Malaga Shore Excursion to Rural Andalucia
To Ardales Village - El Chorro Gorge - Antequera - Malaga
The spectacular, yet relatively unknown, Garganta del Chorro lies to the south
of the impressive Embalse del Guadalhorce inland from Malaga. It is a 4 km long
gorge with walls which reach as high as 400 metres. Along the walls of the gorge
is the Camino del Rey, a footbridge which was built in the 1920s during the
development of the reservoir system. It is named after King Alfonso XIII who
walked its length when he opened these reservoirs. In spite of what many
guidebooks say, it is extremely dangerous and walking it is no longer permitted.
We will meet at a prearranged time at your ship then begin the 30 mile drive
inland to the unspoilt village of Ardales where you can have a coffee in the
village square amongst the locals. From here we'll head to El Chorro via
Bobastro which is the remains of a 9th century Mozarabic (Arabized Christian)
from where a Robin-Hood like character called Ibn Hafsun controlled an area
extending from Gibraltar to Jaén.
At El Chorro you can simply take a look at the Gorge from a distance or if you
want to be more daring we can walk through several railway tunnels to get
spectacular views looking from the railway line. From El Chorro we'll go to a
restaurant for lunch which provides beautiful views across the reservoir system.
After lunch we continue on to Campillos and take the main A 382 into the pretty
Andaluz market town of Antequera. Here you will find numerous ancient monuments,
fine churches and an impressive 19th century Plaza de Toros (bullfighting ring).
After a stroll through the town to the ruined Alcazaba with its 13th century
Islamic fortification we begin our journey back to Malaga port in plenty time
for your ship's departure.
As an alternative to Antequera we can visit the fascinating national park of El
Torcal.
You can see some photos of this excursion.
Please Note: In El Chorro you will have the chance to walk through railway
tunnels to get the best views of the gorge so good walking shoes are
recommended.
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