The Caminito del Rey, famous for its breathtaking views and thrilling walkway, attracts thousands of visitors each year. But what many travelers don’t realize is that the area surrounding this iconic path is full of hidden gems. From serene reservoirs and historical sites to charming villages, there’s so much more to see once your hike is done. So, lets find out why renting a car is essential for exploring the Caminito del Rey and surrounding area.
Restaurant – Hotel la Garganta – El Chorro
Situated just 50 metres from the train station in El Chorro is the Restaurant – Hotel la Garganta – El Chorro Hotel Complex. Fantastic accommodation and a great place to stay if you are looking to spend a few days in the area.
Check out dates and prices over at booking.com
The hotel can arrange your entry permit for the Caminito del Rey so long as you stay there at least 1 night… MAKE SURE WHEN YOU MAKE THE HOTEL BOOKING YOU STATE THIS IN THE OPTIONAL MESSAGE AND SEND THEM THE PASSPORT DETAILS OF EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP.
Bobastro castle and Omar ben Hafsun
A few kilometres from El Chorro and the Caminito del Rey, you can visit Bobastro castle and Omar ben Hafsun. (Follow the MA-448 until the junction signposted for Bobastro and the Mesas de Villaverde.) lay the ruins of the impressive fortress known as “Bobastro” that are well worth a visit if only for its stunning setting. (You really need a car to visit this place though.)
Ardales cave
Ardales Cave, also known as the Cave of Doña Trinidad Grund, is a prehistoric cave located in the province of Málaga, Spain, known for its remarkable cave paintings. A visit to Ardales Cave is a unique and fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric cultural and artistic traditions of early humans in Europe.
Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park
The 2,016 hectare Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park has a unique natural setting and is an extraordinary site of geomorphological interest. Set in one of the most stunning locations in the province of Málaga, the famous El Chorro Gorge has been carved by the river Guadalhorce and is made up of Jurassic limestones and dolomites. The canyon is around three kilometers long and it’s walls reach dizzying heights of 300 meters narrowing to just 10 metres apart in places.
The rock here is of different origin and age and the river has carved and eroded fascinating geological formations, caves and chasms. There are over 20 caves in the area of great geological and archaeological significance, (In nearby Ardales, for example important paleolithic rock art can be seen with over 1,000 drawings in its more than 1,600 meters of galleries.