Mozárabe from Málaga

[Badgerbag]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

 

[jungleboy]

@AJGuillaume is your guardian angel here!

 

[Badgerbag]

Many thanks!

 

[Flog]

Here:

De Málaga a Santiago - Camino Mozárabe de Málaga

Para facilitar la preparación del Camino a aquéllos que lo quieran recorrer completo, relacionamos todos los pueblos de paso, desde Málaga hasta Santiago. Los hemos agrupado en 49 etapas, pero cada cual deberá ajustarlas en función del tiempo que disponga, de las infraestructuras existentes y de...

caminomozarabedemalaga.com

 

[mick53]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

Do you have a strong reason to start from.Malaga?
Considered starting in ALMERIA?
My wife and I walked from
Almeria to Merida in April/May last year, it was great.....posted a blog on it.

 

[Badgerbag]

Time and transport, Direct flights from local U.K. airport to Malaga. Once there I’d rather start walking than take the bus to Almeria and start from there.

 

[everyday.journeys]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

Hey BadgerBag...I completed a couple of days from Granada to Alcala la Real in January, much quieter than the Frances/Norte/Finisterre, however...BEAUTIFUL!!! I caught a bit of the route:

 

[Magwood]

I walked from Málaga in 2015 so much may have changed since then. But you may find some useful info in my blog - I posted each day with details about landscape, elevation, facilities, etc. lots of photos included. You’re welcome to take a look.

 

[Portach]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

We did Granada to Cordoba in Feb 2023, so took in the latter part of what you are planning. From memory there was a possible 2 albergues on our walk but either not open or a review which gave a thumbs down due to lack of heating. We stayed in private accommodation, either 2* hotels or Airbnb, costs €45-60 per night per room, which is ok for a couple but might be prohibitive for a lone pilgrim. You will be later in the season than we were so there may be more pilgrim accommodation then.

 

[henrythedog]

The Amigos in Malaga are a really helpful bunch. I met them on their regular evening (Tuesday or Wednesday - it’ll be on the website) about 1Km out of Malaga centro

Asociación - Camino Mozárabe de Málaga

La Asociación Jacobea de Málaga se encuentra en El Limonar, en el Centro Cultural “José María Gutiérrez “, sito en calle República Argentina nº 9- Málaga - Todos los martes, a partir de las 19:00 horas, atendemos a todos los que vienen buscando información del Camino y entregamos la Credencial a...

caminomozarabedemalaga.com

 

[Carles]

Hola a todos. Caminé de Málaga a Baena en octubre de 2022 y fue perfecto. Te gustará.
Ahora ya existe la guía completa de ese camino desde Málaga en gronze.com. Aquí tienes el enlace: https://www.gronze.com/camino-mozarabe
No tienes más que ir abriendo cada etapa, con sus Al Loro y Recorrido, fotos, etc. Te irá perfecto para planificar y para conocer mejor cada lugar por donde pasarás. Muy bonito el Torcal de Antequera.
Cuidado con la primera etapa, es muy dura. Te recomiendo la partas en dos o tomes autobús hasta Junta de los Caminos.
Buen camino

 

[JerryStroebele]

My wife and son in law and I walked from Almería to Granada in March 2023. My daughter and I walked from Málaga to Cordoba this past March. For being so close they are amazingly different. From Almería you might think you are in northern Mexico. From Málaga you would think 99% of the world is covered with olive trees Both are beautiful Caminos. We had no problems finding accommodation varying between the municipality albergues and pensiones. We used much more pensiones in 2024 because the weather was much wetter this year. However the albergues did have space heaters.
We had a GREAT welcome by Nely in Almería but missed the Málaga association meeting because we arrived on Wednesday. In Almería and Granada we toured the Alcazar and Alhambra with audio guides. In Malaga and Cordoba we treated ourselves to human English speaking tour guides AND LEARNED A LOT MORE.
My family and I have walked several Caminos. I found both of these to be moderately difficult but that might be due to my age (79). We found the Andalus people very friendly. We plan to return to Granada next March to walk to Cordoba. Buen Camino

 

[Badgerbag]

We did Granada to Cordoba in Feb 2023, so took in the latter part of what you are planning. From memory there was a possible 2 albergues on our walk but either not open or a review which gave a thumbs down due to lack of heating. We stayed in private accommodation, either 2* hotels or Airbnb, costs €45-60 per night per room, which is ok for a couple but might be prohibitive for a lone pilgrim. You will be later in the season than we were so there may be more pilgrim accommodation then.

Thanks. I’ll need to check that out.

 

[AJGuillaume]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

We walked in May 2023.
Albergues are all municipal, and keys are generally obtained from the policía local.
Apart from walking out from Málaga, we liked every stage, in particular the one from Villanueva de la Concepción to Antequera, over El Torcal.
Out of Málaga, we took bus number 21.
We didn't have any places we thought should be avoided.

 

[Flog]

We walked in May 2023.
Albergues are all municipal, and keys are generally obtained from the policía local.
Apart from walking out from Málaga, we liked every stage, in particular the one from Villanueva de la Concepción to Antequera, over El Torcal.
Out of Málaga, we took bus number 21.
We didn't have any places we thought should be avoided.

Ditto..
Well, early Novembber 2023..
I thought the landscape through the pass at El Torcal was really spectacular!

 

[JerryStroebele]

We didn’t mind the walk out of Malaga because we stopped in delightful cafes and this charming church. Buen Camino

 

[Badgerbag]

Great! Thanks very much.

 

[Calisteve]

Hi - I walked Malaga to Cordoba in the lead up to Christmas.

Re - 'Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse' - that's because there are fewer of them on the Malaga route. Villanueva de Algaidas - Albergue de peregrinos (donativo) is in the middle of town, the Policía Local has the keys (one street over). I messaged them to let them know I was coming but unfortunately he was out on a call when I arrived so I had a 1 hour wait and it was getting cold. But a great albergue - and all to myself. In Baena, Albergue Ruta Del Califato (20 euro) is very comfortable - more like a hostel. The rest of the time I stayed in hotels/hostels.

Day 1 Flew to Malaga, walked from the Church of Santiago to La Junta de los Caminos – 10.7km. Not sure why but there was a HUGE queue at Malaga airport to catch the metro into Malaga.
Day 2 La Junta de los Caminos to Villanueva de la Concepcion, 30.7km.
Day 3 To Villanueva de Algaidas, 40.2km
Day 4 To Lucena, 36km
Day 5 To Baena, 34.7km
Day 6 To Santa Cruz, 41 kms
Day 7 To Cordoba, 26.5kms. Then train back to Malaga (around an hour) and flight back to the UK.

So some long days (I only had 7 days free) - particularly at that time of year. Saw one other pilgrim when I got to Baena (where the Malaga and Almeria routes meet). Highlights - some great scenery particularly as others have said at El Torcal. There's some road walking particularly at the start but nothing too onerous.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Wow! Long stages. We took twice as long and walked half as far each day. Buen Camino

 

[Calisteve]

Wow! Long stages. We took twice as long and walked half as far each day. Buen Camino

Yes indeed but I was time constrained needing to be home by Christmas. So it was long days or no camino.

 

[Badgerbag]

Hi - I walked Malaga to Cordoba in the lead up to Christmas.

Re - 'Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse' - that's because there are fewer of them on the Malaga route. Villanueva de Algaidas - Albergue de peregrinos (donativo) is in the middle of town, the Policía Local has the keys (one street over). I messaged them to let them know I was coming but unfortunately he was out on a call when I arrived so I had a 1 hour wait and it was getting cold. But a great albergue - and all to myself. In Baena, Albergue Ruta Del Califato (20 euro) is very comfortable - more like a hostel. The rest of the time I stayed in hotels/hostels.

Day 1 Flew to Malaga, walked from the Church of Santiago to La Junta de los Caminos – 10.7km. Not sure why but there was a HUGE queue at Malaga airport to catch the metro into Malaga.
Day 2 La Junta de los Caminos to Villanueva de la Concepcion, 30.7km.
Day 3 To Villanueva de Algaidas, 40.2km
Day 4 To Lucena, 36km
Day 5 To Baena, 34.7km
Day 6 To Santa Cruz, 41 kms
Day 7 To Cordoba, 26.5kms. Then train back to Malaga (around an hour) and flight back to the UK.

So some long days (I only had 7 days free) - particularly at that time of year. Saw one other pilgrim when I got to Baena (where the Malaga and Almeria routes meet). Highlights - some great scenery particularly as others have said at El Torcal. There's some road walking particularly at the start but nothing too onerous.View attachment 169280View attachment 169281View attachment 169282View attachment 169283

Great! Really useful information. Thanks very much!

Hola a todos. Caminé de Málaga a Baena en octubre de 2022 y fue perfecto. Te gustará.
Ahora ya existe la guía completa de ese camino desde Málaga en gronze.com. Aquí tienes el enlace: https://www.gronze.com/camino-mozarabe
No tienes más que ir abriendo cada etapa, con sus Al Loro y Recorrido, fotos, etc. Te irá perfecto para planificar y para conocer mejor cada lugar por donde pasarás. Muy bonito el Torcal de Antequera.
Cuidado con la primera etapa, es muy dura. Te recomiendo la partas en dos o tomes autobús hasta Junta de los Caminos.
Buen camino

Muchas gracias amigo mío! No veo la hora hasta que pueda hacerlo de nuevo.
Saludos!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I walked from Malaga and I loved it. I thought it was a beautiful route. I used the notes from Magwood, which were very helpful. In fact she met me at the church in Malaga.

 

[JeffBarrett]

I walked from Málaga in 2015 so much may have changed since then. But you may find some useful info in my blog - I posted each day with details about landscape, elevation, facilities, etc. lots of photos included. You’re welcome to take a look.

Hi Maggie, you are my inspiration! I’m also keen, as original poster Badgerbag, to walk the Mozárabe from Málaga next spring, before my 60th b’day in July. I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and I’m hooked. I started with your Mozárabe blog and have since read many more of your camino blogs. Your website is excellent. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips.
Saludos desde Málaga

 

[Magwood]

Hi Maggie, you are my inspiration! I’m also keen, as original poster Badgerbag, to walk the Mozárabe from Málaga next spring, before my 60th b’day in July. I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and I’m hooked. I started with your Mozárabe blog and have since read many more of your camino blogs. Your website is excellent. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips.
Saludos desde Málaga

Thanks for such a nice comment @JeffBarrett - made my day!

 

[MarkEveleigh]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

It's great to see this post and so much useful information. I'm also planning on walking the Mozárabe at roughly the same time next year with my wife. (We plan to start in Almeria, however, and walk to Merida.) Like you @Badgerbag I've also struggled to find info so it's wonderful to see so many inspiring comments about this route on here. I hope paths cross on the trail. Buen Camino!

 

[peregrina2000]

We plan to start in Almeria, however, and walk to Merida. Like you @Badgerbag I've also struggled to find info so it's wonderful to see so many inspiring comments about this route on here.

Not to take this too much off topic, but this thread doesn’t seem to have a link to the Almería Amigos guide, so I’ll stick it in here - they update their guide every month. http://www.caminomozarabesantiago.com/ (I’ve been told that the facebook page sometimes has a more up to date guide, but I don’t use facebook - the one on the website is from March).

If you walk from Málaga, the guide won’t help you till the two branches converge, of course, but it is probably the most important source for updated info between Almería and Granada.

Most of us who have walked the Mozárabe were overwhelmed by the kindness and care that the amigos gave. They are in charge of all the albergues between Almería and Granada, so you will definitely want to contact them before heading out for details. An Almería meetup is also a lot of fun!

 

[annangulo]

Hi, I’ve just returned from the Portuguese and fancy a quieter route for next year.

I’m thinking of starting the Mozárabe with the section from Malaga to Baena next spring (2025) late March/early April to avoid Semana Santa.

Does anyone have any recent experience (ie post Covid) of this section that they could share? Reviews of albergues seem pretty sparse, so any advice, places to avoid etc: would be very helpful.
Thanks

I can’t imagine a much quieter camino than the portuguese starting ftom lisbon! Of course, like any other camino, it becomes kess quiet the closer you get to santiago.

 

[krystianw]

I walked it in March of last year. For albergues, I mostly used Gronze:

Camino Mozárabe | Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com

El Camino Mozárabe encuadra un conjunto de Caminos de Santiago que cruzan Andalucía de este a oeste, con puntos habituales de inicio en Almería, Granada, Jaén y Málaga, pasando por Córdoba y que acaban enlazando con la Vía de la Plata a la altura de Mérida, en Extremadura. Estos itinerarios, que...

www.gronze.com

But because it's such a rarely-walked route, I also watched Sara Dhooma's vlog about her walk; here's the playlist for the Mozarabe from Malaga:

BTW I live in Malaga, so AMA.