Embalse de Guadalhorce

The Embalse de Guadalhorce is actually a system of three interconnected reservoirs — Guadalhorce, Guadalteba and Conde de Guadalhorce — with a combined capacity of around 360 cubic hectometres and a total water surface of roughly 2,600 hectares at maximum level, in the interior of Málaga province. They sit about 50 kilometres north of Málaga city, at the confluence of the Guadalhorce, Guadalteba and Turón rivers, between the municipalities of Ardales, Campillos, Teba and Álora. The three reservoirs were built between 1914 and 1973, primarily for water supply to Málaga city and flood regulation on the Guadalhorce.

The surrounding landscape combines low Mediterranean scrub with limestone outcrops and grey marl formations that erosion has sculpted into rounded shapes. Along the shores, Aleppo pines and wild olives alternate with rockrose, mastic and rosemary scrub. When water levels drop in summer, sand and gravel beaches emerge at the reservoir tails, particularly in the Guadalteba area, where families from Málaga, Campillos and Antequera come to swim and spend the day. Water temperatures can reach 24–26 °C in July and August, with a blue-green hue against the background of ochre earth and white limestone.

The area holds notable ornithological value. The three reservoirs form part of Andalucía's inventory of wetlands important for waterbirds. In winter, great cormorants, grey herons, mallards and coots gather here. The purple heron colony in the reed beds of the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir is one of the most southerly on the Peninsula. Griffon vultures nest on the limestone cliffs flanking the reservoirs, and Bonelli's eagles are regularly spotted patrolling over the water.

The Embalse de Guadalhorce serves as the gateway to the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge and the Caminito del Rey, the 3 km walkway suspended 100 metres above the river that was rehabilitated in 2015 and receives over 300,000 visitors per year. The northern access to the Caminito starts from the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir, next to the village of Ardales. The connection between both resources — reservoirs for a beach day and watersports, Caminito for a hiking route — means many visitors combine both activities in a single day.

Watersport options include kayaking, paddleboarding and sport fishing. Several local companies offer kayak hire and guided trips in the Guadalteba arm and the main reservoir. Carp and largemouth bass fishing has a strong reputation among Andalucian anglers, with carp catches exceeding 10 kg. A Junta de Andalucía fishing licence is required. For land-based hiking, the Presa del Conde trail (6 km return) provides elevated views over all three reservoirs, and the Mirador de Ardales route (4 km) connects to the village's historic centre, where terrace restaurants with reservoir views make a worthwhile lunch stop.