Canuto de la Utrera
From Estepona centre25 min
Duration1–2 h (short route); half day for the circular route
DifficultyModerate
PriceFree
Best timeOct–May; never after rain (the rock gets very slippery)
KidsWith caution: there are scrambles and sections with drops
AddressRuta oficial nº 11 de Casares: desde la carretera A-377 (Manilva-Gaucín), por el carril hacia Los Llanos. También se puede hacer a la inversa desde los Baños de la Hedionda (la primera parte es más dura)
Opening hoursFree access.
About
- Karst gorge in the Sierra de la Utrera with remains of a Roman road
- Short official route: 2.4 km, around 1 h, medium-high difficulty, with steep stretches and a section along the riverbed
- Popular circular route of about 9.5 km linking the Canuto, the Ruta de los Molinos along the Manilva river and the Baños de la Hedionda
Good to know
- Hiking boots and poles: you have to scramble over big rocks and go down uneven sections
- It crosses private farmland: respect fences and livestock
- Bring water; if you do the loop, have a swim in the Hedionda pools at the end
Near here
Baños de la HediondaCulture · Casares (límite con Manilva) · 25 minSulphurous and ferruginous (iron-rich) water baths declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (protected heritage site)
Bodega Nilva and Viñas de Manilva Visitor Centre (CIVIMA)Wine and food · Manilva · 20 minManilva is moscatel grape country by the sea
ManilvaVillage · Manilva · 20 minCastillo de la Duquesa (1767, Charles III era) next to the beach
Venta CozarVenta (roadside inn) and grill house · Casares · 15 minVenta-brasería (roadside grill) on the Casares road, with a terrace and views, specialising in chargrilled meats.