The town of Ardales is located between three regions, namely Málaga, Ronda and Antequera, and offers a wide variety of scenery, from the reservoirs of the Rio Guadalhorce to the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a huge gorge across which there is a suspension bridge (Caminito del Rey).
The area basically has everything except for beaches. There are castle ruins, prehistoric sites, caves and other places of interest either in or within a short distance of the town.
Statistics
Area: 110 square kilometres
Altitude: 700 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 2,700
Distance from Nerja: 108 km
Driving Time: +/- 1 hour 30 mins
Average temperature: 15 degrees
Average rainfall: 400 litres per square metre
Natives: Ardaleños
Location
Places of Interest
Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
The original structure dates back to the XV Century, although dramatic reconstruction was carried out in 1720 as the church had fallen into decay. Some of the original features, however, were preserved.
Convento de Capuchinos
XVIII Century religious building with Baroque church steeple topped by battlements.
Ermita Ntra. Sra. de Villaverde
Ermita de la Encarnación
Iglesia Mudéjar
This church from the Middle Ages contains a number of statues, carvings and paintings.
Castillo de Turón
These castle ruins, dating back to 1362 and Muhammed V, are about three miles from Ardales.
Castillo de la Peña
This is the site of two separate fortifications, one Muslim (from the time of Omar Ben Hafsun) and one Christian, although the earlier fortifications are barely visible. Nine towers remain from the later construction.
El Fuente
A fountain dating back to Roman times and located in las Lomas del Infierno.
Cueva de Ardales or Cuevas de Doña Trinidad
The caves were discovered in 1821 following an earthquake in the area. A tour of the caves covers over 1.5 kilometres where over 50 figures, paintings and other artifacts from the Upper Paleolithic era are to be seen. Tours can be arranged through the History Museum (952 458 046).
Las Aguilillas
A prehistoric Necropolis located between Ardales and Campillos and dating back to between 2,000BC and 3,000BC.
Caminito del Rey
A suspension bridge built in the early XX Century.
Puente Romano de la Molina
Roman bridge with three arches constructed during the reign of Augustus in the first century BC.
Local Festivals
Fiesta de Navidad y Reyes Magos (January 5th)
Fiesta de la Matanza (Third Sunday in February)
Concurso Canino (End of February/beginning of March
San Isidro (May 15th)
Ntra. Sra. de Villaverde (September 8th)
Fiesta de Navidad y Reyes Magos (January 5th)
Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Galletas de almendra (Pastries made with almonds), Porras (Stews), Gazpacho (Soup) and Migas (Made with breadcrumbs, grapes, melon, watermelon, oranges, olives and other locally grown produce)
Local Crafts
Esparto grass weaving, ironware, lace.
Useful Info
Tourist Office
Avda. Málaga, 1
29550 Ardales
Tel: 952 458 046
Fax: 952 458 169
Museum
Avda. de Málaga, 1
29550 Ardales
Tel: 952 458 046