For those who find hiking not really exciting enough, may like to try mountaineering or rock climbing, which is quite popular in Andalusia. This part of Spain has got a wealth of challenges and is one of the best areas in Europe outside the Alps.

El Chorro is one of the most famous rock climbing areas in Europe. With more than 650 bolted climbing routes in this area it is an El Dorado for climbers.  The rock climbing area of El Chorro is very diverse and has something for everyone. The main focal point is the huge limestone gorge, which offers some fantastic multi-pitch rock climbing with its own unique and intimidating atmosphere. Additionally there are other crags that offer everything a climber could wish for. There are numerous routes with hard climbs, which is why El Chorro attracts rock climbers from the whole world.

Because of its location in the very south of Spain, El Chorro has become a classic winter climbing venue and the ideal time to visit is from October to the end of April. However be warned, it can get a little cold in the winter (there may even be snow), especially in the gorge where you get very little sun and sometimes a cold wind. The summer is just too hot for climbing.Every winter, rock climbers from across northern Europe arrange to meet in southern Spain to tackle one of this season’s biggest challenges. El Chorro is a limestone gorge hippy haven and small island of green in the Andalusian desert.