Overview
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About the hike
7 km
2 to 3 hours
A to B hike
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
The Caminito Del Rey, or ‘the king’s path’, is known as one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe and even in the world. It got its name because the king walked this trail in 1921 to inaugurate the dam. It is a 7,7 km long path through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. There used to be a power plant here that was powered by the water that runs through the gorge. This path was originally built in 1901 as 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, that was known as the most dangerous in the world, which unfortunately resulted in several accidents and people dying here. 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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The hike
The trail 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.
At the beginning the trail you walk over a wooden boardwalk, attached in 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 for 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.
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How to get there
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 is 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 parked your car or where you got off the shuttle bus, if you parked 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.
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 7.40am to 7pm and the journeys takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & other practical information
Practical
General ticket: €10
Guided visit: €18
When buying a ticket, you have to choose a time slot. This is to spread the number of visitors and ensures that it never gets too busy on the path.
Daily: 8am to 5pm
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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