Málaga’s hinterland: El Torcal and the Caminito del Rey
From Málaga to the limestone towers of El Torcal, the dolmens of Antequera, the flamingos of Fuente de Piedra and the Caminito del Rey.
- Distance
- approx. 151 km (94 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 05 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Spain
- Best time to go
- March–May and October–November
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €4
- Updated
- August 1, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 151 km (94 mi) with 7 stops, from Málaga to Ronda. About 2 h 05 min of driving in total. Best time to go: March–May and October–November. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €4 (Spain).
More road trips in Spain
Photos along the route
Route description
Leave Málaga on the A-45 north through the mountains, then take the A-7075 towards Villanueva de la Concepción to reach El Torcal, about 50 km in all. The last few kilometres to the visitor centre are narrow and winding; large motorhomes should use the lower car park and the shuttle bus when it runs. The green trail, about 1.5 km, is enough to see the stacked rock towers.
Antequera lies below the plateau. Its old town has an Alcazaba, many churches and the Arco de los Gigantes. On the northern edge of town, the Menga and Viera dolmens are free to visit, and the huge rock of the Peña de los Enamorados is on the skyline behind them. Car parks are at the dolmen site; the centre of town is easier on foot.
Fuente de Piedra is about 20 km north-west on the A-92. The lagoon is best from February to June, when flamingos nest in wet years; in dry summers it can be almost empty. From here drive south via Campillos and the reservoirs of the Guadalhorce to the northern entrance of the Caminito del Rey near Ardales. Tickets are timed and sell out, so book well ahead; children under eight are not allowed.
The walk ends at El Chorro, from where a shuttle bus returns to the northern car parks. Allow four hours for the whole visit. Then continue west on the A-367 via Ardales and Cuevas del Becerro to Ronda, about 60 km, across the Serranía de Ronda. The whole route from Málaga is around 250 km, and the roads are fine for motorhomes apart from the Torcal access road.
Which stops are on Málaga’s hinterland?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Málaga
Spain - 235 km
El Torcal de Antequera
NatureAntequera, SpainA karst plateau of stacked limestone towers with marked loop trails of 1.5 to 3 km from the visitor centre. The access road is narrow and winding; at busy times a shuttle runs from the lower car park.
- 39 km
Antequera
Spain - 42 km
Antequera Dolmens
HistoryAntequera, SpainThe Menga and Viera dolmens, huge stone burial chambers over 5,000 years old, part of a UNESCO site with El Romeral nearby. Free entry with a car park at the site; closed on Mondays.
- 526 km
Fuente de Piedra lagoon
NatureFuente de Piedra, SpainA shallow salt lake that hosts one of Europe’s largest flamingo breeding colonies in wet years, best from February to June. The visitor centre at the edge of the village has a viewpoint and paths to hides.
- 629 km
Caminito del Rey
NatureArdales, SpainA boardwalk pinned to the walls of the Gaitanes gorge, walked one way over about 7.7 km including the access paths. Book tickets ahead, park near the northern entrance and use the shuttle bus back from El Chorro.
- 751 km
Ronda
Spain
How do you drive Málaga’s hinterland in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Málaga → Antequera Dolmens · 46 km · 0 h 38 minOn the way: El Torcal de Antequera, Antequera.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping La Sierrecilla (16 km); Archidona Area Autocaravanas (16 km).
- Day 2: Antequera Dolmens → Caminito del Rey · 55 km · 0 h 45 minOn the way: Fuente de Piedra lagoon.Overnight nearby, for example: Parque Ardales Zona 1 (3 km); Camping Park Pizarra (15 km).
- Day 3: Caminito del Rey → Ronda · 51 km · 0 h 42 minOvernight nearby, for example: El Sur (2 km); Area Autocaravanas Ronda (2 km).
When is the best time for Málaga’s hinterland?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Málaga’s hinterland?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €4 (Spain).
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
FAQs
How long is Málaga’s hinterland: El Torcal and the Caminito del Rey?
3-day road trip of about 151 km (94 mi) with 7 stops, from Málaga to Ronda. About 2 h 05 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Málaga’s hinterland: El Torcal and the Caminito del Rey?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 05 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Málaga’s hinterland: El Torcal and the Caminito del Rey start and end?
It starts in Málaga and ends in Ronda.
Which countries does Málaga’s hinterland: El Torcal and the Caminito del Rey pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Málaga’s hinterland: El Torcal and the Caminito del Rey?
OpenStreetMap lists 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Área Autocaravanas Málaga Beach, MH El Rincon and Parque Ardales Zona 1.
How much are the tolls on Málaga’s hinterland?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €4 (Spain). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
.jpg){kind=link}