Ardales National Park
Ardales National Park
4.5
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12 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
280 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
84
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Gabriella Stephanie
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We went for the first time to Playa Ardales (Ardales beach) last year (2022) in July and the water was amazing and the nature around was extraordinary beautiful…
Now when we came back the water level was extremely low, there was sand where we used to swim and dead seashells and fish. There was only a small part with water that used to be playa Ardales.
Really sad that such a amazing place now looks like this
Now when we came back the water level was extremely low, there was sand where we used to swim and dead seashells and fish. There was only a small part with water that used to be playa Ardales.
Really sad that such a amazing place now looks like this
Written July 1, 2023
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.
Roger B
Chippenham, UK458 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
A very interesting visit to this park by an organised coach tour with an informative guide. Amazing views of the park, gorge and the reservoirs and the scenery during the tour. Quite an impressive day tour with rugged scenery and a final visit to a bodega for wine tasting with local cheeses and artisan foods.
Written May 21, 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.
Torchythetourist
Norwich, UK278 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
These lakes were ten miutes from our villa so we could not miss them...
They are the most beautiful turquoise blue ...and so lovely we went twice..Avoid at the weekends as the Spanish love it here too. during the week get there before 12 noon! Parking is limited in the main lake area and the first carpark signed for canoe hire charges 1 euro plus 1 euro per person to park but worth it as there are picnic tables and loos among the pine trees a welcome relief from the August sun! the view and breeze is amazing..We hired a large pedalo 11 euros per hour and dived and swam in the lakes.There arelittle cave like formations and rocks youcan climb up and jump from to the right!
Then we went to the Mirador restaurant..further up the road,take the first left after the tunnel through the rock..Do not miss it!! they serve the most amazing aubergines with honey...honest its to DIE for!! Also Ben and Jerrys ice cream and if you ask for a cappuchino it comes with whip cream and a cinnamon dusting MMMMMMMMMMmmmm.The views from the terrace are stunning!!It is rustically decorated all wood and baskets like a mexican shack!! There were pumpkins curing on the roof as you go in all shapes and sizes!! The owner is lovely and the menu is in english too! Again they do wonderful chips, salads and tortillas (Omelettes).Handy for us veggies!!And which the kids love...Do not miss it!!This is the wonder of Andalucia!!
They are the most beautiful turquoise blue ...and so lovely we went twice..Avoid at the weekends as the Spanish love it here too. during the week get there before 12 noon! Parking is limited in the main lake area and the first carpark signed for canoe hire charges 1 euro plus 1 euro per person to park but worth it as there are picnic tables and loos among the pine trees a welcome relief from the August sun! the view and breeze is amazing..We hired a large pedalo 11 euros per hour and dived and swam in the lakes.There arelittle cave like formations and rocks youcan climb up and jump from to the right!
Then we went to the Mirador restaurant..further up the road,take the first left after the tunnel through the rock..Do not miss it!! they serve the most amazing aubergines with honey...honest its to DIE for!! Also Ben and Jerrys ice cream and if you ask for a cappuchino it comes with whip cream and a cinnamon dusting MMMMMMMMMMmmmm.The views from the terrace are stunning!!It is rustically decorated all wood and baskets like a mexican shack!! There were pumpkins curing on the roof as you go in all shapes and sizes!! The owner is lovely and the menu is in english too! Again they do wonderful chips, salads and tortillas (Omelettes).Handy for us veggies!!And which the kids love...Do not miss it!!This is the wonder of Andalucia!!
Written August 17, 2012
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.
R J S
Worcestershire, UK136 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Our party consisted of 2 adults, 2 older teenagers and a four year old. The location of the lakes is close to the town of Ardales which involves a mountainous drive. The lakes themselves are beautiful with plenty to do for all ages including Kayaking, Pedalo's for 2 to 5 people with slides. There is also a large inflatable assault course which is great fun for kids of all ages, there is a minimum height of 1.2 metres on this activity. The prices vary for the boats and assault course, we paid 18 euros for the largest Pedalo with a side for an hour and 10 euros per person on the assault course. Entry to the park if you just want to swim is 1 euro per person and the same for your car. The are lots of picnic tables at the lakes which are free to use, I will take a cool box next time although there is a kiosk that sells drinks, ice creams and sandwiches etc.
Be aware the approach to the water is quite rough on your feet so would recommend you wear some flip flops or similar. For your safety the lakes are very deep and they get deep very quickly, but don't let it put you off there are life vests available for non swimmers.
This is a fantastic location to visit with warm clear waters and beautiful scenery.
Be aware the approach to the water is quite rough on your feet so would recommend you wear some flip flops or similar. For your safety the lakes are very deep and they get deep very quickly, but don't let it put you off there are life vests available for non swimmers.
This is a fantastic location to visit with warm clear waters and beautiful scenery.
Written July 22, 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.
Jojosmiths
23 contributions
We had an amazing day at Ardales last week and would like to go again nice and early.. The water is lovely warm and clean.. Much better than any beach with messy sand!!.. Does anyone know what time the carpark opens ?
Written August 8, 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.
Suraj C
London, UK793 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
After our Caminito del ray trek we went for a swim and snorkel to La Isla del Chorro (a lake), the car parking and entry for two people was just €3. The water was much warmer than the sea obviously and we had a great time swimming - big fish (i think carp) in the water but they didn't bother us! Lots of people picnicking there and swimming, you can hire pedalos, canoes etc.
Written October 3, 2017
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.
judie210
ohio506 contributions
Mar 2020
The views and terrain in the Park are beautiful! We were on our way from Malaga to Ronda and drove through the Park. A slice of heaven!
Written March 23, 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.
Sand in my shoes
Chelmsford, UK40 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
I can’t put into words just how incredible this place is. The drive to the lakes is lovely and when you finally see them it takes your breath away, they are stunning. The water is just beautiful and absolutely huge. There are canoes, paddle boards, sun-beds to hire etc and a huge water inflatable for adults and kids, £8 euros for all of the items mentioned. Not crowded ever, no restaurants apart from one but we all take picnics and it’s perfect. Adults, teens, kids all love it it’s fabulous.
Written August 8, 2019
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.
Marc P
Ostend, Belgium227 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
The best view point over the lakes is NOT mirador dos embalses starting at restaurant El Mirador but is Mirador des tres embalses starting 1 km further over the second dam between the Guadalhorce and Guadalteba rivers direction Ronda. There is a sign, you can park there and then you have to take the stairs going up and then you have the most beautiful view over the 3 lakes
Written October 19, 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.
QSMPEK
Almeria, Spain199 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
These caves are not very well known but they are definitely worth the effort to find. They are on the internet but you need to ring to book a date and time to go. You can't find them on your own, you really need a guide and they are locked when there is nobody in them, so use the system.
Excellent guides who speak reasonable English.
The museum and prehistoric centre is worth a visit on its own.
There are not many opportunities to see prehistoric art from 20,000 years ago and this is a good one. Some of the drawings need a bit of imagination but the majority are very clear.
The whole are is really delightful - the lakes are beautiful and trhe whole park is worth a short (1 hour) drive from Malaga.
Excellent guides who speak reasonable English.
The museum and prehistoric centre is worth a visit on its own.
There are not many opportunities to see prehistoric art from 20,000 years ago and this is a good one. Some of the drawings need a bit of imagination but the majority are very clear.
The whole are is really delightful - the lakes are beautiful and trhe whole park is worth a short (1 hour) drive from Malaga.
Written March 18, 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.
Are the water hire equipment available now and when is a good time of day to go.
Written August 2, 2023
Hello - are the inflatables on at the moment? Thanks
Written August 15, 2019
What do you put in the SatNav to find La Isla del Chorro? Thank you!
Written July 7, 2019
kak iz malaga dobratsja do vhoda la isla nazionalnigo parka ardales
Written October 22, 2018
where is the entrance to Ardamas national park and how do i gret there from malaga
Written October 22, 2018
How many days would you need to visit the best lakes in Malaga? Wondering if 7 days is enough and whether 14 would be too much?
Written July 24, 2018
Seven would be plenty to explore amazing lakes.
Written September 5, 2018
Does anyone know of any where quiet to stay with a private pool, 3 bedrooms near the lakes? Like a cortijo/finca? Under £50 a night? Need to get away from it all! Thank you 😃
Written July 22, 2018
Very difficult at that price in the summer
Written July 22, 2018
RobertinSpain
Province of Malaga, Spain
Are the water activities currently available on the lake at El Chorro, not the inflatables, just the kayak's, pedalo's and body boards etc
Written April 18, 2018
Hi Robert, Indian Sport, offer the best selection of water sports equipment on the lakes. You can find them on google search, indian sport, Ardales. have fun!
Written April 19, 2018
Hi Please can you help?
I am planning on coming to the lake on Sunday 13th May 2018 with a group and have seen somewhere that there was a temporary inflatable obstacle course on the lake. Is this correct? If so please can someone point me in the direction of more information: including opening times, prices and contact details ie website/phone number etc?
Thank you
Michelle
Written March 31, 2018
hi Michelle, last year was the first year it opened. however it was just for the summer months. I will try to find out as I live in Ardales. Regards David
Written March 31, 2018
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