An area of this region, and two adjacent to it, with figures of environmental protection:

Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes: A three kilometres Canyon, at altitudes of 300 m high and widths of less than 10 m formed by the River Guadalhorce in El Chorro Natural Spot. It is an enclave of geomorphological special interest. Near the gorge highlights other forms of modeling erosion, particularly those karstic cavities, also with archaeological significance. The area is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Community Interest (SCI) for its importance as a habitat for riverside vegetation and birds.

Biosphere Reserve Sierra de las Nieves and its surroundings. Although outside the county, the municipality of Coín bordering it. Its vegetation combines magnificent examples of Mediterranean scrub and species of the mountain. The current population is determined by the interesting urban centers of the municipalities, being formed and maintained since the Christian conquest, in the late fifteenth century.

© Photograph: Cinema Sur

In addition to the previous several places throughout the county, there have been declared as LICs and therefore included in the Natura 2000 network, the Sierras of Alcaparaín and Aguas: by the state of their forests and Mediterranean scrub and its role in regulating water ; Sierras de Abdalajís and La Encantada Sur because of its importance for the conservation of shrub (Juniperus sabina); Rio Guadalhorce, Fahala and Pereilas: by its interesting fishes and Rio Fuengirola: better known within the region as a río de las Posadas, interesting for its otter populations and Oxygastra curtissi Odonata, including within the category of Vulnerable IUCN.