The Caminito del Rey ends before noon if you take the first time slot. If you've traveled a long way to get here, heading straight back to Málaga doesn't make much sense. The region has quite a bit more to offer, and most visitors don't realize it.
Here's what you'll find within a 30 km radius of the south access.
Chorro Reservoir: the closest, the most beautiful
Located less than 2 km from the north access, you'll have already seen it from the walkways — that green-turquoise mirror between the rock walls that shows up in almost every Caminito photo.
From below, at water level, it's completely different. There are spots where you can get down to the shore. In summer people swim here (it's not officially designated as a swimming area, so check conditions before going). The color of the water on a sunny day is among the most photogenic in the province of Málaga.
How to get there: from the Caminito's north parking lot, a 10-15 minute walk toward the reservoir.
Ardales: the village at the south access
If you do the route in the north-south direction, you'll finish near Ardales. The village is 4 km from the access point and deserves a 30-45 minute stroll.
What to see:
- The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (16th century), high up in the village with views over the valley
- The Arab castle — in ruins but with a spectacular lookout point
- The historic center — narrow streets of a classic whitewashed Málaga village
Where to eat: the village restaurants have an affordable set menu. The region's signature dish is chivo a la malagueña — slow-cooked young goat, typical of inland Málaga villages.
Ardales Caves: Paleolithic rock art
3 km from the village, the Ardales Caves contain rock paintings more than 25,000 years old. They're less well-known than Altamira but equally impressive for anyone who enjoys prehistory.
Important: access to the original paintings requires advance booking and groups are very small. There are guided visits to the outer cave without booking. Check availability before going — the Ardales museum website manages bookings.
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours with a guided visit.
Ardales Park: the reservoirs from the water
In the area around the Chorro and Guadalteba reservoirs, there are companies running kayak and canoe trips. The perspective of the gorge from the water is radically different from the walkways: you look up and see the rock walls from below.
Trips last between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the route. No prior experience needed — the water is calm. In summer, book ahead since spots fill up.
Who it's for: couples, groups of friends, families with children over 8-10 years old.
Álora: the fortress village
20 km from the Caminito, Álora is literally built on a rock. At the top of the village is a 10th-century Arab castle, and from the lookout points you can see the entire Guadalhorce Valley.
Álora's historic quarter has plenty of charm and far fewer tourists than the province's more famous villages. A good choice if you're looking for something authentic.
Time needed: 1-2 hours to see the essentials.
Campillos Lagoons
About 30 km from the Caminito, the Campillos lagoons are a little-known but highly recommended natural area in fall and spring. These are salt lagoons with pink flamingos and other waterfowl. If you're into wildlife, the detour is worth it.
Best time: October-March, when flamingos are present. In summer, the lagoons partially dry up.
Sample full-day itinerary
If your Caminito entry slot is at 8-9am, here's how the day could look:
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | Enter the Caminito del Rey |
| 12:00-1:00 | Finish the route, food stalls at the south access |
| 1:30 | Head down to the Chorro reservoir (from the north access, if you left your car there) |
| 2:30 | Lunch in Ardales — set menu |
| 4:00 | Visit Ardales' historic center or the Caves |
| 6:00 | Head back to Málaga or your accommodation |
With this plan, you get a full day, unhurried and without repeating sights.
The Guadalhorce region is one of those corners of Málaga that most tourists pass right by. Those who stay an extra day often say it was the best part of the trip.
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