Mass tourism threatens the biodiversity of a natural paradise.
Why is the river Chillar closing?
The Malaga town of Nerja has temporarily closed access to the Chíllar River, one of its most beloved tourist attractions. But what is the reason behind this measure?
Crowds: A growing problem
It’s not just the beaches that are suffering from tourist overcrowding: this summer, rivers and freshwater areas have also seen an alarming increase in the number of visitors. With high temperatures and the desire to enjoy nature, the Chíllar River has received up to 3,000 daily visits in the warmer months. However, this constant influx has begun to affect the biodiversity of the local ecosystem.
An accessible and attractive environment
The Chíllar River, which stretches for 17 km from its source at 1,200 meters to its mouth at the sea, is a popular destination where visitors enjoy refreshing walks of approximately eight kilometers. However, this popularity brings with it an unexpected risk: the high risk of fires.
🔥 The impact of the risk of fires
Why is this measure important?
Since August 10, the The Local Government Board of Nerja has implemented the temporary closure of access to the river. This decision is based on reports from organizations such as Seprona, the Provincial Firefighters Consortium and Civil Protection, which warn of the high risk of fires in the area. In their statements, they highlight that:
- High temperatures and the large influx of people are multiplying the risks.
- Reports agree that the situation has become alarming.
What does this mean for visitors?
Lovers Nature lovers and hikers will need to find alternatives during this closure. However, it is a necessary measure to protect both the natural environment and the safety of visitors.
🌍 What can we do to help?
1. Respect local decisions
It is essential to comply with the security measures adopted by the authorities. Closing access to the Chíllar River is a way to preserve its beauty and biodiversity.
2. Look for sustainable alternatives
There are other places in the region that offer experiencess natural and can be visited without putting the ecosystem at risk.
3. Promote responsible tourism
Whenever possible, choose to visit less crowded destinations and practice sustainable tourism. This helps to reduce the pressure on the most popular places.
A necessary respite for the Chíllar River
The decision to temporarily close access to the Chíllar River is a reminder of the importance of caring for our natural resources. By protecting this beautiful ecosystem, we ensure that future generations can also enjoy its splendor. We hope that the Chíllar River will soon be able to reopen its doors to continue being a refuge of nature and tranquility!
When does the Chillar River open?
The Chillar River route will be open to the public again when an external company manages the capacity. This already happens in other places in Malaga. Two clear examples are the Cueva de Nerja where they have daily capacity and the Caminito del Rey in Ardales.
Is the Rio Chillar still closed?
The Nerja City Council decided unanimously to temporarily close access to the Chillar River due to safety concerns, motivated by a high risk of forest fires. This decision was presented by the mayor and other political representatives, and was ratified in the Plenary Session of the City Council, supporting a previous agreement of the Local Government Board.
The closure took effect on August 10 and is in response to reports from various institutions, such as Seprona and Civil Protection, which warned of the danger of fires in the area. The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Malaga also urged the local administration to take measures to avoid possible responsibilities in case of incidents.
Ruta Rio Chillar Nerja 2025
Is the Rio Chillar open in 2025?
The Rio Chillar remains closed. You can book the Rio Verde route or the Caminito del Rey to enjoy a similar route.
Can the Chillar River route be done in 2025?
This route is closed. But you can make excursions to the mountains of Nerja, Frigiliana and the entire Sierra de Almijara.
Book route Rio Chillar 2025?
You cannot book, but you can find similar routes in the province of Malaga and Granada. There are similar routes to the Rio Chillar in Nerja.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Where is the Chíllar River?
The Chíllar River is located in the town of Nerja, in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, Spain. It is a popular place for hiking and contact with nature.
2. What is the most common route to travel the Chíllar River?
The most popular route begins in the area of the Burriana beach road, on Mirto Street and follows the riverbed. The route is approximately 8 kilometers long (round trip) and offers spectacular views and pools for swimming.
3. Is it necessary to have hiking experience to walk the Chíllar River?
It is not essential to have a lot of experience, but it is recommended to be in good physical shape, since the trail can be steep. r slippery and has sections that require a bit of effort.
4. What should I bring on the route?
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing suitable for hiking, sturdy footwear (preferably hiking boots), enough water, food, sunscreen, and a hat or cap. It is also advisable to bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim in the pools.
5. Is there a cost to access the Chíllar River?
There is no entrance fee to access the Chíllar River route, as it is a natural space. However, some parking lots may have fees.
6. Is swimming allowed in the Chíllar River?
Yes, it is possible to swim in some of the pools along the route, but you should always be careful of the currents and the river bottom, which can be rocky.
7. Are there access restrictions at certain times of the year?
In some cases, during the summer months, there may be access restrictions due to the risk of fires or adverse weather conditions. It is advisable to check with local authorities or the Nerja tourist office before planning a visit.
8. What is the recommended time to complete the route?
The estimated time to complete the Río Chíllar route is approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the walking pace and the stops made.
9. Are there toilet facilities in the area?
There are no toilet facilities along the route. It is important to plan ahead and use the toilets at the starting point or in Nerja before starting the walk.
10. Is it suitable for families with children?
Yes, the route is suitable for families, but the age and ability of children to walk should be taken into account. Parents should supervise and assist children on the more difficult parts of the trail.
I hope this information is useful to you and helps you plan a visit to the Chíllar River.
The information about the closure of the Chillar River has been collected from various sources:
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