Alora (El Chorro) - Places of Interest

Geoffrey Donoghue of Always Marbella reports on the latest news & events. For more information please visit Always Marbella’s website at www.alwaysmarbella.com

El Chorro hardly sounds like the well-known andalusian landscape, and its only one hour away of Marbella.

Three stunning lakes, surrounded by a pine forest, created by a dam that was built across the 200m high Guadalhorce River Gorge known as the "Garganta del Chorro".Climbing, hiking, mountain biking for the most active, and bird watching, photographing nature, swimming or fishing for the easy going. Scan the cliffs for eagles and falcons... and don't forget to take picnic!



Situated about an hour's drive inland from Marbella, this little-known corner of Andalucía is an area of striking natural beauty. In this succession of beautiful valleys nestling between the folds of the Sierra de las Nieves and the Sierra de Huma, several rivers converge in three linked reservoirs. Originally constructed to provide drinking water and electricity for much of the province of Málaga, the recreational potential of these reservoirs was only realised fairly recently and the region attracts few foreign visitors, in spite of its considerable appeal.



Although modest in height compared to the more famous mountain ranges of Andalucía, the rugged peaks and almost vertical sandstone faces of the mountains around Ardales are nonetheless impressive and provide excellent opportunities for active holidays.



Adventurous types can try their hand at rock climbing and hang gliding, whilst the reservoirs provide the focus for more gentle activities - fishing, canoeing and other non-motorised watersports. Above all, the natural park offers rewarding terrain for walkers, with shaded paths through olive groves and oak forests and scenic routes along the lakes. Most striking, however, is the Caminito del Rey, a footpath passing through the Garganta de los Gaitanes, a stunning gorge whose walls soar to a height of over 400 metres.



Other nearby attractions include the 10th-century Moorish ruins at Bobastro and the Cueva de Doña Trinidad, which is noteworthy not only for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, but also for its Palaeolithic cave drawings and carvings (please note that, in the interest of conservation, the caves may only be visited with a registered guide). Ardales itself is an attractive, whitewashed town with a fine church dating back to the 14th century and a ruined hilltop castle. Being situated halfway between Ronda and Antequera, Ardales is also well-placed for exploring further afield, making day-trips to Granada, Seville or Córdoba perfectly feasible.



Then again, the rural location of our villas makes the region an equally appealing choice for those who wish to do no more than relax and unwind amidst gloriously unspoilt countryside. To the south west of Alora heading towards Marbella, happy wanderers will stumble over a plethora of typical villages: Monda; Ojén; and Coín being just a few we could mention. This area has become increasingly popular with those looking for a rural location with the facilities of the coast a short drive away. All in all this stunning area has plenty to offer couples and families alike.



Taking a break

We recommend a delightful waterside restaurant 'El Kioskoll', a particular good choice for the winter visit as a blazing log fire and their excellent roast lamb and pork go down well after a walk along the shores of the lake. But equally delightful is their summer terrace with views to the lake. To find 'El Kioskoll' continue east along the lakes, through a tunnel under a lakeside restaurant and cross over another dam. You will find 'El Kioskoll' on the right hand side of the road.