Family Friendly Walks near Marbella

If you’re searching for things to do in Marbella with kids this autumn, these four family friendly walks near Marbella are the perfect mix of fun, nature, and Andalusian charm. Think gentle forest paths, crunchy leaves, white villages, and even one enormous, sacred tree.

These easy walks near Marbella are ideal kids activities Marbella families can enjoy in October and November — whether you’re based in town or exploring the Costa del Sol with kids for a weekend.

The Copper Forest & Beyond: Best Autumn Hikes on the Costa del Sol

 The Genal Valley in the Serranía de Ronda, just over an hour’s drive from Marbella, and the Sierra Real de Istán become two of the most stunning spots in southern Spain each autumn. The El Bosque de Cobre (“The Copper Forest”) is perfect for family-friendly hikes and scenic walks near Marbella.

1. Parauta – The Enchanted Forest (El Bosque Encantado)

Start point: Zona polideportiva de Parauta (about 1 h 15 min from Marbella)
Distance / Duration: ~3.5 km loop – 1.5 to 2 hours with kids
Difficulty: Easy (some gentle slopes)

This route is pure fairy-tale fun! The Enchanted Forest of Parauta is filled with colourful wooden sculptures and forest creatures made from fallen trunks and branches. Kids love spotting the hidden faces, gnomes, and fantastic animals as you walk through tall chestnut trees turning copper and gold.

It’s even suitable for strollers, though the final stretch includes a short dirt path — still passable, just expect a little extra push!

🕹️ Bonus activity: Before you go, download our free “Bosque Encantado Scavenger Hunt” — a printable scavenger hunt that turns your walk into a mini adventure!

Start the Adventure 🍄

2. Igualeja – Nacimiento del Río Genal

Start point: Plaza central de Igualeja, Igualeja village centre
Distance / Duration: Short route ~1.5 km return / Long route ~4 km return 
Difficulty: Easy to Easy-Moderate

In the pretty white village of Igualeja, the Genal River is born — bubbling straight from a rocky cave into clear pools surrounded by chestnut trees. The short trail leads you right to the Nacimiento del Río Genal, a peaceful natural spring that feels like a secret garden.

For families with older children, the longer 4 km option climbs gently above the village along a dirt path through chestnut groves, offering viewpoints over the Valley and Igualeja. The path is easy to follow, and the walk finishes back in the village, right by the river spring — a perfect picnic spot after your adventure.

Why go: Both versions are scenic, family-friendly, and full of photo moments — ideal for toddlers on the short path and active kids on the longer one.

El nacimiento del río Genal © malaga.es

3. Pujerra – The Chestnut Path (Sendero entre Castaños)

Start point: Plaza central de Pujera (signposted from main square)
Distance / Duration: ~4 km loop – 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (gentle hills but well-marked)

Pujerra sits at the heart of the Copper Forest, glowing with golden chesnut leaves every October and November. The Chestnut Path winds through family-owned groves where locals still collect the nuts by hand. The air smells of damp earth and roasted castañas from nearby stalls.

This circular route is one of the most beautiful ways to see the Bosque de Cobre in all its splendour. You´ll find  small viewpoints overlooking the valley and even the ancient Castaño Abuelo, a thousand-year-old chestnut tree that’s become a local treasure.

El Castaño Centenario De Pujerra
Castaño Centenario De Pujerra © pujerra.es

4. El Castaño Santo – Istan

Start point: Forest track from Istán village (ask locally for the Castaño Santo route – 4×4 track accessible partway by car)
Distance / Duration: ~5–6 km return (depending on starting point) – about 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (mainly gentle forest paths)

Just 30 minutes from Marbella, hidden in the Sierra Real de Istán, stands a living legend — El Castaño Santo, or the Holy Chesnut tree – estimated to be over 800 years old! Its enormous trunk (over 13 meters around) makes children feel as if they’ve stepped into a storybook.

The walk passes through pine and oak forest with mountain views and crisp autumn air. You can drive part of the dirt track (suitable for higher-clearance vehicles) and walk the rest, or enjoy the full route on foot for a relaxed family hike near Marbella.

Castaño Santo Istan
The holy chestnut tree of Istan © malaga.es

Why Families Love These Walks

These family friendly walks near Marbella are some of the most magical kids activities Marbella families can enjoy on a day trip. They’re scenic, educational, and perfect if you’re wondering what to do with kids in Marbella and around.

Whether you prefer the playful gnomes of Parauta, the bubbling river at Igualeja, the golden chestnuts of Pujerra, or the mythical El Castaño Santo, these routes make unforgettable adventures on the Costa del Sol with kids.

And if your family enjoys to hike Marbella trails or explore new corners of Andalusia, autumn is the very best time to do it.

Thank you for reading: 4 Family Friendly Walks near Marbella to Enjoy This Autumn

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