Lorraine Williamson
A routine walk in the hills above Istán turned into a high-risk rescue on Saturday afternoon. A Belgian hiker became stranded on a near-vertical rock face around 80 metres above ground level. Unable to move without risking a fall, he was forced to call for help.
The alarm was raised shortly after 3.00 pm when emergency services were alerted to a lone hiker stuck in difficult terrain. Given the height and exposure involved, the response was immediate. The Guardia Civil activated its specialist mountain rescue unit, GREIM, based in Álora, and deployed a helicopter to reach the scene.
Winched from a narrow ledge
Rescuers located the man standing on a small ledge on an almost sheer rock face. With no safe route down on foot, the operation was carried out entirely from the air. Using a rescue winch, the helicopter crew lifted the hiker to safety. The manoeuvre was completed without incident, and the man was confirmed to be unharmed.
He was later transported to a secure location, where no medical treatment was required.
A beautiful landscape that can turn hostile
The incident occurred on the fringes of the Sierra de las Nieves, a protected mountain area known for its dramatic limestone formations, ravines and sudden changes in elevation. While the park is a magnet for walkers and nature lovers, its terrain can be misleading.
Trails are not always clearly defined, and rocky paths can end abruptly. Each year, emergency services are called out repeatedly after hikers underestimate the difficulty of the routes or stray from marked paths.
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A familiar warning from rescue services
The Guardia Civil regularly responds to similar incidents across mountainous parts of Andalucia, particularly in popular natural parks. As warmer weather draws more people into the hills, rescue teams are again urging caution.
Proper preparation, suitable footwear, knowledge of the area and strict adherence to marked trails are essential. In places like the hills around Istán, where steep drops can appear without warning, even experienced hikers can quickly find themselves in trouble.
Emergency services in Spain
Staying safe in Andalucia’s mountain regions
Saturday’s rescue ended without injury, but it serves as a reminder that Andalucia’s landscapes demand respect. The same scenery that makes areas like the Sierra de las Nieves so appealing can also turn unforgiving in seconds.
For those planning winter or spring hikes, local advice, route planning and a realistic assessment of personal ability can make the difference between a memorable day out and a call for emergency help.
Sources: Europa Press, La Voz del Sur, Malaga Hoy