It’s taken a long time, but the Guadalhorce River Bridge is finally open! The stunning wooden bridge opened to pedestrians and cyclists in late September, connecting the west side of the city with the Nature Reserve on the other side. Not only does the Bridge make it much easier to cross the river, it adds an architectural gem to the landscape.
About the bridge
Crafted in Asturias in the far north of Spain, the wooden walkway spans 270m across one tributary of the Guadalhorce river and its banks. It has 6 arcs supported by white pillars and goes gently up and down on its way across the river. The bridge is 4m wide and its design gives you a real feeling of space as you cross.
We love the curved wooden railings on both sides and how these ‘move’ as you walk over the bridge. See what we mean in the video below 👇.
The new Guadalhorce River Bridge runs from the far west side of the city (Sacaba on the seafront or the MartĂn Carpena Sports Stadium) into the Nature Reserve on the other side. It’s a massive improvement – before you had to walk further up river and cross via the side of the motorway. A noisy and dangerous experience that no one will be missing!
Why cross the Guadalhorce River Bridge?
Apart from it being a feat of architecture and engineering (so worth a visit anyway), the new bridge adds to the things to do in Malaga.
- Visit the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve – a real gem of a place in Malaga with a long, long list of birds (residents and visitors); peace and quiet; and one of the last undeveloped beaches in Malaga. It’s pedestrian only (so no bikes) and dogs must be kept on a lead. The Reserve is fully accessible if you don’t mind a bumpy ride – some of the tracks are a bit stoney! Read more about birdwatching in Malaga.
- Add to a cycle ride in Malaga – the new bridge is cyclist-friendly (see the rules below) and opens up this side of the city to those on 2 wheels. Read about some great bike rides in Malaga.
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How to get there
The Guadalhorce River Bridge is on the west side of the city and only accessible on foot or by bike. To get there from the city centre:
On foot or by bike: walk to the port and then go right along the western seafront as far as you can go. You’ll see signs for the Senda Litoral – follow these, parallel to one of the river tributaries until you reach a white bridge. Cross over and walk up a short slope to the right onto one of the river dykes. You’ll see the bridge in the distance, about 10 minutes’ walk away.
By bus: take the No 40 bus and get off at the last stop (Sacaba). Walk west across some wasteland and follow the instructions above.
Rules on the bridge
- Walk or cycle on the right.
- Wear your mask.
- Pedestrians have priority.
- Cyclists must give way to pedestrians and ride at a maximum speed of 10kph.
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