Best Hikes in El Chorro (Caminito del Rey and Beyond)
Most people visit Caminito del Rey and leave thinking they’ve seen the best of El Chorro.
They haven’t.
While the Caminito is spectacular, it’s also just a small slice of a much larger landscape. Beyond the famous walkway lies a network of hiking trails that offer something very different: freedom to explore, fewer crowds, and in many cases, even more impressive views.
If you’re looking for a real hiking experience: whether that’s a peaceful walk through pine forests, a climb to panoramic viewpoints, or a full day in the mountains, El Chorro has far more to offer than most visitors realize.
Here we’ll show you the best hikes in El Chorro beyond Caminito del Rey, so you can experience this part of Andalusia in a more authentic way.
Hike 1: Embalse de El Chorro to Pico Convento
This is one of the most scenic and varied hikes in El Chorro, combining dramatic cliff landscapes with sweeping reservoir views.
Starting near the turquoise waters of the Guadalhorce reservoirs, the trail gradually climbs into more rugged terrain, leading you to Pico Convento and the spectacular Mirador de las Buitreras, where you can often spot vultures soaring above the gorge.
It’s a hike that feels wild and expansive, offering a real sense of exploration beyond the more crowded Caminito area.
Why choose this hike:
Stunning viewpoints over cliffs and reservoirs
Chance to see vultures in their natural habitat
More adventurous and less crowded
Distance: ~11–12 km
Elevation gain: ~400–500 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4–5 hours
Starting point: Guadalhorce Reservoir area (north of El Chorro) Google Maps Location
Detailed route: Check on Alltrails
Hike 2: Mirador de las Buitreras
This loop hike is a slightly more extended and adventurous variation of the Pico Convento route, connecting several of the best viewpoints in El Chorro into one rewarding circuit.
You’ll move between dramatic cliff edges, elevated ridgelines, and wide-open views over the Guadalhorce reservoirs, making it one of the most complete hikes in the area.
The highlight is the Mirador de las Buitreras, where steep rock faces drop into the gorge below and vultures glide effortlessly at eye level. From there, the trail continues toward Pico del Convento before looping back with panoramic reservoir views.
Why choose this hike:
One of the best viewpoint-to-effort ratios in El Chorro
Loop route (no backtracking)
Wild, open mountain feel with fewer crowds
Distance: ~12–13 km
Elevation gain: ~450–550 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
Starting point: Guadalhorce Reservoir area (near El Chorro)
Starting point on Google Maps: Google Maps Location
Detailed route: Check on Alltrails
Hike 3: Pico del Azulejo
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike with a real summit feel, Pico del Azulejo is one of the best options in El Chorro.
This trail takes you away from the busier reservoir paths and into steeper, more rugged terrain, where you’ll climb towards one of the highest points in the area.
The reward is a true panoramic viewpoint: sweeping views over the Guadalhorce reservoirs, surrounding peaks, and the dramatic landscapes that make El Chorro so unique.
Why choose this hike:
More challenging and adventurous
True summit experience with wide 360° views
Much quieter than the main hiking areas
Distance: ~9–11 km
Elevation gain: ~600–750 m
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Time: 4–6 hours
Starting point: Near the Guadalhorce reservoirs / El Chorro (commonly accessed from parking areas around the lakes or near the dam road)
Starting point on Google Maps: Google Maps Location
Detailed route: Check on Alltrails
Hike 4: Escalera Árabe – Haza del Río Loop
This is one of the most unique and adventurous hikes in El Chorro, featuring the famous Escalera Árabe (Arabic Staircase), an old stone path carved into the cliffs.
The route combines narrow mountain paths, steep sections, and dramatic views over the gorge, making it feel very different from the more open reservoir hikes.
The loop continues through the quieter Haza del Río area, where the terrain becomes more rugged and remote, giving you a real sense of being deep in the landscape.
Why choose this hike:
Iconic “Arabic Staircase” section carved into the rock
More technical and adventurous feel
Impressive gorge and cliff views
Distance: ~6–8 km
Elevation gain: ~350–450 m
Difficulty: Moderate (with some exposed sections)
Time: 3–4 hours
Starting point: El Chorro village / near the Caminito del Rey access area
Starting point on Google Maps: Google Maps Location
Detailed route: Check on Wikiloc
Hike 5: Caminito del Rey
This is the most famous hike in the area—and for good reason. The Caminito del Rey follows a spectacular walkway pinned to the cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, offering dramatic views straight down into the canyon below.
Unlike the other hikes in this guide, this is a fixed, one-direction route along a constructed path, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. While it’s no longer considered dangerous, the height and exposure still make it an unforgettable experience.
Why choose this hike:
One of Spain’s most iconic hiking experiences
Unique cliffside walkway
Accessible and well-maintained
Distance: ~7.7 km (point-to-point)
Elevation gain: Minimal (mostly flat with some steps)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time: 2–4 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Starting point: North access (Ardales side, near the reservoirs)
Starting point on Google Maps: Google Maps Location
Detailed route: Check on Wikiloc
Before You Go: Be Prepared
We hope you get to enjoy one of these trails soon. The mountains north of Málaga can be glorious—but they’re real mountains, and conditions can change quickly. A little prep goes a long way.
Quick prep checklist:
- Check the weather the evening before and again the morning of your hike; avoid extreme heat and high winds on exposed ridges.
- Start early to beat both crowds and midday sun.
- Water: carry at least 2 liters per person (in summer, plan for 3+ liters).
- Footwear: sturdy hiking shoes/boots with good grip for rocky limestone.
- Clothing: breathable layers, a warm extra layer for summits, a light rain/wind shell, hat, and sun protection.
- Navigation: download an offline GPX (e.g., AllTrails/Wikiloc) and carry a paper map if you have one.
- Other essentials: fully charged phone and snacks with salt.
- Logistics: park legally, know your turnaround time, and tell someone your plan.
Staying at Finca Paradis?
We offer a full-service hiking experience: planning, prep, logistics, and on-the-day support, so you can relax and enjoy the trail while we take care of everything you need.
Fill in our interest form here for more information.
