Are you looking to make the most of your visit to the Caminito del Rey? Then, exploring the area’s surroundings is an absolute must. From natural parks with striking rock formations to megalithic structures dating back to the Neolithic period, and towns with Moorish castles, narrow streets, and whitewashed buildings, there’s no shortage of places to visit close to the Caminito del Rey. Here are some suggestions to help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in this beautiful region.
The ruins of Bobastro castle
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.) More info here: https://www.caminodelrey.es/bobastro-castle-and-omar-ben-hafsun/
The Guadalhorce and Guadalteba Reservoirs
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“.
El Torcal Natural Park
The dramatic and fascinating landscape of the El Torcal protected area is entrancing. Natural erosion has cut valleys and pathways through this enormous rock garden and created erratic sculptures in the process. Thin layers of rock stacked like pancakes are pinned down by massive blocks and this seemingly inhospitable terrain is host to many specialist rock loving plants. Read more about El Torcal here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/el-torcal-protected-area/
The Dolmens of Antequera
The dolmens of Antequera are a group of three megalithic structures located near the town of Antequera in the province of Malaga, Spain. The dolmens, which date back to the Neolithic period, were constructed between 3000 and 2500 BC and were used for burial purposes. Read more here: https://www.caminodelrey.es/the-dolmens-of-antequera/
Lobo Park
Lobo Park offers guided tours in both English and Spanish, providing visitors with unique insights into the real-world behavior of wolves. The park has been designed to resemble the natural habitat of wolves, giving them ample space to exhibit their innate traits while running and playing freely.
The guided tours are carefully crafted to allow visitors to observe these natural behaviors up close, helping to dispel common fears and misconceptions surrounding wolves. Read more here: https://www.lobopark.com/
Fuente de Piedra
Fuente de Piedra is a town located in the province of Malaga, Spain, known for its stunning lagoon, which is a designated nature reserve and an important breeding ground for flamingos. The lagoon covers an area of approximately 13.5 square kilometers and is the largest natural lake in Andalusia. The flamingos that live in the lagoon are known as Greater Flamingos, and they are the only species of flamingo that breed in Europe. Read more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/fuente-de-piedra-lagoon/
Ardales / Doña Trinidad Cave
The Cave of Ardales, also known as Cueva de Doña Trinidad or the Calinoria, was discovered in 1821 after a major earthquake that had its epicentre in Alhama de Granada over 100 kilometres away. The quake left the cave entrance exposed after being sealed for over 8000 years due to sedimentation. The underground complex is located in the extreme west of the Serrezuela, between 550 and 600 meters above sea level and is around 2.5 million years old. Remarkably, the cave has remained unchanged for the past 30,000 years. It was first opened to tourists by Doña Trinidad Grund, a woman from Seville and the daughter of the Consul General, who purchased the cave in 1860. She had a staircase installed and supports for torches placed into the wall, making it accessible to visitors. Read more here: https://www.caminodelrey.es/ardales-cave/
Towns and villages – Places to visit close to the Caminito del Rey
Antequera: This town is located about 40 minutes from Caminito del Rey and is home to several ancient dolmens, as well as a beautiful historic center. https://www.rondatoday.com/visiting-antequera-from-ronda/
Ardales: This small town is located just a few kilometers from Caminito del Rey and is known for its beautiful landscapes and historic center. It is also home to the Convento de las Clarisas, a beautiful convent that dates back to the 17th century and the Cave of Ardales, also known as Cueva de Doña Trinidad or the Calinoria
Álora: Located about 20 km from Caminito del Rey, Álora is a picturesque village that is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is also home to the impressive Moorish castle, which dates back to the 9th century.
Ronda
This beautiful town is located about 45 minutes from Caminito del Rey and is famous for its dramatic bridge and stunning views.
Welcome to Ronda the “city of dreams” in Andalucia! One of Spain’s most visited white towns of Andalucia. Ronda is very compact and easy to navigate whilst walking the cobbled streets visiting the Real Maestranza bullring, the Puente Nuevo or El Tajo gorge There are many beautiful churches, museums, and wonderful coffee shops and tapas bars. Read more here: https://www.rondatoday.com/
The Caminito del Rey is a popular attraction in southern Spain, but there are many other places to visit close to the Caminito del Rey. From natural parks and megalithic structures to charming towns with Moorish castles and beautiful lagoons, there’s something for everyone. Explore El Torcal Natural Park’s unusual rock formations, visit the Dolmens of Antequera, learn about wolves at Lobo Park, and spot flamingos at Fuente de Piedra. Don’t miss Ronda’s dramatic bridge and stunning views, Antequera’s ancient dolmens, Ardales’ beautiful landscapes, and Álora’s hilltop village and Moorish castle. With so much to see and do, plan your itinerary wisely and make the most of your trip to this beautiful region.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
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.