Tajos de Gomer - The Central Limestone Arch are a string of mountains, limestone for the most part, connecting the Sierra de las Nieves to the west, with the Sierra Tejeda in the east, extending for over 50 kilometres in length. This almost continuous chain provides a clear border between north-eastern regions of Antequera, with the south of the Malaga province.

This mountain formation is responsible for separating two very different climatic zones; the depression of Antequera in the north from Axarquía, the Hoya de Málaga and the Valle del Guadalhorce in the south and is one of the reasons for the good climate along the coast of Málaga.

They act to regulate the temperature south of this chain, providing more temperate conditions year-round. This effect can be clearly seen in the winter months when the cold air literally pours over the Sierra de Camarolos and appears waterfall-like.

We start in the pueblo of Alfarnate, adjacent to the Rio Sabar, and close to the once important trading route from Malaga to Granada. We leave following the Rio Sabar, and cross over to the adjacent pueblo of Alfarnatejo. It’s here that we have the splendid views of the Sierra de Camarolos to our right (part of the Central Limestone Arch), and in front of us the mass of peaks and ridges, standing on their own, of the Tajo de Gomer.

After a quick refreshment stop in Alfarnatejo we continue west, in front of the mountain of Fraile, and then turn south following a small stream as we head towards the open plains above Riogordo. 

The descent takes us around the west and southern flank of the Tajo de Gomer, initially through a mix of deciduous trees, then into olive groves and finally opening out into fields of crops. As we make steady progress we’re rewarded with changing views of the mountain; from the steep sides of Gomer and then with Doña Ana, like two teeth protruding up from the sloping fields.

The final few kilometres follow the Morenas stream as we descend into Riogordo.