River Trekking
Walk along the river
Heading up the Andarax valley from Alhama, about half an hour by car, you reach Padules, in the heart of the Alpujarra of Almería. There the river has acted as a sculptor: over centuries it has carved a narrow gorge into the limestone, with pools, small waterfalls and oddly shaped nooks. The path does not run beside the river, it is the river itself.
The site was declared a Natural Monument by the Government of Andalusia in 2019. Its most famous stretch is the Garganta de los Canjorros, so narrow that, with your arms outstretched, you can touch the walls of Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Gádor at the same time. Among ash, poplar and willow trees, the water runs cold even in high summer: the contrast with the dry heat of the area is exactly what people come looking for.
Difficulty
Moderate. You make your way over stones, pools and stretches of water. After heavy rain the water can reach waist height; in summer it drops considerably. Watch out for slippery rocks.
Gear
Water shoes or boots with good grip (the stones in the riverbed hurt when barefoot), clothes you don't mind getting wet and sun protection. A waterproof bag for your phone is handy.
Best Time
From late spring to early autumn, when cold water is welcome. Weekdays are far quieter than summer weekends.
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