Stories and theories about the Arab Stairs of El Chorro:

The Arab Stairs, or Escalera Árabe, tower above the village of El Chorro, in the heart of the Sierra de Huma in the province of Málaga. This stone staircase clinging to the cliff intrigues and fascinates in equal measure: its exact origin is unclear, and that very uncertainty feeds stories and legends. In this article, we look at what is known, what is assumed… and what is still imagined.

Where Are the Arab Stairs of El Chorro?

The Arab Stairs are located:

• above the village of El Chorro,

• in the Sierra de Huma,

• within the Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes nature reserve in Andalusia.

Today, they are reached via a marked hiking trail, often called the “Escalera Árabe” route, which is part of local paths and variants of the long-distance trail GR-249 – Gran Senda de Málaga.The area is also known for the Caminito del Rey walkway and its famous climbing cliffs.

A Rock-Cut Staircase with a Mysterious Past

A Spectacular Structure with Little Documentation

The Arab Stairs consist of more than 250 stone steps, cut or laid into a rocky ledge.They make it possible to cross a limestone escarpment known as the tajo de los Castillones, linking the lower slopes to a higher plateau.

When you climb them, what stands out is:

• how the route follows the cliff line,

• the irregularity of the steps (varying heights and widths),

• the staircase’s rustic yet ingenious character.

And yet, despite how striking it is, there is very little historical documentation about its construction. The archives do not allow us to date the staircase precisely, nor to clearly identify who built it.

A Misleading Name: Why Are They Called the “Arab Stairs”?

The name “Escalera Árabe” is misleading in several ways.

• It is a relatively recent name, popularised in the 20th century by locals, climbers and hikers.

• The traditional local name seems to have been “Escalerilla del Picacho” (the Picacho little ladder).

  
  

Despite this, the expression “Arab Stairs” has firmly taken root in everyday language, partly because Andalusia carries a strong Arab-Andalusian heritage and the structure itself looks as if it belongs to another era.

Local and provincial authorities, however, emphasise that there is currently no solid evidence proving an Arab or medieval origin for the staircase. The name therefore reflects more of a collective imagination than an established historical fact.

The Main Theories About the Origin of the Arab Stairs

Because there are no clear documents, several theories coexist. None is universally accepted, but three main ideas stand out.

Theory 1: A Medieval Staircase from the Mozarabic Period

Some English-language hiking guides suggest this idea:the staircase dates from the 15th century and was built by Mozarabs (Christians living in Muslim territory) or in the context of late al-Andalus.

In this version:

• the Escalera Árabe was part of a network of trade or pastoral routes,

• it offered a shortcut that avoided a long detour around the mountain,

• it might have connected different villages or cultivated areas.

This theory is attractive and fits well with the landscape and the broader history of the region. But it remains weakly supported, because it is based mainly on modern interpretations and no contemporary document clearly confirms it.

Theory 2: A Reforestation Structure from the 20th Century

Tourist services and some institutional sources offer a more down-to-earth but widely regarded as more likely explanation:the Arab Stairs were built during reforestation works in the mid-20th century.

In this scenario:

• the staircase was constructed to make access easier for forestry workers and equipment on the upper slopes, as part of large-scale reforestation campaigns,

• it is therefore relatively recent, even if time and weathering now give it an older appearance.

This theory fits well with:

• the staircase’s highly practical design,

• the way the steps are sized for repeated use by workers carrying loads,

• similarities to other structures built in Spain during the same period under reforestation projects.

Theory 3: An Old Path Reworked in Modern Times

A third, more nuanced reading sees the Escalera Árabe as a palimpsest:

• originally there may have been an old path, medieval or early modern, following the natural ledge,

• in the 20th century, workers involved in reforestation regularised, widened or reinforced this path, creating or improving the steps we see today.

This theory reconciles:

• the logical topography (it is an obvious passage in the landscape),

• the “old path” feeling you get when hiking there,

• and the more recent tool marks visible on some stones.

Again, this is a plausible interpretation, but not proven, due to the lack of in-depth archaeological studies.

From Utility Passage to Hiking Symbol in Andalusia

A Primarily Practical Role

Originally, the staircase was probably anything but romantic:it is simply a practical and efficient way to cross a rocky step.

Whether built in the Middle Ages or the 20th century, the purpose was the same:

• to make it easier for people to move around,

• potentially to transport tools or materials,

• to save time when travelling between slopes.

One can easily imagine shepherds, farmers, forestry workers or locals using it with purely functional intentions.

Today: A Landmark for Hikers and Climbers

Today, the Escalera Árabe has taken on a new role:

• it is part of a marked hiking route,

• it is frequently photographed and highlighted in articles about the El Chorro area,

• it has become a landmark for hikers and climbers staying in the region.

The trails leading to it offer spectacular views over:

• the Guadalhorce reservoirs,

• the cliffs of El Chorro,

• the Sierra de Huma and the inland Andalusian landscape.

With the rise of the Caminito del Rey and outdoor tourism, the Arab Stairs have become one more iconic landscape feature—less known to the general public, but highly appreciated by hiking enthusiasts.

What Do We Really Know About the Arab Stairs?

To sum up, we can say that:

• The Arab Stairs are a stone staircase of more than 250 steps, cut or built into a ledge in the Sierra de Huma.

• They are located above El Chorro, in the Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes nature reserve in Andalusia.

• They bear a modern name, “Escalera Árabe”, which is not based on solid proof of Arab origin and which seems to have replaced an older local name (Escalerilla del Picacho).

• The theory of a medieval or Mozarabic construction exists, but remains unconfirmed to this day.

• The explanation most widely accepted by local institutions is that of a structure linked to 20th-century reforestation works, possibly built on top of an older path.

• Today, the Arab Stairs are above all an iconic hiking passage, a rewarding goal for a walk and a very photogenic spot for anyone exploring the El Chorro area.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Arab Stairs

Do the Arab Stairs really date from the Arab period?

No. As of now, no solid historical evidence proves that they date from the Arab period.The name “Escalera Árabe” mainly reflects the Andalusian imagination.The theory of a construction linked to 20th-century reforestation is currently considered the most credible, even if the existence of an older path cannot be ruled out.

Where exactly are the Arab Stairs?

The Arab Stairs are located above the village of El Chorro, in the Sierra de Huma, within the Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes nature reserve, in the province of Málaga, Andalusia.They are reached via a signposted hiking trail, generally indicated as the Escalera Árabe route.

Can you visit the Arab Stairs on a hike?

Yes. The staircase is part of a well-known hiking route starting from El Chorro and nearby accommodations.The climb is short but steep, on a rocky path. Good hiking shoes, at least basic hiking experience and enough water are strongly recommended.

Are the Arab Stairs suitable for all levels?

The route is not technically difficult, but:

• the slope is fairly steep,

• some steps are irregular,

• the ground can be slippery or unstable in places.

The Arab Stairs are suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. They are not recommended for people with serious mobility issues or a strong fear of heights.