La Concha Hike Marbella: How to Get to the Summit from Refugio de Juanar

La Concha Hike Marbella

Nestled in Marbella, La Concha is a must-see natural wonder. This mountain summit towers over the Costa del Sol, offering breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Mediterranean to the Moroccan coastline on clear days. If you’re considering the La Concha hike, this guide will help you every step of the way.

La Concha Marbella height, at 1,215 meters (4,000 feet), makes it one of the region’s most iconic landmarks, dominating the Sierra Blanca mountain range. While the trail is challenging, with rocky and slippery sections that may require using your hands for stability, the stunning summit views—over the Gibraltar Strait, northern Africa, and Andalusia—make the effort worth it.

Fun fact La Concha creates Marbella’s unique microclimate, shielding it from harsh winds and ensuring plenty of sunny days. Locals lovingly call it the “queen and protector” of the town!

La Concha Trail Options:

There are two main routes to reach the summit, each offering a distinct experience:

The Juanar route offers a more gradual ascent, spreading out the elevation gain over 3 extra kilometers. The Istan route is steeper and more challenging, with rock climbing and dense bushes to navigate. The Juanar route also has tricky sections like “El Salto del Lobo.”

Both routes are suitable for experienced hikers, but the Istan route is especially demanding. Regardless of your choice, both trails head south toward the summit, offering stunning views.

This guide will focus on the Juanar route, a rewarding climb through forests and rocky terrain with stunning vistas at the top. A separate blog will cover the Istan route.

Refugio de Juanar to La Concha (The Most Popular Route)

View La Concha Trail map here.

The most common starting point for the La Concha hike is the Refugio de Juanar, located about 20 minutes from Marbella’s center. The hike covers approximately 14 kilometers round trip and usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace. It starts with a gentle walk through olive groves and a tranquil pine forest before steeply ascending through Mediterranean vegetation.

How to Get to La Concha from Refugio de Juanar

From Marbella, take the A-355 road toward Ojén and follow the signs for Refugio de Juanar. The route includes a few kilometers along a narrow, winding road before you’ll spot the hotel on your right—park in the corner lot nearby. For easy navigation, you can open La concha hike Marbella parking location in Google Maps: Refugio de Juanar.

Parking fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early. You can choose between a larger lot (La Concha Parking) or a smaller one closer to the trailhead (Sendero Cruz de Juanar) if the main lot is full.

Hiking the Juanar Route

You can begin your hike at the Juanar refuge hotel or slightly higher. From here, follow the path as it meanders through the pine trees, eventually leading you to a green metal gate. Continue along the trail until you reach the first signpost for La Concha.

Keep in mind, this trail is a popular choice, so you’re likely to encounter other hikers along the way.

From the first signpost (shown in the image on the left), follow the dirt road for about 1.1 km through the forest, eventually opening up to silver olive groves. Ignore the first right turn and keep walking straight. Shortly after, you’ll reach another signpost (as seen in the image on the right) for La Concha—turn right here.

If you go straight instead, you’ll reach the Mirador de Marbella in just a few minutes, a well-known spot, especially on Sundays. On the left side, you’ll spot a statue of a wild goat.

As you continue, you’ll pass an abandoned house on your left, followed by scenic views of olive trees and gall-oak groves (“El olivar de Juanar” or “Llano de Juanar”). After a few minutes, you’ll reach the next signpost. Turn left into Pinar de Juanar, a peaceful pine forest, and keep following the trail until you see the next La Concha signpost.

As you walk through the pine forest, you’ll then see a trail branching off to the right toward Puerto de la Viborilla, leading to Istán via Cañada de Juan Inglés. Ignore this and stay left on the path to La Concha. The climb gets steeper shortly, so pace yourself and enjoy the surroundings.

After about 30 minutes of walking through the dense forest, the path opens up to a sandy plain. Here, the trail gets steeper, and over the next 40 minutes, you’ll climb about 200 meters until you reach Puerto de las Allanás on the Sierra Blanca ridge. At this point, the slope eases, giving you a break before you continue toward La Concha.

Puerto de las Allanás is also where the trail forks. The left path leads to the summit of Juanar (1,184 meters), known as “Cruz de Juanar,” while staying straight takes you to La Concha.

Want a Less Challenging Option? Try Cruz de Juanar If you're feeling tired by the time you reach Puerto de las Allanás, don’t worry! You can always save La Concha for another day and head to Cruz de Juanar instead—the view at the top is totally worth it! The climb from here (via the backside trail) is a gentler challenge compared to the steeper route from Mirador Macho Montes (front side).

After leaving Puerto de las Allanas, the La Concha trail continues along the ridge with a gentle ascent, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Follow the signposts toward Juanar-La Concha and continue straight ahead. The higher you go, the better the views of the sea. As you move forward, your next objective is the Salto del Lobo (Wolf’s Jump).

The trail becomes rockier and more demanding as you ascend. Once at the top, the landscape opens up to the north, offering a great resting spot and a wooden signpost guiding you toward El Salto del Lobo. Continue straight, descending toward the northern slope, and take the right. This path leads to the rocky El Salto del Lobo section, where you’ll find the first set of chains, installed by Marbella Firefighters to help hikers navigate this difficult stretch safely.

Once at El Salto del Lobo, this steep and rocky section has some slippery areas, requiring careful footing—and sometimes even the use of your hands. For many, this may be the most challenging part of the entire route.

After overcoming this tricky pass, the trail continues along the left side of the slopes, leading to Cerro Lastonar (1,279 meters), the highest peak of Sierra Blanca. The stunning panoramic views from the top make the effort worth it. The Istán reservoir comes into view to the west.

From here, you have two options to continue toward La Concha’s summit. The left path leads to a second set of chains for additional support, while the right bypass trail, often used for the return or as part of the hike towards Istán (PR-A 135 Istan-La Concha), descends over rocky terrain with views of the Istán reservoir before continuing straight.

As you near La Concha’s summit, the trail narrows and becomes more exposed, descending slightly before climbing along the southern slope of the ridge. Along the way, you’ll pass La Cepilla del Enebro before reaching the peak, where breathtaking views of the coast, the Mediterranean, and the reservoir unfold beneath you.

At La Concha’s summit (1,215 meters), soak in the stunning 360-degree views. After a well-earned break, begin your descent—either retracing your steps or opting for the alternate route for a fresh perspective.

Where to Refuel After Your Hike? First, you can relax at the summit or, for a post-hike reward, head to El Refugio de Juanar, a cozy former hunting lodge turned hotel, where you can enjoy a meal or unwind by the fire, especially in winter.

Essentials for Hiking La Concha Marbella

The hike to La Concha is not an easy one, so it’s important to come prepared. Here are some essential things to bring and consider:

– Start Early: Avoid midday heat and ensure you have enough time to return before dark, start your hike early.

– Layered Clothing: Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, as it can get chilly at the summit. Trousers or hiking pants are recommended for protection against stinging nettles.

– Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Sturdy footwear is a must due to the rocky terrain. Trekking poles are helpful for the steep and uneven sections of this trail.

– Water and Snacks: There are no water sources along the trail, so pack at least 2 liters of water per person and energy-rich snacks to keep you fueled.

– Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the heat.

What Do You Need to Know About Visiting La Concha Summit?

– Phone signal is unreliable after 2.5 km, so carry a GPS device and ensure your phone is fully charged.

– La Concha hike is recommended for experienced hikers only. It’s not suitable for those with a fear of heights, due to the narrow, steep paths and rock-climbing sections. Always check the weather to avoid fog or poor conditions.

– The trail is an officially recognized Sendero de Pequeño Recorrido PR, marked with white and yellow trail markers and signposts to guide you. Along the way, you’ll also spot red arrows—follow these to stay on track. Pay attention to walked paths and and use your judgment to stay safe. Be cautious of red “X” signs, which indicate incorrect paths or areas to avoid.

Is it Worth Hiking La Concha in Marbella?

Absolutely! While the La Concha hike may not be the easiest, it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding hikes in southern Spain. With breathtaking 360-degree views, including a clear day glimpse of Morocco’s mountains, the hike is both challenging and unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape or epic photos, the summit offers something for everyone.

First time hiking La Concha? It’s a good idea to go with someone familiar with the route, as it’s easy to get lost. If you’d like extra support, consider joining a guided tour:

Don’t feel like hiking La Concha after all? | Check out this other outdoor experience.

Last Thoughts on La Concha Hike Marbella

One of the things we enjoyed most about the La Concha hike was how the terrain kept changing along the way. Each section of the trail felt unique, with vibrant shifts in colors and textures. At times, we walked over soft carpets of pine needles; other stretches revealed rich clay-colored paths, sandy patches, or rugged rocky trails. The landscape itself was stunning—a beautiful mix of towering pines and ancient olive trees that created a constantly evolving backdrop. It felt like nature’s own masterpiece, full of surprises around every corner.

Hiking to the summit of La Concha is a must-do adventure in Marbella. The views from the top are unparalleled, offering a combination of stunning natural beauty and a rewarding challenge. Whether you choose the Juanar route or the Istan route, the La Concha hike is an experience you’ll remember for years.

Have questions or need trip planning help? Ask us any questions and get custom trip advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions About La Concha Hike in Marbella

Best Time of the Year to Hike La Concha

Hiking La Concha in Marbella is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to plan wisely. The trail can be tough, especially during the summer when the heat is intense, and local authorities advise against hiking it during this time. The best time of year to hike La Concha is during autumn, winter, or spring, when cooler temperatures make the climb more enjoyable. Even during these months, it’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as the trail can still get quite warm.

Pro Tip: If you visit in March or April, you’ll get to enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms in bloom around Juanar, adding a beautiful touch to the hike.

Best Time to Hike La Concha

The best time of the day to hike La Concha is early in the morning. This helps you avoid the heat, crowds, and midday sun, as the trail offers little shade. If you’re hiking in the summer, an early start is even more essential for a comfortable journey. Be sure to check the weather and pick a clear, calm day to get the best views and safest conditions.

Is La Concha Hike Dog Friendly?

While you can bring your dog on the La Concha hike, there are some precautions to keep in mind. From January to May, avoid hiking with dogs due to the presence of processionary caterpillars in the pine forests, which can be deadly for them. Additionally, there’s a tricky section with a narrow ledge where you’ll need to use a set of chains for support, and a vertical drop where dogs need to be leashed and well-trained to navigate safely. Keep in mind that there are no water sources along the trail, so bring enough water for both you and your pup. If your dog is fit and experienced with hiking, they may be able to join, but this challenging trail isn’t ideal for all dogs.

How Long Does the La Concha Hike Take?

The La Concha hike usually takes around 4 to 6 hours for the round trip via the Refugio de Juanar route (14 km), and 6 to 8 hours via the more demanding Istán route (11.2 km). Your time may vary depending on your fitness level and pace.

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La Concha Hike Marbella: How to Get to the Summit from Refugio de Juanar