El Chorro is the endpoint of the Caminito del Rey and provides the southern entrance to the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. Other notable features include the Haza del Río path, with its view of Bobastro, the Vía Ferrata and the climbing cliffs. Industrial history, canyon scenery, a historic panorama and vertical activities thus stand side by side as distinct highlights.

Caminito del Rey: endpoint and origins

The Caminito del Rey ends in El Chorro (Álora). It was built between 1901 and 1905 as a service path between the Gaitanejo and Chorro hydroelectric facilities. Its geographical endpoint and historical purpose are therefore two distinct aspects of the path: El Chorro marks the end of the route, while the facilities explain its technical context at the time. The construction period falls at the beginning of the 20th century and roots the path in the area's industrial history.

Gorge, cliffs and vegetation

The Desfiladero de los Gaitanes is a canyon carved by the Guadalhorce. In some places it is only 10 metres wide and reaches a depth of 700 metres. The cliffs in El Chorro can be up to 300 metres high. Width, depth and cliff height represent different dimensions of the landscape; the 700 metres refer to the canyon's depth, not the height of the cliffs. The narrow width and great depth create a different landscape profile from the height of individual cliffs. The surroundings of the Desfiladero include Aleppo pines, pine trees, holm oaks, eucalyptus trees and riverside vegetation.

The view of Bobastro

The Haza del Río path offers a panoramic view of the historic remains of the former Mozarabic city of Bobastro, dating from the 10th century. This view offers a different historical perspective from the construction history of the Caminito: there, the focus is on a service path for hydroelectric facilities; here, on the remains of a city. The two subjects are separated by a considerable span of time—Bobastro dates from the 10th century, while the service path was built between 1901 and 1905. The historical arc thus extends from the history of a city to the industrial development of the early 20th century.

Vía Ferrata and climbing

The El Chorro Vía Ferrata is 650 metres long and has 250 metres of positive elevation gain. It includes a Tibetan bridge, a Nepalese bridge and a zip line approximately 35 metres long. It is rated as moderate difficulty, K3. Length, elevation gain and features offer different points of reference: the measurements relate to the route, while the bridges and zip line are specific components. Route conditions can change; check the operator's current requirements before taking part.

The climbing cliffs in El Chorro are predominantly technical and have little overhang; individual inclines can reach up to 90 degrees. The Vía Ferrata, by contrast, is rated as moderate difficulty, K3. These are different characteristics: cliff character and incline for climbing, and a grade for the ferrata. The K3 rating does not apply to climbing.

Discover more destinations: Pantano Del Chorro.

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