El Chorro’s story is closely tied to its railway station, which linked Malaga to Cordoba in the 19th century. The railway, built to transport coal from Cordoba’s mines to the port of Malaga, traversed such challenging terrain that it required 17 tunnels, 8 viaducts, and 18 bridges. The result is one of Spain’s most scenic train routes.
The village grew around the construction of the Conde de Guadalhorce dam, the first of its kind in the region, which provided electricity and mitigated flooding risks in the Guadalhorce basin. Surrounded by the municipalities of Carratraca, Ardales, Teba, Campillos, Alora, Valle de Abdalajis, and Antequera, the dam attracted workers who laid the foundations for the modern community.
El Chorro is not only a testament to human engineering but also a place that has preserved its natural splendour. From its role in industrialisation to its status as a beloved travel destination, El Chorro blends history and nature in a captivating way.
