Costa del Sol Towns

El Chorro

El Chorro is a village within the area of the town of Alora, next to the 700m high Desfiladero de los Gaitanes pass where the Guadalhorce river flows. It was dammed in 1921, forming three reservoirs.  It became famous for the very dangerous path called Caminito del Rey (King's little pathway). The path took its name because it was officially opened by Alfonso XIII of Spain. It is next to the dam on the river Guadalhorce, near Ardales

The gorge runs from the end of the embalse del Gaitanejo to El Chorro. There are two extremely narrow sections at each end of the gorge with a wider bowl in between. In addition to the walkway, the Malaga to Sevilla / Cordoba railway line runs through the gorge in a set of several tunnels, bridges and dams cutting through the gorge. It is possible, but illegal, to access parts of the gorge along and through the tunnels of the railway line from El Chorro.

 

It was used as a location for train scenes in the 1965 adventure film Von Ryan's Express.

It is one of the main rock climbing areas in Spain due to be located next to the Gorge Gaitanes The area is actually renowned as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Europe, but is also very popular for mountain biking, hiking, and camping. El Chorro is best known for its glorious water and outstanding views.