Chlorine-free pools: the lure of wild water in the coolest Ronda mountain range

A summer dip in the Serranía no longer necessarily involves chlorine. The pools of the Guadiaro River and, above all, the emblematic Cueva del Gato have become a major attraction for a tourism industry seeking nature without additives . Ronda's municipal tourist office confirms this: "More and more people are coming asking where they can swim ; our Bathing Areas brochure sells out daily," they explain from the counter, confirming that fifteen years ago, "on any given Sunday, there would be hardly anyone there, and today it looks like a beach ."

The pressure is felt at the rural hotels along the riverbanks. At the Molino del Santo, less than two kilometers from the Cueva del Gato, the reception manager summarizes the change in profile: "Historically, 80% of our guests were British, but this year we're seeing a lot of Andalusians , from Malaga, Seville, or Cadiz. It's noticeable in the reservations, although, with 18 rooms, we haven't had to make any major changes." Social media , he admits, "is giving us a boost ," and hiking , cycling , and the proximity to the natural pool "continue to be the main draw ."

The Cueva del Gato has been designated as a regulated bathing area, with parking and a symbolic fee of one euro . "The system helps regulate the flow , but it doesn't prevent other spots in the Guadiaro or the Genal Valley from filling up uncontrollably," admits the Ronda City Council tourist office. At the moment, there are no official visitor figures for the pools, although the perception is unanimous: demand is growing , and the debate about limits is already underway.

The increase in bathers worries scientists. Matías Mudarra, a researcher on the RHYMA Master's program at the University of Malaga, points out that "natural pool is a nice name, but it's still a living and fragile channel ." In summer, the flow drops, and the concentration of people , along with sunscreen and medication residue on their skin, "inevitably alters the aquatic environment." Even so, he acknowledges that with management measures, " enjoyment can be made compatible with conservation ."

Not all sectors are feeling the same pressure. Venta Cueva del Gato points out that, after several busy summers, "this year we're seeing slightly less traffic ." They attribute the relief to the diversification of natural destinations in the province and to the improved parking lot, which they distribute to visitors.

To reach Cueva del Gato from Málaga city , the most convenient route is to take the A-357 towards Cártama and continue on the A-367 towards Ronda. From there, continue on the A-374 until the turnoff to the MA-7401 towards Benaoján . The drive takes approximately one hour and forty minutes . Once in Benaoján, the bathing area is signposted , and the designated parking lot is just a few meters from the path that leads to the pool.

From Ronda , access is much more direct: it takes about 25 minutes by road . Take the A-374 towards Seville and, a few kilometers later, connect with the MA-7401 towards Benaoján. At the entrance to the town, the turnoff to Cueva del Gato is well signposted. You can also take the train from Ronda to the Benaoján-Montejaque station , located an hour's walk from the site.

Beyond the postcard, bathing in running water offers advantages— a lower temperature and absence of chemicals —but also health risks if bacteria and spills aren't monitored. "Like any human activity in a river environment, it leaves its mark ," Mudarra insists. The key, he concludes, will be to "regulate access, control loads, and educate visitors " so that the freshest part of Ronda remains the cleanest .

The Tourist Office emphasizes, however, that the phenomenon still has limited economic returns : "People who go to the pools usually come and go on the same day; at most, the nearby restaurants benefit ," they explain. Even so, the recent improvement in access, with regulated parking for one euro and new signage, has facilitated the arrival of vehicles and, in the words of the Molino del Santo team, " it is clearly attracting more people ," an indication that the high season could be longer than in previous years.