Inland Malaga … 10 interesting things to do.

Caminito del Rey.

El Caminito del Rey ("The King's Trail") is a footpath that runs from Álora in Málaga (Spain) to Campillos through the El Chorro Gorge. The path is three kilometers long, up to one meter wide and is located 100 meters above the river 'El Chorro' against the cliffs. It can and may only be walked from the northern side (the entrance) to the southern side (the exit). On both the north and the south side, the nearest parking place for cars and buses is one kilometre away, making the total walk on this path a minimum of five kilometres.

El Chorro climbing routes

Situated only 50Km inland from Malaga, the rock climbing area of El Chorro is very diverse and has something for everyone. The main focal point is the huge limestone gorge, which offers some fantastic multi-pitch rock climbing with its own unique and intimidating atmosphere. There are around 800 routes at El Chorro across a good range of grades, with most of them being single pitch sport routes.  The various crags provide everything a climber could wish for with excellent limestone slabs, tufas and exceptionally steep walls; most of it within walking distance of El Chorro village. It’s fair to say that El Chorro has become a classic winter climbing venue and the ideal time to visit is from October to the end of April.

Lakes of Ardales

The lakes at El Chorro, close to the village of Ardales, are made up of three reservoirs or ‘Embalses’.  They’re only around 30 minutes’ drive from Finca Gran Cerros.  In fact, it’s even possible to take a Quadbike Tour to the lakes, which lasts for 3 hours.Surrounded by pine forests and known for their spectacular turquoise waters, the lakes make for a popular day trip.As well as relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery, there’s plenty to do.  Throughout the Summer, La Isla recreation centre offers mountain bikes for hire, as well as paddle boards, kayaks, and peddle boats.  It’s the main area for the lake’s water-sports activity and it’s the pin in the location map, below.If that all sounds far too strenuous, don’t worry, there are plenty of quiet corners in which to relax too.  So if you want to enjoy a secluded swim or prefer to relax on the lakeshore, taking in the the views and tranquility of the breathtaking surroundings, a visit to the lakes

Alora Castle and Church

Castle

Castillo Árabe (Well of Cultural Interest, 1931) has traditionally been identifying the current Iluro, with the rank of municipium and located between Cartima (Cártama) and Nescania (Valle de Abdalajís) on the road between Malaga and Antequera. The current castle reacts to a construction of new plants and of Arab origin, in connection with the campaigns against Ibn Hafsun. After the fall of the caliphate, Alora remained an important stronghold in the Taifa Dynasties. In 1184, Alfonso VII was conquered, but again in the hands of the Muslims, and Alfonso XI was conquered again in 1319, but not the castle. Since the end of the sixteenth century it fell into a state of neglect and after the vicissitudes of the Napoleonic invasion it was converted inside and destined to become a cemetery. In 2018, the cemetery was removed and everything was returned to its former state.

Church

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (S. XVII) (17th century) Located in the Plaza Baja de la Despedía. It is a symbol of the village together with the Arabian Castle. It is one of the largest churches in the diocese, after Malaga Cathedral. Originally it was located above the castle mosque. As the village changed location and the neighborhood grew, it became necessary to try to build another parish church that was better located. It was agreed to build the Plaza Baja de la Despedía. Its construction took almost a century, between 1,600 and 1,699 years. The church has a rectangular floor plan with 3 naves separated by robust Tuscan columns, of flat module, which rotate semicircular arches of wire moldadura, in which the parapets paintings of the apostles appear. Three sculptures are the most relevant sculptural examples: Jesus crucified, work by Navas Parejo, who is the head of the main altar; a Dolorosa, anonymous from the seventeenth century, in the nave of the Epistle and, in the Gospel, a San Francisco de Asís, in polychrome wood. In painting we can emphasize the great chapel, the Descent from the Cross and Purgatory, and in the side aisles, the Conception of Our Lady, the Crucifixion and S. Ildefonso.

Barranco Blanco

Those who love nature and adventure should definitely look for Barranco Blanco nearby. Barranco Blanco in Coin is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the province of Malaga. If there is one place with crystal clear water, white stones and lush vegetation it is Barranco Blanco; where the river Alaminos is home to otters and barbel, willows and honeysuckle.We must approach the area quietly to avoid disturbing the balance. This river, permanently flowing, is the most important tributary of the river Fuengirola. We are in a natural paradise between Alhaurin El Grande and Coin. The water begins its journey underground and comes to the surface when it comes into contact with peridotite, the strange magmatic rock. It is La Fuente (The Source).A beautiful footpath, which in some places you can only swim through.

El Torcal

The El Torcal Natural Park is one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Europe. In El Torcal there are mainly limestone rocks that have been formed over 150 million years by marine sediments and are very sensitive to erosion.The slow but continuous action of rain, snow and wind on this rock has shaped this characteristic landscape, which impresses the visitor and his imagination. The various routes through the park are well signposted.

Antequera Castle & Caves

Castle

Within the walled complex of the Islamic medina there were two more or less differentiated enclosures: the Alcazaba, which occupied the entire crown of the hill, and a second ring which, descending from the Puerta de la Villa, continued towards the Postigo del Agua and Puerta de Málaga, to join up again with the Torre Blanca. The most important tower in the entire complex is the Homage Tower. Its floor plan is angular. The interior is accessed through a door marked by two large smooth column shafts and a lintel. Between the rooms inside, there are several rectangular plan and covered with skylight vaults. On top of this tower, a bell tower was built in 1582 to house the city's main bell. Linked by a wall canvas to this tower, is the so-called White Tower, which is surprising for the technical perfection demonstrated in its masonry factory.

Dolmen

The dolmens of Antequera, due to their spectacular nature and magnificent state of conservation, are an essential element in understanding the phenomenon of megalithic peninsular and European megalithism. The Menga dolmen was built about six thousand years ago. It is an enormous gallery tomb in which one can already sense an access corridor delimited by ten enormous slabs, five on each side, although originally there were possibly seven on each side, which leads to the burial chamber itself, formed in turn by two walls of seven monoliths each and one at the head. All this is covered with five slabs held up by three square based pillars, the last cover of the roof stands out, which is calibrated in more than 180 tons. The monoliths that make up the walls were lined up in a trench dug into the ground, raised by a combined system of levers and ropes. The interior was then filled with earth and a ramp was created, through which the enormous stones that form the roof were dragged. The last step would be the removal of the earth that occupies the interior of the tomb, once it has fulfilled its constructive function.

Lobo Park

Located in the town of Antequera in Malaga, Lobo Park is a park of approximately 400,000m² dedicated to the care and study of one of the most fascinating animals on the planet, unjustly considered evil by tales and legends: the wolf. It is also home to other animals (most of them rescued) such as a family of foxes and domestic farm animals. In this space you will be able to observe and understand the dynamics of a wolf pack - one of the most social and organized animals in a group, learn all about their varied life habits and about the different species and how they are different from each other and observe their lifestyles and dynamics. In fact, it was built by Daniel Weigend and Alexandra Stieber in 2002 to provide wolves with an environment that mimics their natural habitat. This allows the wolves to have enough space to show their innate characteristics, as well as to play and run around freely.

The Arabic Staircase

Step-up your exploration of the Costa del Sol by climbing the steps of the Arabic Staircase. With outstanding views of earth, wind, and water, this straightforward trail will ignite the inner historian that hides within every eager adventurer.This historic attraction is named after the ancient stairway built pre-1500, and has fostered international recognition for its preserved state. Despite the phenomenal conservation of these steps, it remains important to note that they should be ascended slowly and with caution.The view earned by those willing to ascend the Arabic Stairs is well-worth the effort. This destination is where many choose to take a break while enjoying the dynamic view.A day spent following the winding limestone steps of the Arabic Staircase is an excuse to visit the delightful community of El Chorro, and a great activity for any group, family or individual wishing to spend time in the celebrated charm of Andalusian landscape.

Villa Padierna, Carratraca

A luxury five star hotel that is unique in Europe thanks to its Mineral-Medicinal Waters that flows directly from the spring into its facilities at the optimum temperature to preserve its properties and provide our clients with the benefits of health and beauty treatments.

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