Embalses Guadalhorce-Guadalteba
Embalses Guadalhorce-Guadalteba
4.5
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4.5
142 reviews
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nnmercman
Camberley, UK14,276 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
If you head past the main Caminito del Rey car park and drive on towards the main entrance near the El Kiosko bar/restaurant, there’s a dirt road leading off to the right. Follow the road for around 1.5km to the end where’s there’s a parking area - it’s then a few steps to the viewpoint overlooking the lakes and you can really see how low the water levels are and understand why there’s currently a drought in the region. You can then drive back to the main road and park opposite the bar and walk to the Caminito del Rey ticket office or continue driving further round the lakes and forest area.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stevenson_steve
Harrogate, UK254 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
On a recent flight into Malaga airport during the day we noticed on a our approach a few huge lakes just in land from Malaga they are situated in the Ardales National Park area. Parque de Ardales Zona Cuarta, 29552 Ardales, Málaga, Spain fantastic day out, the waters are cobalt blue and soo clear, loads of fish (not to catch but admire) there are places to hire canoes or a paddle boats, then once you've worked up a appetite the restaurants near by are amazing, great food great service and spectacular views. Not to be missed.
Written 3 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sickoftherain_71
London, England, United Kingdom18 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
We have been holidaying on the costa del sol for years as my in-laws have a flat on the coast, but had never been to the lakes until someone told us about it this year. We were tempted by the swimming and scenery so thought it was worth an hour's drive from our flat. We weren't disappointed, and were pleasantly surprised how it wasn't too busy on a Saturday in August!! Mostly Spanish people, which made a change and it felt much more authetically Spain. We parked in la Isla car park - got there around 11.30am and there were spaces still. Was one euro per car and then a euro per passenger. The water was lovely to swim in, but I would recommend taking swim shoes (the shore is basically dust), loo roll (no toilet paper in the loos), antibacterial wipes and definitely inflatables as you could float around on the lake for hours like that! Also, reserve your picnic table for lunch when you get there.
Written 20 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roloh
Fleet, UK61 contributions
June 2016 • Family
I saw these beautiful lakes from the plane and suggested we look for them as we've been to the Costa del Sol a few times and have run out of new things to do with toddlers in tow.
Hire a car for this trip as I don't think public transport will get you there (but I could be wrong). It's just over an hour's drive from Fuengirola.
The lake closest to Malaga is the one where you can swim and hire pedalos and canoes. Look for the Zona Recreativa La Isla. The car park is one Euro for the car and then another one Euro per adult. Pedalos range from 9 Euros per hour for the basic two man boat to 19 euros for the big boats with the slide.
It's worth spending the money as it's the best way to see the lake if you want to take it easy and do a bit of swimming. Canoeing also looked a lot of fun but not an option with two kids under four!
Swimming in the lake was fun and the water was lovely temperature and pretty clear.
You do need to go prepared though. The ground is stony and dusty so shoes that you can wear in and out of the water are a must. There are picnic tables in the shade on the slopes but if you want to sit near the water out of the trees bring some beach mats to sit on and an umbrella if you need shade.
We ate in a lovely nearby restaurant that overlooked the lake but a picnic would also be lovely. There are toilets and an ice cream/light snack shop on site.
Overall a lovely day out. We drove back the long way to see the views of the other lakes which are much more rugged. The surrounding landscape is also stunning with golden cornfields, orange groves and rolling hills meeting the blue sky. Would definitely recommend it.
Hire a car for this trip as I don't think public transport will get you there (but I could be wrong). It's just over an hour's drive from Fuengirola.
The lake closest to Malaga is the one where you can swim and hire pedalos and canoes. Look for the Zona Recreativa La Isla. The car park is one Euro for the car and then another one Euro per adult. Pedalos range from 9 Euros per hour for the basic two man boat to 19 euros for the big boats with the slide.
It's worth spending the money as it's the best way to see the lake if you want to take it easy and do a bit of swimming. Canoeing also looked a lot of fun but not an option with two kids under four!
Swimming in the lake was fun and the water was lovely temperature and pretty clear.
You do need to go prepared though. The ground is stony and dusty so shoes that you can wear in and out of the water are a must. There are picnic tables in the shade on the slopes but if you want to sit near the water out of the trees bring some beach mats to sit on and an umbrella if you need shade.
We ate in a lovely nearby restaurant that overlooked the lake but a picnic would also be lovely. There are toilets and an ice cream/light snack shop on site.
Overall a lovely day out. We drove back the long way to see the views of the other lakes which are much more rugged. The surrounding landscape is also stunning with golden cornfields, orange groves and rolling hills meeting the blue sky. Would definitely recommend it.
Written 18 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Infinity2680
London, UK270 contributions
Beautiful view fantastic place to spend the day with the family on a hot day it was refreshing swimming in the lake! Good restaurant too
Written 5 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julian K
Leeds, UK100 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
This is a very beautiful place. The location is stunning with lovely clear blue water, plenty of activities on the water and loads of places to sunbathe but also with loads of shade. There are lots of built in tables and benches for people to sit at and have lunch in shade or sun. The activities, sun bed hire and parking are very reasonably priced and the staff are good. However there are a number of things that you need to be aware of.
Parking near the “beaches” is limited if you can get there no later than 11.30 and park where you see the green kayak. If you don’t park there you will have to walk on the main road which doesn’t have a footpath. We initially parked in the next car park down the hill and I ended up moving the car so paying twice (2€).
This area isn’t for people with mobility problems the paths are at times steep and all have trip hazards.
Be prepared. The beaches are not sandy they are painfully gritty as is getting into the water.
My advice is;
- Get there in good time
- Take your own chairs
- Take a large tablecloth
- Wear footwear that you can go in the water with such as wetsuit shoes
- If you can’t park in the green kayak car park get as close to it as you can which may mean parking on the roads though there is a steep drop on one side. Lots of people do it
- Take lunch with you. There are restaurants on the main road but they are a long walk. If you drive you probably won’t get parked again
If you do all that it will be amazing
Parking near the “beaches” is limited if you can get there no later than 11.30 and park where you see the green kayak. If you don’t park there you will have to walk on the main road which doesn’t have a footpath. We initially parked in the next car park down the hill and I ended up moving the car so paying twice (2€).
This area isn’t for people with mobility problems the paths are at times steep and all have trip hazards.
Be prepared. The beaches are not sandy they are painfully gritty as is getting into the water.
My advice is;
- Get there in good time
- Take your own chairs
- Take a large tablecloth
- Wear footwear that you can go in the water with such as wetsuit shoes
- If you can’t park in the green kayak car park get as close to it as you can which may mean parking on the roads though there is a steep drop on one side. Lots of people do it
- Take lunch with you. There are restaurants on the main road but they are a long walk. If you drive you probably won’t get parked again
If you do all that it will be amazing
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimberleyclose
Dover, UK27 contributions
Sept 2015 • Friends
This was the first time we had visited this part of Spain and we were not disappointed. The lakes are absolutely beautiful. We used the car park which cost 1euro per car and 1 euro per person to enter. There are plenty of facilities, a small shop in the car park, toilets, but no paper in the loo, pedalo's and sunbeds to hire and lots of shade from the trees. There are lots of picnic tables to have lunch. The water was beautiful to swim in, a lovely turquoise colour which is very inviting and the scenery was stunning. If you visit this area you musn't miss the beautiful lakes.
Written 8 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff H
Rochdale, UK60 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This is the third year we have spent time on the Costa del Sol but the first time we have visited this area ( courtesy of a free "blanket trip")
It was a complete surprise and totally different to our previous experience of the Costa and I can only describe the area as truly beautiful. Although man made in the 20th Centuary the lakes look completely natural and the surrounding area is a national park and real away from it all countryside.
We are so impressed that we have got details of local hotels to spend more time on our next visit.
It was a complete surprise and totally different to our previous experience of the Costa and I can only describe the area as truly beautiful. Although man made in the 20th Centuary the lakes look completely natural and the surrounding area is a national park and real away from it all countryside.
We are so impressed that we have got details of local hotels to spend more time on our next visit.
Written 21 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen D
Atherstone, UK57 contributions
July 2014 • Couples
I adore this place. Never fail to gasp at it's beauty. The scenery is magnificent, beautiful clear blue lakes reflecting the majestic pine covered mountains. The scent of pine is everywhere and there are numerous tiny beaches where it's easy to imagine you are completely alone. There is an entrance with parking (1€ for the car plus 1€ for each occupant) that leads to a jetty with kayaks, paddleboats - great for kids. There is a fixed stone (30ft long!) barbecue, where anyone can take their own food & cook & picnic tables & benches under the pine canopy. Watch the locals turn up bearing cool boxes full of food & drink - I wish the villa owners we rent from would include cool boxes in their equipment - perfect for days out like this!
Written 10 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
perle369
Malaga, Spain1,835 contributions
June 2013 • Friends
These three lakes are artificial, created in the 20s to give water to Malaga. It was a beautiful area anyway but what they have done has matured well and has created a stunning park for the people of the area. There is lots to do and see. There are viewpoints everywhere so a camera is a must. In addition there are several areas where you can camp or picnic. There are some facilities for hiring pedalos, canoes etc. Nothing with a motor is available so the whole area is extremely peaceful. There is a hamlet in the middle with bars and a hotel. The best bar/restaurant is the Mirador Parque de Ardales which sits high up and has the best view and the best food. The water in the lakes is usually a blue/turquoise and gives a very tropical feel. There are shady woods galore and a different view at every turn.
Written 2 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabel M
Dilbeek, Belgium
Moet je reserveren voor de kajak? We belden maar kregen geen antwoord
Written 12 August 2018
¿Puedo ir a pasar el día y bañarme en el pantano gratuitamente? Llevando mi mesa y sillas etc
Written 7 September 2016
Can I get there from Benalmadena area without hiring a car ?
Written 23 August 2016
There may be a limited bus service to the Caminito del Rey, but not to the lakes. There is a train service to Ardeles but this is approximately six km to the closest lake. I would suggest that a car is essential in reality, but well worth it.
Written 23 August 2016
Did anyone spot a brown abandoned street dog (middle height, female) around this embalse? I am looking for her, and i last saw her there..
Written 22 June 2016
Hi, is there an inflatable assault course on one of the lakes. I flew over to Malaga and swore I saw one.? Thanks.
Written 25 July 2015
Yes there is. It is accessible from the second parking area down from the restaurant.
Written 22 August 2016
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