Things to do in Ardales

Top Things to Do in Ardales

Things to Do in Ardales


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ardales.


Top Attractions in Ardales

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Justusduo
    Newnan, GA106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was so apprehensive being 57, and out of shape. I would have to say, my fears were unfounded. It was a very easy to moderate hike all along the gorge, and was beyond a beautiful walk to experience. The hardest part, let’s say the most challenging…was the very end where you have quite a lot of stairs to get out of the gorge. Then you have an all up hill hike to get back to the buses to the parking lots. But rest assured, if I can do it most can too. It was a breathtaking hike and something we will always be glad we experienced.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DorsetPortlanders
    Isle of Portland, UK184 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning part of Spain, unfortunately it looks likely to become a casualty of the drought in this part of Spain. Lots to do here in summer normally with things to hire and have fun in the water. It is very close to Caminito Del Ray walk which is very popular so parking in the area in limited to say the least ! Will be visiting again I'm sure
    Written 14 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SandyDorset
    Weymouth, UK97 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great experience this was. If you get the opportunity to go then you really should, they only let 1000 people in every year. Fabulous guide who has so much knowledge about the caves. We were a party of 4 English people, normally the tour is in Spanish however our guide tried very hard to explain in English, he was great! But of a track to get to them however well worth it. Wear good solid shoes, you’ll need them! Once your in the heart of the cave the temperature in warm, all year round.
    Have been trying for years to buy tickets so pleased we managed to get in.
    Written 16 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nnmercman
    Camberley, UK13 826 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you head past the main Caminito del Rey car park and drive on towards the main entrance near the El Kiosko bar/restaurant, there’s a dirt road leading off to the right. Follow the road for around 1.5km to the end where’s there’s a parking area - it’s then a few steps to the viewpoint overlooking the lakes and you can really see how low the water levels are and understand why there’s currently a drought in the region. You can then drive back to the main road and park opposite the bar and walk to the Caminito del Rey ticket office or continue driving further round the lakes and forest area.
    Written 29 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pam M
    15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was the only person there at the time. It was a nice walk with interesting history and lovely views. Before going on walk we drove past the kiosk to where the road ends. The views were wonderful with lots of eagles flying close by.
    Written 26 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • teslrichardson
    97 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were a group of 10 people hiking from the white washed town of Ardales along the Sendero "Los Jiménez-Fuente Garzón" to the Castillo de Turon. We began at an old Roman Bridge, the Puente de Molina, over the Turón River where we spotted some wagtails and egrets quenching their thirst. Soon the trail took us past flourishing olive groves, laden with juicy olives. We had hoped o see almond trees, and we weren't disappointed. Many were bursting with pretty pink flowers, while others were overburdened with almonds which we were happy to gather up and nibble on. The landscape as we ascended to the ruins was breathtaking - it overlooked the Chorro Dam on the Guadalhorce River, the Turon River, the Ardales valley and the road to El Burgo. Once we ascended to the Castle it was clear that it had seen better days as only sparse ruins remain. But the 360 views from the summit were amazing and a perfect spot for lunch and a doze under the warm sunlight. The trail we used to descend was rocky and unstable so I'd advise caution but it added to the exhilaration of the whole outing. We were lucky enough to have a local botanist in our group who was able to point out many local herbs and flowers. Overall the hike is quite easy but there is gradual elevation with a couple of short steep spots. Depending on where you descend, poles could come in handy. Our hike ended back in Ardales where there are not many bars are open on Sunday but we were able to get some flavourful tea at Bar El Melizo in Plaza El Isidro.
    Written 13 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobThomasPhotography
    United Kingdom23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful interpretation of the pre-history of the region. Includes all info boards in English as well as Spanish, which was a great help for me.
    Thoroughly recommend a visit here. It will give you a great appreciation and understanding of the impact of humanity on the landscape and culture... and also point you in the direction of many other places of interest to visit.
    Written 19 March 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • seolram
    Leiden, The Netherlands900 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Too bad we couldn't visit the caves nearby (we only had a car for 3 days and in that period of time there was no visit scheduled), but we were lucky enough to see the interpretation centre (although I really don't understand why it is not called a museum...why is everything an interpretation centre?)

    Oh well, what's in a name? The centre was very informative and even a bit interactive, modern lay out and the guy at the front desk actually spoke English, and decent as well! The signs were good, too bad we didn't have more time to spend. Make sure you have well over an hour to visit the centre, it explains a lot about the area, the way the soil was formed, how people came to live here and why, about the excavations in the area, the difficulties they must have experienced.
    It gives you a great idea of what to expect when you do get to go to one of the caves.
    Written 21 August 2013
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul H
    Mollina, Spain505 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Casa del Ingeniero is exactly what is states "The House of the Engineer". Actually better known as the Casa del Conde. It's a beautiful peaceful site but I'm afraid closed to the public and can only be viewed from a cross the reservoir. However what you can see and do on the side your looking from is to sit in the Kings Chair.. King Alfonso VIII sat in the stone chair when he signed the completion of the construction of the Conde Dr Guadalhorce reservoir that you are stood on. Go to the viewing platform at the top of the hill behind, the views of the area is fantastic. You can hike if You are fit enough or you can get to it by car by turning left just after the tunnel over the road or right just before it. Winding track for about 1. 5km. Enjoy.
    Written 9 May 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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