Easy hikes and family walks in southern Granada
Short, flat routes with published figures: what qualifies, where they are and how to keep a family walk comfortable.
✓ Facts checked on 8 November 2026
How we choose
Official grade
The route must carry the lowest grade of its source (“baja” for Motril and Salobreña).
Published figures
Distance, time and altitude must be published. Village routes without figures are not listed, even if they look short.
Family filter
At most 5 km and 100 m between lowest and highest point, with no warning such as cliffs, floods or road crossings.
Grade is not length
An “easy” grade means gentle terrain, not a short walk: some easy routes take four or five hours.
Short, low walks that meet our family criteria
Comparison of trails with official data
| Trail | Area | Route type | Distance | Time (official) | Altitude / Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Lagunas | Motril | Loop | 2 km | 30 min | 0–4 m | Easy |
| Fábricas Azucareras | Motril | Loop | 2.3 km | 28 min * | 28–44 m | Easy |
| El Maraute | Motril | Loop | 3.8 km | 49 min | 19–97 m | Easy |
| Azud de los Vados | Motril | Loop | 4.8 km | 1 h 02 min * | 59–124 m | Easy |
* Official time for the return walk (“ida y vuelta”).
Other routes with the lowest official grade
Longer or with a specific warning, these routes are still graded easy by their source. Check distance and time before choosing one with children.
Comparison of trails with official data
| Trail | Area | Route type | Distance | Time (official) | Altitude / Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rambla Cañizares | Motril | – | 2.8 km | 45 min * | 73–124 m | Easy |
| Camino Antiguo de Granada | Motril | – | 3.5 km | 1 h 04 min | 206–363 m | Easy |
| Cultivos Subtropicales | Motril | – | 5.2 km | 1 h 05 min * | 26–48 m | Easy |
| Vega de Motril | Motril | Loop | 6.6 km | 1 h 20 min | 1–40 m | Easy |
| La Defensa Costera | Motril | – | 7 km | 1 h 26 min | 0–22 m | Easy |
| Senda Mediterránea Salobreña – Almuñécar | Salobreña | Linear (one way) | 14.54 km | 4 h | 1–82 m | Easy |
| Ruta Vega Baja de Salobreña y Motril | Salobreña | Loop | 19.3 km | 5 h | 10–25 m | Easy |
* Official time for the return walk (“ida y vuelta”).
One step up: medium-low
Motril grades these two routes “medium-low”: the Sacratif cliffs run along a cliff edge, and the Sierra del Conjuro is longer, between 482 and 658 m.
Comparison of trails with official data
| Trail | Area | Route type | Distance | Time (official) | Altitude / Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acantilados de Sacratif | Motril | – | 2.4 km | 40 min * | 9–55 m | Medium-low |
| Sierra del Conjuro | Motril | – | 8.8 km | 2 h * | 482–658 m | Medium-low |
* Official time for the return walk (“ida y vuelta”).
And from the village?
In Vélez de Benaudalla, the town hall describes walks such as the Ruta del Nacimiento and the riverside route to La Explanación, both starting from the main square. Read the descriptions in our guide to hiking in Vélez de Benaudalla and judge for yourself.
Tips for walking with children
Heat and shade
Many coastal routes have little shade. In summer, Salobreña’s tourist office recommends walking early in the morning or at sunset.
Water and snacks
Carry more water than you think; fountains are not guaranteed to be drinkable.
Edges and roads
Hold hands near cliff edges and where routes cross or follow the N-340 or N-323.
Ramblas
Dry stream beds can flood after heavy rain: avoid them in stormy weather.
Emergencies
Call 112.
A family base between the coast and the mountains
Rincón Salvaje is a two-bedroom holiday duplex in Vélez de Benaudalla. The coastal routes are reached by car; village walks start from the main square.
- Travelling with a pet: EU rules, beaches, car and a checklist
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest hike near Motril?
By published figures, Las Lagunas: a 2 km loop of about 30 minutes between 0 and 4 m, graded low by Motril’s tourism office.
Are there family-friendly hikes on the Costa Tropical?
Several short, low routes meet our criteria (official lowest grade, ≤ 5 km, ≤ 100 m altitude range, no specific warning): 4 of Motril’s published routes. No source labels them “family-friendly”.
Is an “easy” route always short?
No. Salobreña’s plain loop is graded low but measures 19.3 km and takes about 5 hours.
Can we walk from the village with children?
The town hall of Vélez de Benaudalla describes village walks from the main square, but publishes no distance or time. Read the description and decide.
Sources · Facts checked on 8 November 2026
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