The Ruta de los Molinos, or Mills Trail, is a scenic hiking route I explored after visiting the charming town of Alcalá de los Gazules. Nestled within the Alcornocales National Park in southern Spain’s Cádiz province, this trail stretches just over two kilometers from start to finish. The landscape is exactly what you’d expect from this region—lush greenery and rugged rocky terrain.

The trail follows a mostly straight path, with a gentle incline that takes you from 95 meters to a peak of 163 meters above sea level. Thankfully, there are no steep sections, making it a pleasant and manageable hike.

Despite its name, I didn’t spot any mills along the way. Apparently, they’re hidden behind fences, and visiting them requires prior permission. The route alternates between open fields and narrow, enclosed paths, and about halfway through, you’ll come across some stunning rock formations that are worth pausing to admire.



Birdsong accompanies you for much of the hike, as there’s no traffic nearby to disturb the peace. The only interruptions were the occasional fellow hikers, of whom there were quite a few. The trail ends at a tranquil spot marked by a small stream surrounded by dense trees. I lingered here for a while, relaxing on the rocks and snapping some photos—it’s the perfect place to unwind.



Goldfinches were the most common birds I encountered, adding a splash of color to the experience. If you’re in the area and looking for an easy hike with lovely views, I highly recommend checking out this trail!


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