El Chorro and the Gaitanes Gorge: what to see and how to get there
El Chorro is a small village in the municipality of Alora, in inland Malaga, beside the southern end of the Gaitanes Gorge. Its railway station, climbing routes and proximity to the Caminito del Rey make it a useful base for exploring the surrounding mountains, pine forests and reservoirs.
The name El Chorro is also used for a wider area. The village and its station are at the southern end, while the Conde de Guadalhorce, Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs lie further north. The Caminito del Rey runs between these areas, with its entrance in Ardales and its exit near El Chorro. Keep this layout in mind when planning your visit.
The railway and water engineering projects
The history of El Chorro is closely linked to the railway between Malaga and Cordoba, built through these mountains in the 19th century. The line connected the coast with the interior and carried goods, including coal from the mines around Cordoba to local industries and the port of Malaga. Across the full route, 17 tunnels, 8 viaducts and 18 bridges were built to cross the rugged terrain.
Hydroelectric installations and the construction of dams later transformed the landscape and life in the area. The original Caminito del Rey was a service path for workers at these installations. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII visited for the inauguration of the Conde de Guadalhorce dam, a visit that gave the path its name.
The Gaitanes Gorge
Also known as the Garganta del Chorro, the gorge was carved into the limestone by the River Guadalhorce over millions of years. It is more than three kilometres long, with cliffs reaching 300 metres in height and sections barely ten metres wide. The Caminito walkways follow part of its rock faces. (Map of the gorge)
The gorge forms part of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes protected natural area, which extends across Alora, Ardales and Antequera. The protected area also includes mountains and other habitats, so it is larger than the canyon itself. It is designated both a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for birds.
Flora and fauna
Pine forests dominate the surrounding landscape, alongside junipers and Mediterranean scrub with rosemary and dwarf fan palms. Plants adapted to rocky conditions grow in cracks in the cliffs, while riverside vegetation lines the Guadalhorce.
Griffon vultures nest on the cliffs, and golden eagles, Bonelli’s eagles and peregrine falcons also live in the protected area. Spanish ibex inhabit the rocky slopes, while otters are found in the Guadalhorce. Binoculars help you watch the birds from the paths while keeping your distance from the animals and their nesting sites.
What to see in El Chorro and the surrounding area
Caminito del Rey
The original path was built between 1901 and 1905 to provide maintenance access to the hydroelectric installations. Following restoration, it reopened to visitors in 2015. Today, the route combines footpaths and elevated walkways, running in one direction from the northern entrance in Ardales to the southern end near El Chorro.
You need a ticket, and it is worth booking before planning the rest of your day. Read our Caminito del Rey guide for details of the route and advice on preparing for your visit. Tickets are sold through the official website. (Map of the northern entrance)
The reservoirs
North of the gorge are the Conde de Guadalhorce, Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs. The first is also known as the El Chorro reservoir and is a popular place for walks through the pine forests or a picnic. Kayaking and swimming are also possible in the designated areas. (Map of the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir)
The reservoirs are separate from the village of El Chorro. If you want to combine an activity by the water with the Caminito or a visit to the village, allow for the journey between them and decide where to park beforehand.
Bobastro and nearby villages
The ruins of Bobastro stand on the Mesas de Villaverde plateau, in the municipality of Ardales. This was Omar ibn Hafsun’s main stronghold during his rebellion against the Emirate of Cordoba in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Among the remains is a Mozarabic church carved into the rock. (Map of Bobastro)
If you have more time, you could extend your trip with a visit to Ardales, Alora or Valle de Abdalajis.
Outdoor activities
Climbing
El Chorro is one of Andalusia’s best-known climbing areas. Its cliffs offer routes of varying difficulty, and the choice of sector depends on your experience, equipment and the conditions on the day. Restrictions apply within the protected area to conserve birds and plants, so check where climbing is permitted before you go. If you are a beginner, a guide can teach you the techniques and how to use the equipment. (Map of El Chorro)
Walking and cycling
The waymarked Haza del Rio trail starts near El Chorro and climbs through pine forests, with views towards the Sierra de Huma and the surrounding landscape. For other walks or cycle rides, choose a route suited to your experience and take its length and elevation gain into account.
Before planning a walk along the Gaitanejo or Los Embalses trails, check whether they are open and read the regional government’s notice about these trails. The notice covers those two paths; for updates on the Caminito del Rey route, check its official website.
The Monte Hacho route is another option for a walk in the wider area, although it is near Alora and requires a separate journey from El Chorro. (Map of the Monte Hacho route)
Kayaking, swimming and birdwatching
For kayaking or a day by the water, head to the reservoirs and use the access points and areas designated for your activity. If you prefer birdwatching, the paths and viewpoints around the gorge offer views of the cliffs where the vultures nest.
Where to eat and stay
You can eat in El Chorro village or at the restaurants around the reservoirs, depending on where your activity ends. Local menus include grilled meats, goat stews, porra (a thick, chilled tomato soup) and other dishes from Malaga. Sopas perotas, a dish made with bread and vegetables, is a speciality of Alora, while Ardales is known for its almond biscuits.
El Chorro and the surrounding area offer hotels, rural holiday homes, apartments and campsites. If you are staying for several days, choose a location that suits your plans: accommodation near the station makes arriving by train easier, while the reservoir area is convenient if you intend to spend more time by the water and in the pine forests. Alora Town Council provides information in its accommodation directory.
How to get to El Chorro from Malaga
The drive to El Chorro from Malaga or Malaga Airport usually takes around an hour, depending on traffic and your starting point. Before choosing your route, check whether you are heading to the village, accommodation by the reservoirs or the northern entrance to the Caminito.
By car
To reach the village, you can travel through the Guadalhorce valley, following the A-357 and the roads towards Alora and El Chorro. For the northern entrance and the reservoirs, the usual route from Malaga follows the A-357 to Ardales and then the MA-5403. If you are walking the Caminito, remember that the entrance and exit are at opposite ends.
Taxi or private transfer to El Chorro
A taxi or private transfer can take you from the airport or your accommodation to El Chorro. Give the exact destination when booking, particularly if you are travelling to a car park or meeting point for the Caminito del Rey.
Book an airport transfer
Explore El Chorro and the reservoirs by car
A car lets you combine El Chorro with the reservoirs, Bobastro and nearby villages. If you are walking the Caminito del Rey, plan how to return to your car park, taking the one-way route and shuttle bus service into account.
Hire a car in Malaga*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking in advance to secure your vehicle and price.
By train
Renfe runs trains between Malaga and El Chorro–Caminito del Rey station through its Media Distancia regional services and additional Proximidad services. Check the outward and return trains for your chosen date with Renfe, as stops and journey times vary by service.
From the airport, take the C1 local train (Cercanías) to Malaga-Maria Zambrano and change there for a train that stops at El Chorro. El Chorro station is at the southern end of the Caminito. If you have a ticket for the walk, take the shuttle bus to the northern access area and continue on foot to the entrance checkpoint.
Bus from Alora and the Caminito shuttle
The M-340 bus connects Alora, Bermejo and El Chorro–Caminito del Rey. Check timetables and stops on the Malaga Transport Consortium website before combining it with other transport.
The Caminito shuttle is a separate service linking El Chorro with the northern access area. If you are doing the walk, plan this transfer around your train’s arrival or the location of your car park, and allow time to walk to the entrance checkpoint.
Tourist information
Alora’s tourist office is at Plaza Fuente de Arriba 15, beside the town hall. The telephone number is +34 951 06 21 36. You can find information about the town on the Alora Town Council website and plan your Caminito del Rey visit through its official website.
Frequently asked questions about El Chorro
Are El Chorro, the gorge and the Caminito del Rey the same place?
El Chorro is the village at the southern end. The Gaitanes Gorge is the canyon carved by the Guadalhorce, while the Caminito del Rey is the route of footpaths and walkways through part of the surrounding area. The main reservoirs lie further north.
Do you need to book tickets for the Caminito del Rey?
You need a ticket to access the route. Booking ahead gives you a better choice of dates and times; tickets are also sold at the northern entrance, subject to availability. You can visit El Chorro village without walking the Caminito.
Can you get to El Chorro by train from Malaga?
Yes, trains stop at El Chorro–Caminito del Rey. From the airport, change at Malaga-Maria Zambrano. If you are walking the Caminito, also allow time for the transfer from the station to the northern access area and the walk to the entrance checkpoint.
Do you need special equipment to climb in El Chorro?
Yes. Climbing requires specialist equipment and the knowledge to use it. What you need depends on the type of route and activity. If you have no experience, go with a guide and check what equipment is included. Also check the restrictions for climbing sectors within the protected area.
Are there campsites and places to stay near El Chorro?
Yes, El Chorro and the surrounding area have hotels, rural holiday homes, apartments and campsites. Check whether your accommodation is in the village or beside the reservoirs, as its location will affect your journeys during the day.
Can you visit El Chorro with children?
Yes, you can walk around the village or choose an activity and route suited to their age. The Caminito del Rey admits visitors aged 8 and over and involves walking along elevated walkways. For activities by the water, use the designated areas and supervise children.
When is the best time to visit El Chorro?
Spring and autumn usually offer more comfortable temperatures for walking and climbing. Summer heat limits mountain activities, so it is best to avoid the hottest part of the day. In winter, check the rain and wind forecast before choosing your activity.
