What to do · Caminito del Rey and El Chorro
Sport climbing at El Chorro
Information
- Duration
- 4 h
- Season
- Almost all year; best from October to May, in summer only in the shade
- Who it's for
- Experienced climbers with their own equipment
Before the Caminito, El Chorro was already known for climbing: more than 2,000 limestone routes on south-facing walls, such as Las Encantadas, Frontales, the Escalera Árabe or the gorge itself. There are routes for almost any grade and style, and a good part of the sectors are a short walk from the El Chorro district and its railway station.
When to go
The season lasts almost all year. From December to March is when there are most climbers, because the south-facing walls take advantage of the winter sun. Spring and autumn give the most pleasant conditions, with mild temperatures and plenty of daylight. Only July and August complicate climbing because of the heat: then you have to start early and look for sectors in the shade, and it helps to ask someone who knows the area.
Who it is for
For experienced climbers with their own equipment: rope, quickdraws, helmet and harness. If you do not climb on your own, the alternative in the area is the El Chorro via ferrata, which climbs the wall with cable and rungs and takes three to four hours in total, at medium difficulty. It is not advisable in rain or wind, and in summer you must carry plenty of water.
To learn or to climb with someone to lead you, ask at your accommodation: those in the El Chorro district work with guides and schools in the area. Do not climb in the sectors facing the Caminito without checking the rules of the site, which is a protected natural area.
Where to stay and how to get there
Olive Branch is the climbers' guesthouse: it is at the foot of Las Encantadas, about 200 metres from the wall, and a short walk from Frontales, the Escalera Árabe and the gorge. It has a shared kitchen for those who cook for themselves. La Garganta, next to the station, is the other base in the district.
You can arrive by train from Málaga: the C-2 Cercanías line ends at El Chorro station, about 45 minutes away. By car, from Málaga it is around an hour. On rest days, the Caminito del Rey or a while kayaking on the reservoir completes the trip.
Tips
- Come in winter The sun-facing walls make December to March the high season.
- Look for shade in summer In July and August, climb early and in sectors that do not face the sun.
With teenagersWith friends
