Located in the municipality of Álora, in the beautiful province of Málaga, is the village of El Chorro. This charming place is a magnet for adventure lovers from all over Europe, thanks to its proximity to the impressive Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
El Chorro receives a multitude of visitors every year who are looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping and, of course, climbing. With climbing routes that challenge the most experienced and trails that reveal breathtaking views, El Chorro is a true paradise for adventurers.
And what better way to explore this jewel of Andalusia than with the freedom that a rental car offers? Renting a car allows you to visit El Chorro at your own pace, and also explore other incredible destinations in the province of Málaga. So, why not start your adventure today?
Continue reading to discover more about what El Chorro can offer you and how a rental car can enhance your travel experience.
The development of El Chorro is intrinsically linked to its train station, located a short distance from the Málaga train station, an important commercial centre in the 19th century. The presence of a coal mine in Córdoba and the need to transport this resource to the ports and ships of the Mediterranean spurred the railway connection between the port of Málaga and Córdoba, thus facilitating the transport of the products of the flourishing Málaga industry to the interior of the peninsula.
The Málaga Railway Society was responsible for tracing the train route to Córdoba, a journey that, due to the difficulty of the terrain, required advanced engineering techniques to overcome the obstacles present: 17 tunnels, 8 viaducts and 18 bridges. This effort resulted in one of the most picturesque train journeys in all of Spain.
The Guadalhorce reserve, where El Chorro is located, is surrounded by seven municipalities: Carratraca, Ardales, Teba, Campillos, Álora, Valle de Abdalajis and Antequera. The increase in population in the area was due to the need for accommodation for the workers who built the "Conde dam".
Among all the existing dams, that of El Chorro was the first to be built. This construction was motivated by the need for electricity supply and to mitigate the existing risks in the Guadalhorce basin. The El Chorro dam is a testament to human ingenuity and its ability to transform the landscape for the benefit of society.
The rich history of El Chorro and its impressive natural landscape make this place a fascinating destination. We invite you to continue exploring and discovering the secrets that El Chorro has to offer.
El Chorro, with its stunning natural beauty, is a very popular destination for both foreign tourists and Spaniards. Every year, especially during the summer, crowds flock to this place to enjoy its unique surroundings. But El Chorro is much more than just a place to visit: it's an experience.
Many visitors, in addition to exploring El Chorro, take the opportunity to visit the picturesque white villages in the surrounding area. Others opt to cool off by swimming in one of the area's lakes. But, regardless of your preferences, El Chorro has something for everyone.
Below, we present some of the numerous attractions that you can enjoy in and around El Chorro:
The Caminito del Rey is a walkway suspended in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, built with the aim of connecting two hydroelectric facilities. This impressive path was built by Malaga fishermen, who literally had to work hanging to complete an engineering project that seemed more out of a dream than the need to connect the two dams.
Built between 1901 and 1905, the Caminito del Rey connected the gorge of El Chorro with the gorge of Gaitanejo. This allowed workers and construction materials to cross more easily from one side to the other, greatly facilitating transport and logistics.
Currently, the Caminito del Rey is practicable and has become one of the most incredible hiking routes in Andalusia. However, due to its popularity, it is necessary to book in advance to be able to access. It promises to be a place from where to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Andalusia.
For more information about the exact location of the Caminito del Rey and how to get there, you can consult this link to the map. We invite you to explore this incredible place and discover for yourself the beauty and history it houses.
On the outskirts of the municipality of Ardales, are the ruins of Bobastro, a place of great historical importance. Here, Omar Ibn Hafsun, a Muladi rebel (a Visigothic Christian converted to Islam), built a fortress during the wars that took place between the years 880 and 919. But Bobastro is much more than a simple fortress: it is a testament to the rich and complex history of Andalusia.
One of the highlights of Bobastro is its cave church, an architectural marvel carved directly into the rock. This church, one of the few of its kind, offers a unique insight into the life and beliefs of the time.
Visiting the ruins of Bobastro is like travelling back in time. We invite you to explore this incredible place and discover for yourself the history it houses.
For more information about the exact location of the ruins of Bobastro and how to get there, you can consult this link to the map.
The Conde de Guadalhorce dam is an impressive testament to the harmony between engineering and nature. This place, where man's hand has worked in conjunction with the natural environment, has resulted in the creation of a place of unparalleled beauty that attracts visitors from all over the world. The dam is not only an engineering marvel, but also an oasis of tranquility where you can enjoy the serenity of the water and the majesty of the surrounding landscape.
The dam is named after Rafael Benjumea y Burín, the first Count of Guadalhorce, who was a prominent Spanish civil engineer and politician. Located in the municipality of Ardales, this dam is a perfect example of how man's hand can work in conjunction with the natural environment to create something truly impressive. With an area spanning 546 hectares and a capacity of 66 hm3, the dam is not only an engineering marvel, but also an oasis of tranquility where you can enjoy the serenity of the water and the majesty of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you are interested in engineering, history, or simply enjoying natural beauty, you will love this place. You can see its location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TvghRtXmMrUUoU7YA
The Desfiladero de los Gaitanes is the most extensive natural area in Malaga and offers some of the most impressive views in all of Andalusia. This natural site is located in the municipalities of Álora, Ardales and Antequera. It is a gorge opened by the Guadalhorce river in the Jurassic limestones and dolomites in the place known as El Chorro that forms a canyon of three kilometers in length, heights of up to 300 meters and widths less than 10 meters.
As far as vegetation is concerned, in this site there are endemisms and plant communities of interest adapted to a vertical life system. The most characteristic species of these areas are the Aleppo pine, the stone pine, the holm oak, the eucalyptus, the rockrose and the Phoenician juniper.
As for the fauna, it is worth noting the presence of birds of prey such as the Bonelli's eagle, the peregrine falcon and the eagle owl. In the higher areas the mountain goat lives; and smaller animals, like the blackbird and the swift, live in the lower area, next to the water. In the middle parts of the gorge are the falcon, common kestrel and goshawk as well as other medium-sized birds of prey. At the summit nest large birds of prey like the golden eagle or the griffon vulture.
The Desfiladero de los Gaitanes is a place of great beauty and ecological value, and is a must-visit destination for any nature lover visiting Malaga.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QYHSL3h1gq8LuGR2A
The journey from Malaga to El Chorro is a 70-kilometer journey that can be done in just 1 hour by car. However, if it is the first time you make the journey, you are likely to take a little longer, as the impressive landscape will invite you to stop to marvel and take some photos. If you do not have a vehicle, you can rent a car at Malaga airport or, if you prefer not to drive, you can take a taxi from Malaga to El Chorro.
Another option is the Malaga train station, from where trains leave for El Chorro. Remember to buy a ticket in advance to ensure a seat.
Next, we present the recommended route to get from Malaga to El Chorro by car, passing through Pizarra and Álora. This journey will not only take you to your destination, but will also allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Andalusian landscape.
For more information about El Chorro and its surroundings, you can contact the local tourist office. Here we provide you with the contact details:
Address: Plaza de la Fuente Arriba, 15
Phone: 952 49 70 00
Official website of the Álora Town Hall: Álora Town Hall
Official website of the Caminito del Rey: Caminito del Rey
Do not hesitate to contact them for any queries you may have. Enjoy your visit to El Chorro!
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