CxM El Fuerte de Frigiliana

CxM El Fuerte de Frigiliana

The CxM El Fuerte de Frigiliana is a mountain race through the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, starting and finishing at the La Horca sports complex in Frigiliana. The 2026 edition is the fifth, on June 7, consolidating its place on the Málaga Provincial Cup calendar and taking advantage of one of the most spectacular settings in the Axarquía.

Frigiliana, listed among the most beautiful villages in Spain, lies in the easternmost part of Málaga province, just 7 km from Nerja and 56 from the provincial capital. The village, of Moorish origin, preserves a historic centre of cobbled streets, whitewashed façades and blue ceramic mosaics that tell the story of the 1569 Morisco rebellion — whose last stand took place precisely at the El Fuerte rock that gives the race its name.

A 21K route with 1,200m D+

The main modality is a circular 21 km loop with approximately 1,200 metres of positive elevation gain. The route covers:

• Forest tracks climbing from the old town up into the sierra
• Rural paths between ancient terraces and Moorish irrigation works
• Mountain trails near the El Fuerte rock
• Panoramic stretches with views over the Mediterranean and, on clear days, the Sierra Nevada

The organisation provides 4 aid stations (km 6, 11, 16 and finish), chip timing, medical support and trophies for the top three of each category. The start is at 09:10 from the La Horca sports complex and the approximate cut-off is 5 hours for the 21K. The Mini CxM 13K is the more accessible option for runners looking for a first mountain experience without the full elevation.

June in the Axarquía: Mediterranean heat and sea views

The June 7 date places the race at the start of the Andalusian summer. Temperatures in Frigiliana usually range from 18°C at dawn to 28-30°C at midday, with moderate humidity coming off the Mediterranean. Hydration management and sun protection are decisive: practically the entire course runs through exposed Mediterranean scrubland with little shade and high UV exposure.

The race is organised by Club Deportivo Aguanosos MTB in partnership with the Frigiliana municipality, under the Andalusian Mountaineering Federation (FAM). Services are complete: chip-timed bib, multiple aid stations, medical support, locker rooms with showers at the sports complex, and a runner bag with local Axarquía produce.

Frigiliana beyond the race

Frigiliana is a first-class tourist destination and absolutely worth planning at least one night in the village. Its historic centre, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is one of the best-preserved in Andalusia, with steep streets, bougainvillea-filled squares and viewpoints over the sea. The Mosaic Trail narrates the twelve episodes of the Morisco rebellion through ceramic panels integrated into the façades.

A few minutes by car you reach Nerja and its famous Caves of Nerja, the Balcón de Europa, and the coastal Maro-Cerro Gordo protected area. Inland, the Sierra de Tejeda offers high-quality hiking routes, including the ascent to La Maroma (2,066 m), the highest peak in Málaga province.

Looking for more races in Andalusia? Browse our full Andalusia race calendar or build your season with TrailRunTemple’s race planner.