Ardales: what to see in the village and surrounding area

Ardales lies in the Guadalteba district, in the inland part of Malaga province. Its old village centre spreads out below the Peña de Ardales, beside the River Turon, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and a church of Mudejar origin. Nearby are Ardales Cave, the ruins of Bobastro and the reservoirs close to the Caminito del Rey.

You can spend part of the day exploring the village, then visit an archaeological site or go for a walk by the reservoirs. If you want to walk the Caminito del Rey or visit the cave, arrange these visits in advance: each has its own opening times and tickets, and both entrances are outside the village centre.

History of Ardales

Human activity in the Ardales area dates back to prehistoric times. The cave preserves Palaeolithic paintings and engravings, while settlements from different periods have been recorded around the Peña. The medieval fortress and the streets that developed below it help explain the village's defensive position.

During the Middle Ages, Ardales was linked to the rebellion led by Omar ibn Hafsún, whose stronghold was Bobastro. Later, its castle stood on the frontier between Castile and the Nasrid kingdom of Granada and changed hands several times. The final Castilian conquest is dated to 1453 or 1454.

The ruins of Bobastro

Bobastro lies on the Mesas de Villaverde, near the Gaitanes Gorge. It was Omar ibn Hafsún's main stronghold during his rebellion against the Emirate of Cordoba in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Among its remains is a Mozarabic church carved into the rock, with a nave, two aisles and horseshoe arches. A visit offers an insight into the medieval history of this part of Malaga. (Map)

What to see in Ardales

Plaza de San Isidro and the streets of the old village centre are a good starting point for a walk. From here, you can head uphill towards the church and the Peña. It is a short walk, though parts are steep.

• Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: in the upper part of the village, beside the fortress. It was built in the late 15th century in Mudejar style and rebuilt in the early 18th century, retaining parts of the original building, including its timber roofs. (Map)
• Castillo de la Peña: the castle ruins crown the rock overlooking Ardales. It was an important fortress during the frontier wars, and parts of its defensive walls and towers survive. (Map)
• San Sebastian Convent: also known as the Capuchin Convent, it stands in the lower part of the village centre. Its church and bell gable survive. (Map)
• El Calvario Chapel: a small chapel above the village centre, reached by an uphill path. (Map)
• Turon Castle: the ruins of this Nasrid fortress stand outside the village, overlooking the River Turon valley. Its location explains its defensive role on the frontier with Castile. (Map)
• Centro de la Prehistoria de Ardales: this prehistory museum introduces the area's archaeological sites and the cave's rock art. It is also the meeting point for guided visits to the cave. (Map)

Ardales Cave

Also known as Cueva de Doña Trinidad Grund, the cave preserves Palaeolithic paintings and engravings, as well as Neolithic burials. Some red markings on stalagmites have been dated to around 65,000 years ago and are attributed to Neanderthals; other images, including animal figures, date from later periods.

Visits are guided and must be booked in advance. They begin at the Centro de la Prehistoria, at Avenida de Málaga 1. Visitors then follow the guide in their own vehicle along a track of around 3.7 km. The full activity takes approximately three hours. Inside the cave there are uneven steps and no electric lighting; torches are provided and you need footwear with good grip. For availability and visitor requirements, contact the Centro de la Prehistoria on 952 45 80 46. (Map of the cave information point)

The Caminito del Rey and the reservoirs

The countryside around Ardales includes pine woods, reservoirs and the limestone walls of the Gaitanes Gorge. The village and the reservoir area are separate places, so allow time to travel between them if you want to visit both on the same day.

• Caminito del Rey: its walkways follow the gorge walls above the River Guadalhorce. The original path was built between 1901 and 1905 to give workers access to the hydroelectric installations, and reopened to visitors following restoration in 2015. The route is one-way, from the northern entrance in Ardales to El Chorro in Alora. Read our Caminito del Rey guide to plan your visit.
• Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir: also known as the El Chorro reservoir, it is a popular place for walks, meals by the water or a day among the pine trees. It forms part of the area's group of reservoirs, alongside Guadalhorce and Guadalteba. (Map)
• Tajo de la Encantada Viewpoint: near the Mesas de Villaverde, this viewpoint looks out over the landscape of El Chorro and the Sierra de Huma. (Map)
• Parque Ardales: beside the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir, it has a campsite and opportunities for outdoor activities. Trails nearby lead around the reservoir and towards the Caminito del Rey.

For a gentle outing, choose a walk through the pine woods or along the reservoir shores. Routes up to the viewpoints and mountains vary in length and ascent, so choose one that suits your experience and the time you have available. The nearby Sierra de las Nieves also makes it possible to extend your trip to other landscapes in inland Malaga.

What to eat in Ardales

Local dishes include calderetas, traditional meat stews, goat and lamb stews, charcoal-grilled meat and pork products associated with the traditional winter slaughter. In bakeries and artisan shops, look out for almond biscuits and roscos de vino, ring-shaped wine biscuits, along with other traditional treats such as tortas de aceite, thin olive oil biscuits.

You can eat in the village or by the reservoirs, depending on your plans for the day. Places to eat in the area include:

• Restaurante El Kiosko, by the reservoirs. (Map)
• Bar Restaurante Juan Vera Brasería, in Ardales. (Map)
• Restaurante El Gaitán, in Ardales. (Map)

Fairs and festivals in Ardales

• Fiesta de la Matanza (traditional pork festival): usually held in February, with tastings of pork products and a market selling local produce.
• Carnival: costumes, carnival groups and activities, with a programme that varies each year.
• Holy Week: processions pass through the village, and one of its notable traditions is the Ceremonia del Encuentro, the meeting ceremony held on Good Friday.
• San Isidro: the village celebrates its patron saint on 15 May, with religious ceremonies and local festivities.
• Ardales Fair: usually held in late August or early September, with music and activities in the village.
• Pilgrimage of the Virgen de Villaverde: on 8 September, in honour of the village's patron saint.

Check the annual programme on the Town Hall website for the dates and activities of the fair and other celebrations.

How to get to Ardales from Malaga

From Malaga Airport, the drive to Ardales is mainly along the A-357 and usually takes around an hour, depending on traffic and your starting point. To visit the cave, Bobastro or the reservoirs, you will need to continue from the village to their respective entrances or access points.

Visiting Ardales and its surroundings by car

A car lets you combine a walk around Ardales with the reservoirs, Bobastro or nearby villages such as Carratraca. It is also useful for visiting the cave, as you follow the guide from the Centro de la Prehistoria in your own vehicle.

car hire Malaga airport

Taxi or private transfer from the airport

A taxi or private transfer can take you straight to your accommodation in Ardales. If you are heading to the Caminito del Rey or the reservoirs, give the precise destination when booking, as these are outside the village centre.

Information about airport taxis

*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.

Getting to Ardales by bus from Malaga

Damas–Grupo Interbus runs buses from Malaga bus station to Ardales. Journey times vary: some services take around an hour, while others make more stops. You can check departures and return services in the bus timetable for Malaga–Ardales.

From the airport, take the C1 local train (Cercanías) to Malaga-María Zambrano and walk to the bus station next door. Another option is the airport bus. Once in Ardales, you can explore the village centre on foot, bearing in mind the hills in the upper part.

Tourist information for Ardales