The Arab Staircase

If you know Malaga well enough, you will have heard of the famous walk El Caminito del Rey. This hike is found in the mountains of ‘El Chorro,’ an area which offers numerous other walking routes including ‘Las Escaleras Arabes’ or The Arab Staircase.

This circular route takes about fours hours to complete and starts close to El Chorro’s train station. Thanks to the surrounding’s steep drops and high peaks, the walk is spectacular.

After climbing up through the trees, the narrow path takes you along the very edge of the mountain. The route is called The Arab Staircase because of the ancient stone stairway carved out of the rock. There is no evidence that it was constructed by Arabs but the stairs supposedly date back to pre -1500.

The stairs are on the steepest slope of the mountain, right at the very edge of the rock. This part of the walk is pretty thrilling – and definitely not recommended for those with vertigo! In fact, the stairs are so steep that in some places you need both your hands and feet to climb up. Take this part slowly, stopping to catch your breath as you look down at the sheer drop to the green hills below.

The views from the top are worth the precarious climb. The peak is one of the highest around and looks over the expansive valley, including a reservoir in the distance.

You need a strong and steady pair of walking legs for this hike. It’s not a long route but climbing the steep stairs is definitely an adrenaline boost!