Ardales is small village of less than 3000 people located a few kilometers past
Carratraca on the A357 road to Campillos. The ruined castle and church perched above the village are clearly visible from the road. Like Carratraca, the village is very easy to reach as the main highway runs right past it so it makes an ideal base to explore the inland areas of Andalucia. There is a main square with parking area and several small shops, bars and cafes. Next the square is an attractive walkway lined with orange trees where children play and events can be held. On the other side of the square is the attractive Ayuntamiento (town hall ) with a pedestrian area lined with trees and seating.
At the top of the hill is the church and above are the ruins of the castle. A little higher up at the peak of the village is the pretty hermitage Ermita del Calvario. From there you have a spectacular view of the village and you can also see the edge of the
Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir lakes by El Chorro The area is an ideal holiday destination for walking, climbing, cycling and touring from late September to June and looks particularly attractive in winter and spring before the sun turn the countryside brown
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