Hostel network will ensure mod cons for Gran Senda hikers

A NETWORK of lodgings and accommodation is being created along the Gran Senda (Great Path) that covers 650 kilometres of Malaga Province, to encourage tourism.
Elias Bendodo, head of the Malaga Provincial Council, explained that it was hoped the network would boost rural, active and nature tourism by providing a network of establishments that meet certain requirements including WiFi connection, bicycle parking, individual and group rooms and affordable prices.
Establishments in Villanueva del Rosario, Villanueva de Algaidas, Cuevas Bajas and Ronda had already signed up to join, Bendodo said.
The aim of the project is to increase income from the Gran Senda, a circular, 35-stage route crossing all areas of the province on paths, tracks and lanes, and create more jobs.
Since it was opened, 1.25 million hikers have completed the route, which crosses a number of nature parks and reserves and, combined with the Caminito del Rey (King’s Walkway) in El Chorro and the Senda Litoral coastal path, forms the Gran Desafio (Great Challenge) pushed by the provincial council as an international active tourism product.
“We’re building a new tourist attraction that will bring in new visitors and encourage those that come to the coasts in search of sun, sand and golf to venture inland and spread income all over the province. It’s a well thought out strategy,” Bendodo concluded.