Ardales

Why visit Ardales

Ardales sits in the Guadalteba comarca among olive groves and limestone ridges, just a few kilometres from the start of the Caminito del Rey. Its old town climbs to the ruins of a castle on a crag, and the surrounding hills hold reservoirs, caves and the ruined Mozarabic stronghold of Bobastro. Ardales suits walkers, history lovers and families visiting the Caminito del Rey who want more than a day trip.

What to see and do in Ardales

The Caminito del Rey, the restored cliff walkway through the Gaitanes gorge, starts near the Ardales reservoirs, and coach trips from Málaga often stop in town for breakfast before the walk. The Cueva de Ardales holds some of the oldest Palaeolithic art in Europe and is visited in small guided groups, with an interpretation centre in town. The ruins of Bobastro, with a church cut into the rock, sit on a hilltop above the gorge. The Conde de Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs are popular for kayaking and lakeside picnics. In town, the castle on the Peña de Ardales gives views over the countryside.

A day in Ardales

Have breakfast in Ardales, then walk the Caminito del Rey from its northern entrance near the reservoirs, allowing three to four hours including the shuttle back. After lunch by the water, visit the Cueva de Ardales on a pre-booked guided tour, or drive up to the ruins of Bobastro for the views over the gorge. Finish with a swim or a paddle in the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir on a warm evening.

Food and local life

Ardales is known for its olive oil and for hearty dishes such as sopa hervida, a garlic and bread soup, and porra. Lakeside restaurants near the reservoirs are popular at weekends.

Around Ardales

Ardales is in the Guadalteba comarca, a quiet inland area of farming towns, castles and reservoirs. Teba's Castillo de la Estrella recalls the Scottish knight James Douglas, who died there in 1330, Carratraca has a historic spa, and the Campillos lagoons attract flamingos and other waterbirds. El Chorro and Álora lie at the southern end of the gorge, and Antequera is 40 minutes away. In town, the old quarter climbs to the parish church and the castle ruins on the Peña, with views over the reservoirs.

See every town and village on the Guadalteba page.

Getting there and around

Ardales is in the Guadalteba comarca, about 1 hour from Málaga airport by car. Buses link it with Málaga but are infrequent. Book Caminito del Rey and cave tickets in advance. Spring and autumn are ideal.