Caminito del Rey – a spectacular hike in Spain
Caminito del Rey is one of Spain's most spectacular hikes – an airy walk along steep cliff faces and through the dramatic landscape of El Chorro in southern Spain.
This iconic walk offers dramatic gorges, soaring pathways, a suspension bridge, and a landscape that will make your heart skip a beat – both with excitement and sheer delight!
What is Caminito del Rey?
Caminito del Rey, translated into English as 'The King's Little Pathway', was originally built in the early 20th century – as a service path for hydroelectric workers. The pathway got its royal name when King Alfonso XIII inaugurated it in 1921. It's 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 fully renovated and reopened in 2015. Today it is safe, spectacular, and one of Spain's most popular nature experiences.
Watch the video from our trip here 👇🏻
Expa Travel's trip – January 2025
In mid-January, we decided to do this beautiful Caminito del Rey hike. We had been tipped off that it was worth booking one of the earliest departures to avoid walking in crowds, so we were up early, taking 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 tunnel for pedestrians. 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 a toilet during the hike.
Then all we had to do was keep our cameras ready, because this is a hike through spectacular nature from the very first step. On all sides. Beautiful from the very beginning. And just when you think it can't get any more beautiful, it actually DOES – around the next bend. And the next. And the next. Incredibly beautiful!
After about 45 minutes on these fantastic pathways that cling to the mountainsides, we reached a sort of transition stage, where you walk on wider paths along the bottom of the gorge. The ground here consists of soil, grass, and stones. The most boring stretch of the day, but very beautiful nevertheless.
The most spectacular part?
Eventually, we reached new cliffs and new pathways along the mountainsides. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the hike. Here, you walk 100 meters above the river, on narrow wooden pathways that cling around every bend in the gorge. Several viewpoints along the way – Kodak moments! The path is so narrow that backtracking is strictly prohibited under any circumstances, you can only move forward. There isn't much room to pass other hikers, so you have to wait for those in front of you to move on before you can follow.
The path winds around the rock formations, and in several places, we could see where the original, old path used to go, and what insane spots they chose to place it back then. Our guide told us that back when there was NO safety equipment here (before the paths were fully renovated and reopened in 2015), a group of 3 did 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 floor. A Kodak moment, again. 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 permitted number of people are using the bridge simultaneously. Remember to look both ways as you cross, you get a spectacular view of the gorge and the river below. It certainly gave a tickle in the stomach on the way across.
After the bridge, we walked up and down a lot of stairs before reaching the final viewpoint of the hike, where you look back at the bridge and the gorge for the last time. The journey then continued along a wide forest road all the way down to the end point, El Chorro (Álora). There we returned the helmets, and there you can also find toilets, souvenir shops, and small food stalls. Remember cash!! And there our private bus was waiting for us to drive us back to the coast near Malaga. Filled with hundreds of new impressions and photos on our phones. A wonderful day, pleasant temperature, and perfect length / level of difficulty for the hike!
Facts about Caminito del Rey
How long is the hike, and how high up 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 2.5–3 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. €10–12, guided tour approx. €18–20.
Ticket booking: On the official website or through approved operators.
Important: Limited number of slots per day – book well in advance!
Gear and clothing – what should you bring?
To ensure a comfortable and safe hike, remember the following:
Good hiking shoes – sneakers work, but sandals are not allowed
Water bottle – there are no places to refill water along the way
Light windproof jacket – it can be windy in the gorge
Sunscreen and cap – you will find very little shade on the paths
Snacks – 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 Málaga (approx. 60 km), and there are several ways to get there:
By car:
From Málaga: 1 hour via A-357 to Ardales. Parking is available near the entrance.
From Torremolinos / Benalmádena: 1 hour 10 mins via A-357.
By train:
Take the Renfe train to El Chorro, from there a shuttle bus runs to the starting point (approx. €2.50).
From Torremolinos / Benalmádena: Take Cercanías C-1 to Málaga, transfer to Renfe.
Parking
You can park at the Visitors’ Reception Centre for approx. 2 euros per day.
Be there well in advance; at least one hour before your slot for the hike is recommended (stated 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 available spots left…).
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 your helmet in El Chorro (Álora). Here you will also find some small stalls selling drinks, light snacks, T-shirts, and souvenirs. NB! Remember cash!
The shuttle bus stop is located approx. 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 a ticket on the website (linked to your entrance ticket) or pay directly to the driver. If there is space, those who have pre-purchased tickets are prioritized.
Cash payment only – cards are not accepted!
Shuttle bus timetable:
Runs from 07:40 to 19:00.
The trip takes 15–20 minutes to the stop by El Kiosko Restaurant.
Tips from Expa Travel
Tips to make your trip as smooth as possible
Book tickets early – especially during high season!
Start early in the day for fewer crowds and better light for photos.
Remember that there are no toilets along the trail – only at the entrances.
Suitable for children? Only for children over 8 years old – and not for those with a severe fear of heights!
Summary: Why hike Caminito del Rey?
If you like spectacular landscapes, a bit of thrilling excitement, and an extraordinary hike, Caminito del Rey is a must. The trail 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 – 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