The proposed Senda Litoral de la provincia de Málaga – Málaga Province Coastal Path – will have a budget of €30 million and a completion period of five years.
The project is being carried out by the Málaga Provincial Council with the cooperation of fourteen municipalities, the Junta de Andalucia, the Central Government and various associations and aims to provide a 180 kilometre walking/cycle path between Nerja and Manilva.
The Coastal Path is not a new path but is the linking of existing promenades, paths and trails to allow for an uninterrupted hike or cycle ride between Nerja and Manilva. Several sections have apparently already been started: a 3,9 km stretch in Estepona, 700 metres in Marbella, 6 km in Mijas, 1,6 km in Fuengirola, 900 metres in Rincón de la Victoria and a 3,4 km stretch in Vélez-Málaga.
Within a fortnight, work will begin on a 1 kilometre section in Torrequebrada (Benalmádena). Around 75% of the route is already passable, leaving the remaining 25%, about 40 kilometres, still to do. Certain areas, such as the cliff areas between Nerja and Torrox are going to present the greatest challenge, unlike connecting Mijas and Marbella which is basically just one long beach.
Málaga Council believes the route will open up new possibilities for businesses, hotels, catering establishments, sports and active tourism. Málaga Council has budgeted €4 million for the project in 2015.