Beneath me is 110 metres of stale air and I find myself wondering when the last time the steel cable I’m suspended from was serviced. Around my neck is a metal tag that reads simply ‘136’. If it doesn’t return to the surface to be filed neatly between 135 and 137, a rescue team will be dispatched to retrieve me.

Step off the bus in any coastal town in the Algarve and within minutes you’ll encounter countless companies selling adventure speedboat tours of the coastline. That’s not our idea of adventure though, so here are some active ways to explore this beautiful coast.

So you’ve spent the past five days on your project. The skin on your fingers is wearing thin, your knees are bashed, your body aches and you just can’t pull as hard as you should be able to; you hate to admit it, but you think you might need a rest day.

Whether you’re considering your first unsupported climbing trip to El Chorro, planning to try sport climbing for the first time, or you just want to chill out and enjoy some easy routes, this guide should help you get started.

Planning a climbing trip to El Chorro in 2023? Here’s everything you need to know, including how to get there, getting around, where to stay, and where to eat.