If you are looking for an ideal destination for a getaway, there’s nowhere better than the small village of El Chorro, a favourite among adventurers and nature lovers.
This village belongs to the municipality of Álora, which is part of the province of Málaga and is a natural paradise in the heart of the Guadalhorce region. It’s known for its reservoirs which are an important water source for nearby settlements.
The mountainous enclave is part of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, designated natural park status in 1989. The park is El Chorro’s main attraction, as visitors come to enjoy the Caminito del Rey, a suspended walkway which traverses the dramatic gorge.
The narrow boardwalks and footbridges are built between the walls of the gorge and stretch for some 3 precarious kilometres with breathtaking views at each step. The route covers three municipalities, one of them being Álora, and the others Ardales and Antequera. This path was recently closed for a season for renovations, before reopening to the public in 2015.
If the dizzying heights of the Caminito whet your appetite for more adventure, you’ll be pleased to learn that this area is also a paradise for climbing enthusiasts. There are more than 1,300 routes of varying difficulty on the vertical walls of the gorge, where climbers can pitch themselves against the challenges of the immense rock face.
Getting there. Now we’ve told you why to go, here’s how. You can get to El Chorro by bus, car or train. In fact, it’s only an hour by car from the centre of Malaga.
The area boasts many unmissable sites of natural beauty, some of which are the result of human interaction with the landscape.
These include the reservoirs of Guadalhorce, Conde de Guadalhorce and Guadalteba. Together, the three bodies of water are known as the reservoirs of El Chorro and they are a haven for fans of watersports, with plenty of waterside installations and facilities.
What to do in the reservoirs of El Chorro? The lakes are located less than a kilometre from the Caminito del Rey, making them a favourite recreational area for tourists and residents alike. After all, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip after taking on the challenge of the Caminito. There is a wide range of activities to try on the water, including lessons, tours and equipment hire, as well as restaurants and bars where you can relax in style.
Among the must-see sights are the ruins of Bobastro, just a stone’s throw away from El Chorro. They are the most important cave complex in the province of Malaga and are located in an elevated area which is one of the most panoramic viewpoints in the province.
As you can see, adventure is never far away when you visit El Chorro. So if you’re the intrepid kind of traveller, you’ll be delighted to know that among the accommodation options available in El Chorro, you will find some cabins and holiday cottages near El Caminito del Rey. These will offer you a place to rest at the end of an adrenaline-fuelled day, enjoying the high-quality services that can be expected of this type of accommodation in Malaga.
