Caminito del Rey u2013 a spectacular hike in Spain
Do you dream of an easy hike that combines adrenaline, nature, and history?
Then you must experience Caminito del Rey, a spectacular mountain path that clings to the steep cliffs above the Guadalhorce River in Southern Spain.
This iconic hike offers dramatic gorges, soaring pathways, a suspension bridge, and a landscape that will make your heart skip a beat u2013 both from excitement and pure delight!
What is Caminito del Rey?
Caminito del Rey, translated to English: 'The King's Little Path', was originally built in the early 20th century u2013 as a service road for hydroelectric workers. The path got its royal name when King Alfonso XIII inaugurated it in 1921. It is safe to say that safety was not the highest priority back then.
After many years of decay, and a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous paths, it was completely renovated and reopened in 2015. Today, it is safe, spectacular, and one of Spain's most popular nature experiences.
Watch the video of our trip here ud83dudc47ud83cudffb
Expa Travel's trip u2013 January 2025
In mid-January, we decided to walk this beautiful Caminito del Rey trail. We had received a tip that it was worth booking one of the earliest departures to avoid walking in crowds, so we got up early and took a private bus from Torremolinos. Our bus had access to the area inside the public parking lot, so we were driven right to the start of the hike. It began with a long, beautiful pedestrian tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel, we walked about 1 km before reaching the entrance of the hike, where we had to show tickets and were given helmets. This is also the last opportunity to use the restroom during the hike.
Then there was nothing left to do but keep the camera ready, because this is a hike through spectacular nature from the very first step. On all sides. Beautiful from the start. And just when you think it can't get any more beautiful, it actually DOES u2013 around the next bend. And the next. And the next. Incredibly stunning!
After about 45 minutes on these amazing paths that cling to the mountainsides, we reached a sort of transition stage, where we walked on wider paths along the bottom of the gorge. The ground here is soil, grass, and stones. The most boring stretch of the day, but still very beautiful.
The most spectacular part?
Eventually, we reached new cliffs and new paths along the mountainsides. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the hike. Because here you walk 100 meters above the river, on narrow wooden paths that cling to every bend in the gorge. Several viewpoints along the way u2013 Kodak moments! The path is so narrow that under no circumstances are you allowed to walk backwards, only forwards. There is not much room to pass other hikers, so you have to wait for those in front to proceed before you follow.
The path winds around the rock formations, and in several places, we could see where the original, old path used to go, and the insane places they chose to lay the path back then. Our guide told us that back when there was NO safety equipment here (meaning before the paths were completely renovated and reopened in 2015), a group of 3 went on this hike, and only 1 of them made it to the end... You can understand why when you see the traces of where the old paths once went.
If you are really lucky, as we were, you might also experience seeing the high-speed train pass through a large hole in the wall, strange to see modern technology blending with paths and nature in this way.
The famous suspension bridge
Around the absolute last bend of the hike, there is a viewpoint with a glass bottom. Another Kodak moment. And from this point, we could see the absolute highlight of the trip: the 105-meter-long suspension bridge, hanging about 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River. A cool background for photos! Once we reached the bridge, we were sent across group by group, so that at any given time, only the legal number of people are using the bridge simultaneously. Remember to look both ways as you walk across, you get a spectacular view of the gorge and the river below. It definitely gave a nice tickle in the stomach on the walk over.
After the bridge, we climbed quite a lot of stairs both up and down before the final viewpoint of the hike, where we looked back at the bridge and the gorge one last time. The journey then continued on a wide forest path all the way down to the final point, El Chorro (u00c1lora). There, we returned the helmets, and we also found restrooms, souvenir shops, and small food stalls. Remember cash!! Our private bus was also waiting there to take us back to the Malaga coast. With hundreds of new impressions and photos on our phones. A wonderful day, pleasant temperature, and the perfect length / difficulty level for the hike!
Facts about Caminito del Rey
How long is the hike, and how high do you go?
Total length: 7.7 km (including access paths)
The cliffside path: Approx. 3 km of steep cliff faces and amazing viewpoints
Height: Up to 100 meters above the river!
Time spent: Around 2.5u20133 hours, depending on pace and breaks
How to book tickets for Caminito del Rey?
This is one of the most popular hikes in Spain, so pre-booking is a must!
Price: Standard ticket costs approx. u20ac10u2013u20ac12, guided tour approx. u20ac18u2013u20ac20.
Ticket booking: On the official website or through approved operators.
Important: Limited number of slots per day u2013 book well in advance!
Gear and clothing u2013 what should you bring?
To ensure a comfortable and safe hike, remember this:
Good hiking shoes u2013 sneakers work, but sandals are not allowed
Water bottle u2013 there are no places to refill water along the way
Light windproof jacket u2013 it can get windy in the gorge
Sunscreen and cap u2013 you will find very little shade on the paths
Snacks u2013 there are no kiosks along the route
Large backpacks and selfie sticks are not allowed!
How to get to Caminito del Rey?
Caminito del Rey is located about an hour from Mu00e1laga (approx. 60 km), and there are several ways to get there:
By car:
From Mu00e1laga: 1 hour via A-357 to Ardales. Parking is available at the entrance.
From Torremolinos / Benalmu00e1dena: 1h 10 min via A-357.
By train:
Take the Renfe train to El Chorro, from there a shuttle bus runs to the starting point (approx. u20ac2.50).
From Torremolinos / Benalmu00e1dena: Take Cercanu00edas C-1 to Mu00e1laga, transfer to Renfe.
Parking
You can park at the Visitorsu2019 Reception Centre for approx. 2 euros per day.
Make sure to arrive early, at least one hour prior to your scheduled time for the hike (indicated on the ticket).
You can reserve and pay for parking at the same time you buy tickets on the website, or upon arrival (if there are slots available...).
By the parking lot, you will also find the stop for the shuttle bus that takes you to the starting point of the hike (this is not operated by Caminito del Rey).
Once you have completed the hike, you return the helmet in El Chorro (u00c1lora). Here you will also find some small stalls selling drinks and light food, t-shirts, and souvenirs. NB! Remember cash!
The shuttle bus stop is located about 300 meters from where you return the helmets.
About the shuttle bus
Ticket price: approx. 2.50 euros per person (not included in the entrance ticket)
The ticket allows free use in both directions on the same day
You can buy tickets on the website (linked to your entrance ticket) or pay directly to the driver. If there is space, those who have pre-purchased tickets will be prioritized.
Cash payment only u2013 cards are not accepted!
Shuttle bus timetable:
Runs from 07:40 to 19:00.
The ride takes 15u201320 minutes to the stop by El Kiosko Restaurant.
Tips from Expa Travel
Tips to make the hike as smooth as possible
Book tickets early u2013 especially during the high season!
Start early in the day for fewer crowds and better photo lighting.
Remember that there are no restrooms along the path u2013 only at the entrances.
Suitable for children? Only for children over 8 years old u2013 and not for anyone with severe fear of heights!
Summary: Why hike Caminito del Rey?
If you love spectacular landscapes, a bit of thrilling excitement, and a hike out of the ordinary, Caminito del Rey is a must. The path clings to steep cliffs, high above the river, but is safe and surprisingly easy to walk. Here, you get dizzying views and a unique nature experience u2013 without requiring peak physical condition. No wonder this hike has become a favorite for many! Highly recommended!!
Have a great trip from all of us at Expa Travel AS