This Málaga town is home to waterfalls over 20 metres high

A little research is all it takes to realise the immense wealth offered by the various towns and villages that make up Spain. Such is the case of Las Chorreras de Balastar, a unique natural area located in Málaga.

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The Balastar Waterfalls: over 20 metres high

Visiting the Balastar Waterfalls is undoubtedly a great choice for nature lovers and hikers. Located in the heart of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, this area is crisscrossed by trails through pine forests and old farm tracks. It's the perfect place to get lost, embrace the silence and feel completely connected with nature.

One of the highlights of any visit to the Serranía de Ronda is the chance to see the two waterfalls at the heart of this stunning landscape: both are over 20 metres tall and offer visitors a real feast for the senses – undoubtedly a lovely reward after a long walk.

A circular trail from the village of Faraján

If you want to visit Las Chorreras de Balastar, the best way is to start from the village of Faraján. There's a circular trail that will take you to the waterfalls and back to the historic centre of this town in less than an hour.

Take note of its main characteristics:

• It is an easy trail, only 2.5 kilometres long and with very little elevation.
• If you take your time during your visit and stop to take photos or rest, it will take you about two hours to complete the entire trail.
• During the walk, you can observe the local life, agricultural activity, fruit trees and some historical remains, such as an old water mill from the Muslim era.
• The canalisation and distribution ditches carved into the rocks from the same period (and which are still used today in the farms' terraces) are another attraction.
• Along this trail, you will also find forests of holm oaks, cork oaks, chestnut trees, pines and some remnants of traditional crops such as olive trees, almond trees and vineyards.
• La Chorrera is located northwest of the town of Faraján, just over half a kilometre away. To access the path that will take you there, simply leave the town to the right of the main street, just before the Plaza de Andalucía.
• One of the most beautiful moments is the descent towards the stream, where the vegetation becomes more lush as we get closer to the water. It's an ideal spot to rest, cool off and enjoy the scenery.

Imagen de Wikiloc.

When to visit Las Chorreras de Balastar?

Those familiar with the area recommend visiting Las Chorreras de Balastar during the spring, when the waterfall is more spectacular thanks to the snowmelt after the winter months. Water flow increases, heightening the feeling of being immersed.

The Balastar waterfalls originate from the Balastar stream, which flows between rocky walls and local vegetation.

What's more, spring is usually warmer, which is essential for a more pleasant hiking experience. The flora also begins to flourish during these months, adding even more beauty and interest to this trail.

However, if you're looking to visit somewhere new and to reconnect with nature in solitude, you'd be better off going during the rainy season.

As TikTok user Pegatinas_23 points out, visiting the waterfalls during the rainy season allows you to enjoy them in all their splendour. "We were so surprised not to see anyone else," he says.

What to see in the "delightful" town with a Muslim past

Faraján is a small village in Málaga, nestled among chestnut trees, streams and streets with Moorish heritage. The area is characterised by its steep slopes, whitewashed houses and the exceptional natural setting on which the village sits, a key to understanding the history of the Genal Valley.

With a Muslim past, this enclave is surrounded by nature, and the presence of water is key to understanding its origin and legacy. In Arabic, its original name meant "joyful" or "delightful," which gives us an idea of how special this historic settlement is.

Must-see spots:

• If you visit this area, you cannot miss the prehistoric Dolmen of Romeral.
• Another essential site is the old farmhouses of Balastar, Chicar and Majada del Juez, all of which date back to the Muslim era.
• Don't miss the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, which dates back to 1505, although it was extensively remodelled at different times and rebuilt in the mid-20th century.
• Faraján is part of the Fray Leopoldo Trail, along with Cartajima, Pujerra, Igualeja, Júzcar and Alpandeire. This Capuchin monk, beatified in 2010, is one of the most venerated figures in all of Andalusia.