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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

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

Caminito del Rey group walking tour

Malaga

Discover the Caminito del Rey with an experienced guide who will explain you the importance of this place in the Spanish contemporary histor...

€49 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [22 ratings]

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Guided Tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga

Guided Tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga

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 wi...

€66 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [51 ratings]

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Caminito del Rey Trekking from Seville

Caminito del Rey Trekking from Seville

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 ...

€99 | Rating 4.55 / 5 [68 ratings]

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Caminito del Rey private walking tour

Caminito del Rey private walking tour

Malaga

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 i...

€145 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [40 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Posada del Patio

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[40.8 miles]

Sleek new five-star hotel in pole position for enjoying Old Malaga, with a delicious rooftop pool. Well-positioned for seeing the sights.

Official star rating:

Hotel Palacio Solecio

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain[41.2 miles]

In the lively heart of Malaga, peaceful, luxurious rooms and a superb restaurant in an elegant 18th-century palace.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain

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

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Malaga

Andalusia, Spain

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

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