Route of the 6000 Steps

The path almost never stays level. Stone steps lead down into the gorge, the route follows the dry riverbed between walls of rock, past waterfalls that stand dry most of the time, and then the steps start again on the way out.

Viewpoints open over the canyons along the loop, and between them the gorge is very quiet. Wild boar move about in daylight, and the birdlife is worth watching for. The walk also reaches a cave with a fine echo and views out over the valley. The dry riverbed is the part people remember.

• The loop is about 13 km and takes from just under four hours to more than five with stops; there are very few flat stretches.
• Wear boots with ankle support: the steps and the stony riverbed turn ankles easily, especially late in the walk.
• Carry the water and food you need for the whole loop before you set off.
• The nearest toilets, about 700 m away in a straight line, are for customers only; a water point is about 730 m away.
• The route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Two free car parks sit about 170 m and 320 m away in a straight line, and a guidepost marks the start of the route. A signboard for the PRV-147 and PRV-181 trails stands about 350 m away. The nearest bus stop is about 1 km away in a straight line. From the start, the whole loop is on foot, down into the gorge and back up on the steps.

Best: spring and autumn, setting off early in the morning.

Avoid: summer middays, and the days during and after heavy rain.

A long climb on stone steps is hard going in Mediterranean summer heat, and rain can send water down the dry riverbed and leave the rock slippery. A clear winter day is walkable too.