What to do in Ardales? What to see around Ardales? El Pueblo, La Cueva, El Chorro, El Pantano and El Caminito del Rey, an oasis of fun…
Ardales is considered one of the most complete inland towns in the province. It has leisure and entertainment for all audiences. The world famous Caminito del Rey, the Conde del Guadalhorce Reservoir known as the inland beach of Malaga where you can bathe or enjoy canoeing. The region was of great importance during the reconquest of what remain important ruins in the Bobastro. Without forgetting the importance of the prehistoric origin of the area that can be discovered in the beautiful cave of Ardales and its museum of prehistory. Below we leave you all the activities that can be done in the Ardales region.
EL CAMINITO DEL REY
A route of more than three kilometers at a height of 105 meters above the river. Built between 1901 and 1905 for the purpose of monitoring and supplying materials for the Chorro Hydroelectric Society, due to its beauty, the route began to receive numerous visits, including King Alfonso XIII in 1921, since then it has been called the Caminito King. Because the old route was so deteriorated, the road was prohibited for many years until 2015 when it was rebuilt. Currently it has become one of the emblematic symbols of the province of Malaga.
WALK THROUGH THE STREETS OF ARDALES
A walk through the town and its streets is a must for any visitor. We recommend a walk from the entrance where the museum of prehistory is located, all the way up to the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios next to the Castle of Ardales passing through the Plaza de la Constitución. From the highest point of the town you will get good views of the area.
EL CHORRO LAKES
The lakes are located in the natural area of El Chorro where you can carry out hiking, swimming, kayaking and adventure sports activities. There are several campsites in the area where you can spend the day buying a ticket to swim and enjoy the day at the lake. In the area we have Camping Ardales and La Isla Recreational Zone.
THE PREHISTORIC MUSEUM OF ARDALES
A museum and space on prehistory and an interpretation center on the arrival of humanity in the Ardales region and the Guadalteba area. It is a modern museum about the chronology of the arrival of humanity in the province of Malaga. This museum is also the meeting and starting point for the guided excursion to the Cueva de Ardales. Read more…
ARDALES CAVE
The cave was discovered in 1862, in 1864 it became the first visitable cave in Spain. The cave has a length of 1,577 meters divided into two levels, the cave is full of Upper Paleolithic rock art from 65,000-85,000 years ago, around 1,000 engravings of all kinds have been catalogued: hands, paintings, signs, fauna, human representations feminine. The cave can be visited with a guide with prior reservation. Reservations are made at the Museum of Prehistory.
EL BOBASTRO
Located next to the MA-448 highway between Ardales and El Chorro. It is an old population center during the 9th century. The legendary Omar Ben Hafsún established the area as the capital during his uprisings against the Emir of Córdoba for more than 50 years. The city of Bobastro was a strategic refuge where a castle and a Mozarabic cave church were excavated in the rock.
TASTE THE LOCAL PRODUCTS OF ARDALES
During your visit and stay in Ardales do not forget to try the wide range of local products. Almond cookies, sausages and meats, The Gaitanejo beer, olive oil, cheeses. All of these wonderful products are offered and can be tried during the Festival of “La Matanza”.
LA MATANZA FESTIVAL ARDALES
Its yearly “Slaughter Fest” is celebrated in the first or second weekend of February. Ardales is very proud of its pork and sausages. During the festival you can taste dozens of products derived from pork. The neighbors invite you to a large pot of meat in Ardaleño-style sauce and a sweet wine at the entrance of the villa. Dozens of stalls invade the town offering their best sausages and cheeses from the region. Music and DJ’s set the mood for this great party.