The three Reservoirs known as Guadalhorce – Guadalteba are nestled in a stunning area of outstanding beauty close to El Chorro and the Caminito del Rey and within the boundaries of the Natural Park area called “Desfiladero de los Gaitanes“.
This natural environment corresponds to the village of Ardales but only one of the reservoirs, the Conde de Guadalhorce, is in the municipality of Ardales. The other two lakes are in the municipalities of Teba, Campillos and Antequera .
Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir
Construction began on this reservoir in the autumn of 1914 under the direction of the famous engineer Rafael Benjumea and was initially called Pantano del Chorro. It was completed in 1921 and inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII. It was at this time that the Caminito del Rey got it’s name as the king walked this pathway at the time.
In 1953 the name of this reservoir was changed to Conde de Guadalhorce in honor of Rafael Benjumea, who was known locally as the “Conde de Guadalhorce.”
Guadalhorce – Guadalteba Reservoirs
Construction of these two new reservoirs began in the spring of 1966 and completed in 1971 and 1973 respectively. At the same time as building these dams, a new the railway line and three road sections were also constructed, as both a large stretch of the railway line and roads were flooded by the rising waters. Also, the residents of the village of Peñarrubia and its neighborhood, Gobantes (where the old railway station was) were evicted and their homes lost under the water.
House of the Engineer and the Kings chair
One of the most iconic artifacts from the construction days of the reservoirs is the King’s Chair located just before the dam wall of the Conde de Guadalhorce. There is a chair and table carved out of stone and this is where King Alfonso XIII sat and signed the “completion of construction” document for the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir.
From the Chair of the king, if you look to the other side of the reservoir, you can see the very impressive and grande chief engineers house or “Casa del Conde” which is closed to the public but would make an amazing place for a hotel, museum or even a house for me when I finally win the lottery!
If you walk along the dam wall you will come to the small church which was also used as a school. A stroll across the dam is lovely and if you continue along a few hundred meters more you will come to the hotel and restaurant La Posada del Conde, a fantastic place to eat or stay for the weekend.
There are also several signposted footpaths in the area where you can enjoy the wonderful pine forest scenery with interspersed eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary and broom.
Wildlife watching and stunning views
The biggest fish populations in the lakes are barbel and carp. Look out for Kingfishers, red billed chough, the ever present griffon vultures and if you are very lucky you might catch a glimpse of a European eagle owl.
Some of the mammals present in the area are Spanish Ibex, fox, otter, rabbits, wild boar, genet, red deer and wild cat.
Another of the attractions of the reservoir is the “Mirador” or viewpoint located a little further up the hill from the restaurant “El Mirador”. From this point you get a bird’s eye view of the whole reservoir system and the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
If you really want peace and quiet, the best time to visit this area is during the week in spring and autumn as during the summer months and weekends the lakeside becomes full of people swimming and kayaking whilst the cliffs around the El Chorro and Camino del Rey areas are a haven all year round for climbers. That said you can visit this area at any time of year and you won’t be disappoined. It truly is a wonderful part of Andalucia and the architecture of the dams (especially the Conde de Guadalhoce) is quite remarkable.
FAQ: Visiting the Guadalhorce and Guadalteba Reservoirs
The Guadalhorce–Guadalteba Reservoirs are a trio of man-made lakes situated in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park, near El Chorro and the Caminito del Rey. The Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir lies entirely within Ardales, while the Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs stretch across Ardales, Teba, Campillos, and Antequera. These reservoirs form one of the most picturesque water systems in Málaga province.
Constructed between 1914 and 1921 under engineer Rafael Benjumea, the Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir—originally called Pantano del Chorro—was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII, who famously walked the dam path that would become known as Caminito del Rey. The name was changed in 1953 in honor of Benjumea, who was titled “Conde de Guadalhorce.”
The development of the Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs in the late 1960s led to major changes in infrastructure. A new railway and multiple roads had to replace those submerged by rising waters. Entire communities, including the village of Peñarrubia and Gobantes, were displaced and lost beneath the reservoirs—marking a profound impact on local life and history.
Highlights include the stone-carved “King’s Chair,” where King Alfonso XIII signed the inauguration document, and views of the historic Casa del Conde (Chief Engineer’s House). Visitors can walk across the dam wall, visit La Posada del Conde hotel and restaurant, or follow scenic trails through pine and eucalyptus forests. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and rock climbing—especially near El Chorro.
The reservoirs support rich biodiversity. Anglers will find barbel and carp, while birdwatchers may spot kingfishers, red-billed choughs, vultures, or even the elusive European eagle owl. Wildlife includes foxes, Spanish ibex, otters, wild boar, and red deer. For a quiet experience, visit in spring or autumn on weekdays; summer weekends tend to be busier with swimmers and kayakers.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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