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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

For thrills, chills and hopefully no spills, this vertiginous walkway, pinned 100m above ground to the walls of the narrow gorge, has become one of Andalusia’s top bucket list attractions.

Originally built in concrete in 1905 for hydroelectric plant workers, it earned its name, the ‘King’s Little Path’ in 1921 when Alfonso XIII walked it to open the Conde del Guadalhorce dam.

As it crumbled and devil-may-care walkers began plummeting to their deaths, it was closed in 2000. Fifteen years later, it reopened with a spectacular new and safe 1.5 km-long boardwalk.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-4 hours

Getting there & doing it

It’s an hour’s drive (or 39-minute train) from Malaga to El Chorro station, on the south end of the Caminito, linked by a shuttle bus to the Ardales entrance (north). The path, 7.7km, is one way only and requires a reasonable level of fitness; allow 3-4 hours. Hard hats are provided.

If you prefer to go independently, you can book timed tickets or tours in English (no children under 8 allowed) on the website. However, you need to park up and walk some distance to the control cabin at the start, and then you have to get the shuttle back to your starting point (as the walk is one way) – allow 3-4 hours.

A better choice is to go on one of the plentiful organised tours (see recommendations below) that will organise everything for you, including pick up from your hotel in Malaga, Seville and Cordoba.

When to do it

The path is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and in bad weather.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Caminito del Rey group walking tour

Malaga

Caminito del Rey group walking tour
Discover the Caminito del Rey with an experienced guide who will explain you the importance of this place in the Spanish contemporary history while watching its stunning views, rocks, flora and fauna. Bilingual tour in Spanish and English

Price: €49

Min age: 8

Rating 4.35 / 5 [42 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Guided Tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga

Malaga

Guided Tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga
We will start the tour with pick-up with transport at an agreed starting point. We will taste a typical breakfast, a bread from Antequera with coffee or tea, in the town of Árdales We will visit Caminito del Rey accompanied by a local guide. The Caminito del Rey consists of 7,7 kms between walkways and trails crossing at the end of the route over a 105 mts high suspension bridge over the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. We will then spend about an hour in the village of Árdales to get to know it, stroll through its streets or have a drink after the walk. We will return to the meeting point to resume the return trip.

Price: €66

Min age: 8

Rating 4.44 / 5 [75 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Vía Ferrata El Chorro at Caminito del Rey

Malaga

Vía Ferrata El Chorro at Caminito del Rey
El Chorro is a very famous town near Málaga, internationally known by the extreme beauty of its landscapes and also for the popular Caminito del Rey. Amazing rock formation with 350 meters walls. Enjoy this adventure tour that combines iron stair climbing, zip lining and crossing bridges at the same time. El Chorro Via Ferrata is a long tour that merges all these activities with monkey and Tibetan bridges. With no doubt, the best Vía Ferrata in Andalusia. It is not a very difficult tour although is longer than others, with an immediate approach and a 40 minute walking back.

Price: €98

Min age: 12

Rating 5 / 5 [8 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Caminito del Rey Trekking from Seville

Seville

Caminito del Rey Trekking from Seville
On this trekking tour you will hike Caminito del Rey (King's Little Pathway), a narrow-gauge service railroad that was built for workers to get to El Chorro hydro-electric plant. With a rich history, this pass was the only railroad access to Malaga from the inner cities of Andalucia. Once known as ´the most dangerous hike in the world´, this experience is one to excite your senses as you discover The Gorge Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. The Caminito del Rey has been fully renovated and is safe and ready to accommodate our small group on this amazing pathway. You will be accompanied by a guide who will help you along the way. This excursion includes round-trip transportation from Seville.

Price: €99

Min age: 8

Rating 4.5 / 5 [88 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Caminito del Rey private walking tour

Malaga

Caminito del Rey private walking tour
El Caminito del Rey is a fascinating trekking activity located in a magical place. You will be impressed by its walkway, by its cliffs, by its canyon & by the hanging bridge. You will pass by Gaitanejos and Gaitanes cliffs, by the Hoyo valley etc. Come and discover this awesome place with full of history.

Price: €158

Min age: 8

Rating 4.76 / 5 [47 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Malaga

Andalusia, Spain

Close up of the beautiful cathedral from the side

A big, vibrant city with a fascinating old centre, lively contemporary art, sandy beaches, great restaurants and buzzy nightlife.

Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia

A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.