Free walking tours in Álora and what to see

Must-sees

Álora is a white town in the Guadalhorce valley, about forty kilometres from Málaga, spread across a hillside. At the top are the remains of its Moorish castle, with the Gothic chapel built after the Christian conquest on the old mosque, of which only the east end survives after a 17th-century earthquake. Lower down, on the Plaza Baja de la Despedía, is the church of La Encarnación, with three naves and one of the largest in the diocese after the cathedral.

A couple of kilometres from the centre is the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Flores, the patron saint, which began as a hermitage and later became a Franciscan convent. But what draws most visitors is in the north of the municipality: El Chorro and the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, along which runs the Caminito del Rey, a walkway hanging on the canyon walls. The nearby reservoirs and surrounding hills complete the visit.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours of the town in Álora, but there are several guided activities. Most revolve around the Caminito del Rey, which you can walk with a guide in various formats, some with transport from Málaga or other points on the coast. There are also visits to a local winery and outings on the El Chorro via ferrata, for those after a bit more adventure.

How long to spend

The town can be seen in a morning: the climb to the castle, the church of La Encarnación and a stroll around the centre. The Caminito del Rey deserves another long half day, as besides the walk you need to allow for the approach and the return. Two days is ideal, one for Álora and the Flores sanctuary and another for El Chorro. If you go at Easter, the Good Friday Despedía is one of the town's most important moments.

Where to stay

You can stay in Álora's town centre, near the station or in the centre, or in the El Chorro area, where there's rural accommodation and houses aimed at Caminito del Rey visitors. The valley's estates and farmhouses are another quiet option if you're driving. If you can't find a room, Málaga is well connected by train and has far more choice.