to the Puente Colgante del Saltillo, a 54 m bridge high over the Almanchares gorge.
About Ruta del Saltillo and Hanging Bridge
The route runs at the foot of La Maroma in the Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama and links Canillas de Aceituno with the village of Sedella. Its centrepiece is the Puente Colgante del Saltillo, a steel suspension bridge about 54 m long and roughly 70 m above the bed of the Almanchares river. Much of the walk follows an acequia, an irrigation channel of Moorish origin that still waters the terraces below the village.
The signed path starts in Calle Convento, above the town hall, and soon forks right from the La Maroma trail. It follows fruit plots and the channel to El Albercón, a large irrigation tank reached in about 30 minutes. Beyond a water-control hut, the first metal walkway crosses a gully; then a signed junction leads down a steep, stepped descent to the bridge. Most walkers return the same way, about 8 km with roughly 450 m of ascent, though the path continues to Sedella.
The town council grades the walk medium to high and allows four hours for the return. There are no fountains and little shade, so in summer go early or late and carry 2 litres of water each. The walkways and bridge are exposed and unsuitable for anyone with vertigo; supervise children closely. Park free in the underground car park after the football ground.
Autumn to spring is best, especially after rain when the channel runs full. Wear boots with good grip for the final descent, and go mid-week for a quieter crossing.
Ruta del Saltillo and Hanging Bridge in pictures
What you’ll find
- Car parkParkingFree
- Family friendlyEasy for childrenFree
- Free accessFree visitFree
- HikingWalking routeFree
- Linear routeOne-way trailFree
- ViewpointScenic viewpointFree
Nearby places to visit
The walk begins in Canillas de Aceituno (0 km), whose square is also the trailhead for the much longer La Maroma Ascent from Canillas de Aceituno (0 km) to the highest summit in the province. The path can be extended to the white village of Sedella, 4 km west, and Salares, with its old bridge and minaret, is 6 km away. The MVVEL Museum of Vélez-Málaga lies 10 km south on the way to the coast, the wines of Bodegas Bentomiz are 10 km south-east, and the via ferratas of Vía Ferrata de Comares are 15 km west.
Ruta del Saltillo and Hanging Bridge at a glance
Category
Sports Outdoor adventures
Town
Canillas de Aceituno
Address
Calle Convento, upper village (signed start of the Sendero El Saltillo), 29716 Canillas de Aceituno, Málaga, Spain
Opening hours
Open all year; best from October to May. In summer start before 09:00. Access can be restricted on days of extreme fire risk.
Prices
Free; free underground car park at the village entrance.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 on the official website. Times and prices can change, so confirm before you go.
Website
canillasdeaceituno.es/9920/sendero-canillas-de-aceituno-el-saltillo
More places nearby
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