Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey, or the King's Little Pathway, is a thrilling and awe-inspiring walkway located in the province of Málaga, in southern Spain. Carved into the sheer walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, this narrow pathway offers an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning natural scenery.

Originally constructed in the early 20th century to provide access for workers to a nearby hydroelectric plant, the Caminito del Rey fell into disrepair over the years, earning a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous pathways. However, after extensive renovations, it reopened in 2015 as a safe and accessible route for visitors to experience the beauty of the gorge.

The walkway spans approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) and consists of a series of wooden walkways and footbridges suspended high above the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the rushing Guadalhorce River below and the rugged cliffs towering above. Along the way, visitors can marvel at the dramatic rock formations, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls that characterize the gorge's landscape. The total length of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 km, of which 4.8 are access paths and 2.9 are footbridges. With reference to the footbridges (the most famous part), the distance from the start to the end is 2.9 km including 1.5 km of actual footbridges and 1.4 km of forest track or path.

As visitors traverse the Caminito del Rey, they are treated to a thrilling sense of adventure, with sections of the pathway clinging precariously to the cliffside and narrow passages offering an adrenaline-inducing experience. Despite its thrilling nature, the walkway is equipped with safety features such as handrails and harnesses to ensure the well-being of visitors.

The Caminito del Rey is not only a testament to human ingenuity and engineering but also a celebration of the natural beauty of the Andalusian countryside. It offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rugged grandeur of the Spanish landscape while experiencing an unforgettable adventure that will leave them with memories to last a lifetime.

FAQ

How long does it take to walk Caminito del Rey?
It is 7.7 kilometres long and takes about 3-4 hours to walk, from the start in the town of Ardales to the exit in Álora. The reception area at the start has a restaurant and several parking areas, and is also the final stop of the shuttle bus which runs between the north and south ends of the trail.

How scary is the Caminito del Rey?
Caminito del Rey is no longer “The Most Dangerous Walk in the World,”  The path is not recommended if you are afraid of heights or are generally unfit. 

Can you just turn up at Caminito del Rey?
In order to visit El Caminito del Rey it is compulsory to own an entry ticket either on digital format or printed. Access will always be, unless via a special authorisation, through the northern zone (Ardales) so the visit is always downhill.

What is the difficulty of Caminito del Rey?
For anyone with a normal level of fitness and no fear of heights, the 7.7 km route is quite easy. Apart from the decking path, the route runs along sandy paths with occasional steps here and there. There is very little climbing (cumulative ascent)  involved.

Can you walk Caminito del Rey without a guide?
You can choose between the normal ticket and the ticket with tour guide in English and Spanish included.

Are there toilets at Caminito del Rey?
Children under 8 years of age are not allowed to enter. There are no toilets on the entire route. Toilets are only in the entrance and exit area. The entry of pets is forbidden

How to get to Caminito del Rey by train from Málaga?
You will have to go to María Zambrano station in Málaga. From there, take the line to El Chorro train station. This journey takes approximately 50 minutes. El Chorro Station is located near to the end point of the Caminito del Rey's route, so you will have to take the shuttle bus to the starting point of the route. Shuttle bus trips start at 08:30 from the Southern area and operate every 30 minutes until 16:30

Tourist Links
Civitatis Day trip from Granada
Get Your guide Caminito del Rey Entry ticket

 

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Last Modified on February 12th, 2024
Created on July 28th, 2019
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