This small town of Alora located near the Natural Park of Los Gaitanes is one of the main destinations for rock climbing in Europe. Particularly popular is the path known as Caminito del Rey, now renovated and open to the public.
Natural environment
The environment surrounding El Chorro is rich in flora and fauna. There is a large variety of birds, you will be able to sight some of the approximately 150 listed species like the griffon vulture, eagles, owls, hawks …
Among the mammals you can sight foxes, bats, wild boars, otters and a quite common ibex among many others.
Recommended places to visit near El Chorro
If you’re going to El Chorro you can not miss the following places:
- Embalse Conde del Guadalhorce: Also known as Pantano del Chorro. There is a sofa made of stone where the king Alfonso XIII signed the completion of the works.
- Ardales: Located between Alora, Casarabonela and Teba. Ideal place for enjoying the typical gastronomy and where tourists can also buy some souvenirs.
There is a bus line from Ardales linking with Caminito del Rey in El Chorro with buses every half an hour approximately from 9am to 8pm every day except mondays.
- Desfiladero de los Gaitanes: Canyon dug over time by the action of the Guadalhorce river. The canyon is up 700 metres deep.
- Bobastro ruins: Carved into the rock are the remains of a Moorish church built during the tenth century.
- Ardales Natural Park: There are areas for barbaques and a beautiful natural environment next to Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir.
- Kayak route through El Chorro swamp: Guided excursions in kayak in Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir where you will meet the flora and fauna of the surroundings.
Price: 18€
It is required to know how to swim.
It is recommended to wear appropiate clothing and shoes as you will end up getting wet.
- Caminito del Rey (King’s Path): It was built formerly for the workers of the dam but it was also used by the villagers of Ardales. Children used it too as a short route to school.
It was completely abandoned and became a dangerous path where several people lost their lives over the years.
Situated at more than 100 meters high there is a breathtaking view of the area.
Currently the Caminito del Rey is fully renovated and available to public. You can make the reservation online, access is from Ardales.
www.caminitodelrey.info
How to get to El Chorro
There are two main road routes that will take you to El Chorro, one of the routes is passing through Cartama and Carratraca while the other goes through Pizarra and Las Mellizas villages (second road route is used by public bus)
Journey by car will take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
