The white village of Ardales lies at the foot of a huge rock of the same name and topped by the ruins of a castle.
A maze of narrow streets, which remained stairs until a few years ago, and little houses with terracotta roofs. The population, which was until recently less than 3,000, has grown with development of the village. Ardales is still a very traditional place, where agriculture remains the main industry and where a mule is still a common sight.

 

The village of Ardales is well known to Spaniards who spend summers at its lakeside campgrounds. It offers more than stunning views and fresh air as those who take the time to enter the town will find. Through the ages the town been inhabited and conquered by numerous peoples, including the moors who built the castle. The name of the village is believed to be derived from “Arde Allah” which means land of god in Moorish. All left their marks in the form of archeological sites and important monuments.

It seems that Ardales was considered to be an good place to live as far back as the Neolithic period. Remains are found near the castle and the church. Copper age remains have also been found in the Ardales cave which can be visited but booking in advance is usually necessary, we can arrange this if required.

The lakes and reservoirs surrounding Ardales make this area a delightful escape and provide numerous leisure options. Canoes and pedaloes are available for hire throughout the summer months.

However Ardales is not completely undiscovered, and the area is beginning to attract commuters from Malaga, who take advantage of the much improved roads, and northern European expatriates who prefer living away from the hustle and bustle of the Costa Del Sol.

The Romans were the first to build a castle on the ‘Peña’, or Rock, of Ardales, below which the village evolved, although there is evidence of earlier fortification dating back to the 9th century. The Romans also built the La Molina Bridge across the River Turón in the 1st century. The pretty three-arch bridge, located just down from the plaza de San Isidr. It is still intact although in an unfortunate piece of vandalism the original balustrades where removed in the 1970’s. If you are lucky you can see turtles swimming in the river below this bridge

Really, the main attraction of the village is in everyday life. . The Plaza de la Constitucion is a good place to sit in a bar to watch the world go by, marveling at the eccentric driving and parking of the residents.

Any excuse is good enough in Ardales and there are a number of fiestas throughout the year when the village will be packed with revellers.

 

 

 

Places to eat and drink

There are a number of bars and restaurants in Ardales. Some of them serve good quality and excellent value tapas. Our personal favorites are El Alternativa and Equus Pub, both air conditioned and welcome respite from the summer heat and winter cold.

More traditional restaurants are available at Hotel El Cruce and Falco's

Properties featured here are Casa Eryl , Huerta Milan , Casa Argentea , Casa Turon and Piso Pepe. Casa Isabel is 10 Km outside Ardales in the Ardales National Park.

 

Close to Ardales

Surrounding the town is a landscape that compares favorably with the most beautiful in Andalucía, and it is of great interest to nature lovers. Within 15 minutes drive you can be at Ardales lakes and the famous rock climbing gorge at El Chorro- see relevant pages for more information.