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Kayaking at El Chorro

By Maartje, host of Finca Alora

The most beautiful lake near Álora is just a 15-minute drive away. Turquoise water, tall mountain walls, a feeling of calm. A morning of kayaking is one of the nicest things to do with the family and takes you half a day.

Where exactly?

You head to the Embalse del Conde de Guadalhorce, the northernmost of the three reservoirs near El Chorro. On the south side of the lake there is a small sandy beach with someone renting out kayaks and paddleboards. No loud commercial resort, just a few old vans and a blue tent.

How to get there

From the finca you drive north on the A-357, take exit 78 towards El Chorro, and keep following the signs to the Embalse. After the village of El Chorro, carry on for about another 5 minutes. Parking is free along the road or on an unpaved car park. Allow 15 minutes' drive.

Tip: near the lake there is also a sign to the northern access point of the Caminito del Rey. You can combine the two: Caminito in the morning, kayaking in the afternoon.

What does it cost?

• Single kayak: around 15 € per hour.
• Double kayak: around 20-25 € per hour.
• SUP (paddleboard): around 15 € per hour.
• Package: some hours at a discount for groups of four or more.

You can pay by card or cash. No booking needed outside July and August.

With children

Ideal for children from six years old in a double kayak with a parent. The water is calm and clear, no waves, no current. Life jackets are compulsory and are provided by the rental. My own children still think this is the best outing of the week.

For young children or non-swimmers: stay close to the shore. It gets deep quickly, but the water is see-through. Endlessly so. My daughter loved the little coves on the west side best.

What do you see on the water?

The lake is surrounded by red limestone mountains, the Sierra de Huma. There are a few hidden bays you cannot reach from the shore. Right at the north end there is an old abandoned farmhouse that you can see from the water. Sometimes fish leap, and you can spot them through the clear water.

The water has a chalky turquoise colour (similar to the glacier lakes in Slovenia). Very photogenic.

My tips

1. Go early. Between 10:00 and 12:00 the water is at its stillest. From 13:00 there is sometimes a bit of wind.
2. The first hour first. Do not book 2 hours straight away. See how you like it first and rent more if you want.
3. Combine it with a picnic. On the south side of the lake there is a grassy area where you can picnic. Bring your own.
4. Swimming is allowed. Put your swimwear on under your normal clothes and jump in the water between paddles.
5. Waterproof bag. For your phone, keys and a few towels. An ordinary bin bag works too.

What do you bring?

• Sunscreen factor 30+ (water reflection burns you faster)
• Hat or cap
• 1.5 litres of water per person
• Swimwear (worn underneath)
• Sandals or water shoes for getting in and out
• A picnic for afterwards, if you like
• Waterproof pouch for your phone
• A towel per person

When is the season?

The rental is open from early April to late October. May, June and September are ideal: the water is warm enough to swim in, not too hot to sit in the boat. July and August are fine too, but warm in the middle of the day.

In winter (November to March) the lake is empty and quiet, but the rental is closed. Still lovely for a walk around it.

Combine it with

• Caminito del Rey in the morning (early slot) and kayaking in the afternoon. The two are close together.
• Lunch at Bar Manolo in El Chorro before or after.
• A walk around the lake: in 2 hours you can walk around the smallest reservoir.