36° 54′ N, 04° 46′ W
Overview
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Caminito del Rey hike overview
7 km
2 to 3 hours
A to B hike
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
El Caminito Del Rey, translated as ‘the king’s little path’, is known as one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe and even in the world. It got its name because King Alfonso XIII walked this trail in 1921 to inaugurate the dam. It is a 7,7 km long path through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge in Malaga.
There used to be a power plant here that was powered by the water that ran through the gorge. This path was originally built in 1901 as a maintenance path for the power plant, but it was also used to deliver building materials for a train track that was built along parts of the path. Because the path had no railing and was extremely narrow in places, the path was known as one of the most dangerous paths in the world. The path also fell into serious disrepair, causing it to be officially closed in 1992.
However, several people still wanted to walk this path, which was known as the most dangerous in the world, which unfortunately resulted in several accidents and people dying. In 2007 it was decided to thoroughly renovate the path and make it safely accessible again. They started the renovation in 2014 and officially opened the path again in 2015. Today it is completely safe to walk this path.
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El Caminito del Rey hike
El Caminito del Rey has a total length of 7,7km and is almost completely straight with the exception of a few stairs. It is a spectacular path with some breathtaking views along the way.
The trail starts at the Gaitanejo dam. At the beginning of the trail, you walk over a wooden boardwalk, attached to the steep walls of the gorge, running 100 meters above the Rio Guadalhorce. In some places, you can still see the original path and you really realize how narrow and unstable it once was.
In the middle part of the walk, you enter a more open plain that connects the two parts of the gorge. Here you walk on a normal path. Be sure to look up here, because this area is also known for its vultures.
The last part of the trail goes back over wooden boardwalks along the steep cliffs of the gorge. In the distance, you can already catch a glimpse of the suspension bridge that you have to cross at the end. On the other side of the gorge, you can also see the train track running along and through the steep walls.
Note: You can only hike the trail from north to west, so you don’t have to cross people along the way. If you want, you can complete this hike in 1,5 – 2 hours, but we recommend that you really take your time, look around and take it all in. It is often worthwhile to look back! So count around 2 to 3 hours for this trail.
How to get to the trailhead of Caminito
Start of the hike
You can only walk the Caminito del Rey from Ardales in the north to El Chorro in the south. The official starting point and entrance are indicated on Google Maps as Caminito del Rey – Accesso Norte.
To get to the official entrance, you have to walk another 1,5 kilometers (20 minutes) from the main road, where you either park your car or where you got off the shuttle bus if you park your car at the end of the walk. This tunnel is a shortcut from the main road to the path to the Caminito Del Rey.
Caminito del Rey Parking
You can choose to either park your car at the start or at the end of the trail, depending on when you want to take the shuttle.
At the start of the trail, this parking (€2) is the closest parking to the tunnel, leading to the path to the entrance. There are several free options along the road too, but due to the amount of traffic and buses that pass, there is a high risk that someone will hit your car.
At the end of the trail, you can park your car at the Visitors’ Reception Centre Parking (€2)
Shuttle
There’s a shuttle driving between the start and the end of the Caminito del Rey. The shuttle bus stop is 300 meters away from the end of the trail, where you have to return your helmet. A bus ticket costs €2,5 per person and you can drive freely in both directions as many times as you need on the day of your visit. You can either buy it on the website together with your entrance ticket or directly on the bus (only cash!). The shuttle bus drives from 07.40 am to 07:00 pm and the journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Caminito del Rey prices and opening hours
Ticket prices for Caminito del Rey
- Standard entry: €10
- Guided visit: €18
When you book your ticket, you’ll need to pick a time slot. This helps manage the number of visitors, so the path never gets overcrowded, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone!
Opening hours
Caminito del Rey is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
For more details or to book your visit, check out the official website.
Tips & other practical information
There are no facilities along the way
You cannot buy food and drinks along the way. There are also no toilets along the path. Bring enough food and water with you and go to the toilet before you start the walk.
Slippers are prohibited
Be sure to provide decent shoes
Closed in strong winds
The path is closed if the wind exceeds 35 km/h.
Challenging but doable for people with fear of heights
It is not a physically challenging hike, but can be challenging for people with a fear of heights. We don't have fear of heights, but we heard from people who have, that it's still doable.
Book well in advance
If you want to walk the Caminito del Rey, you have to book well in advance. If you didn't manage to get a ticket in advance, you can still go to the ticket office early in the morning. They always have some tickets left for the day itself. Try to be at the ticket office at least half an hour before opening and keep in mind that it is a 1.5 km walk from the parking lot to the ticket office.
Helmets are mandatory
It is mandatory to wear a helmet during the entire walk. this is for your own safety. You get a helmet at the entrance and can return it at the end.
Bring sun protection
Sun protection is a must on sunny days, as you have to walk a while without shelter.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
