Sport & Nature

The Caminito del Rey, the King’s Little Pathway, is a walkway along a narrow gorge, originally established in 1901 to 1905 for construction and maintenance of the local hydroelectric power station. It has become known under the current name when King Alfonso XIII visited and walked along sections of the pathway in 1921 for the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce dam.

Today, the original pathway has mostly been replaced with a new pathway (for improved safety of visitors), which however still mostly follows the same route and allows people to see the breathtaking gorge underneath them, as well as the Guadalhorce river that carved out the gorge from the solid rock. Prospective visitors should book their ticket online in advance, where there is a choice between unguided and guided tours, with the money used to maintain the walkway and its safety.

A karst formation, El Torcal is located to the South of Antequera and a nature reserve. It features interesting and impressive rock formations of limestone and also is home to native Andalusian mountain plant and animal life. El Torcal can be accessed by car and then a choice of multiple hiking paths of varying lengths.

The lagoon of Fuente de Piedra is another nature reserve nearby, which features wetlands fed by underwater springs. Its salinity has in the past been used to extract salt from the lake, however today the place is more known for its colonies of flamingos, which can be found there and are the largest in Iberia.

Just minutes away, Lake Iznájar – the largest reservoir in Andalusia – is a paradise for water lovers. In the beach area at Valdearenas, in Iznájar you can enjoy:

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
• Sailing and pedal boating

The beach area has a small chiringuito (beach bar), a playground, and equipment rentals during the summer months.

Nature lovers can explore numerous hiking and cycling trails throughout the Sierra Subbética Natural Park and the Sierra de Rute. Trails vary from easy walks to more challenging routes with breathtaking panoramic views. Popular routes include:

• Trails around the Embalse de Iznájar
• Scenic paths in El Hacho and Sierra Horconera

The region is popular with road cyclists and mountain bikers, thanks to its hilly terrain, quiet roads, and scenic landscapes. Local rentals and guided tours are available.

Adventurers will love the Via Ferrata in Rute or the rock formations and caves around Cuevas de San Marcos, known for spelunking and climbing opportunities.

Enjoy horseback riding through olive groves and mountain trails. Several stables in the area offer guided rides for beginners and experienced riders alike.