Travel bucket list idea:

El Caminito del Rey

Malaga, Andalusia, Spain
http://www.caminitodelrey.info
Bucket List Experience

Mountain path along steep cliffs and an enormous heights

Last updated: 12 March, 2024

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.

Logistics

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Caminito del Rey Tour Direct from Malaga

Malaga

Viator

Join us on this full day excursion to Caminito del Rey from Costa del Sol where you can enjoy the views of the Andalusian white villages along the way. In addition, you will be able to recharge your batteries and get to know the picturesque town of Ardales before starting the hiking route. Enjoy an amazing experience and spectacular views along Caminito del Rey. Learn about the history of once considered world’s most dangerous pathway. Get on your walking shoes!

Price €73

Min age 8

Rating 4.01 / 5 [315 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Caminito del Rey Trekking from Seville

Seville

Viator

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 4.53 / 5 [122 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Guided Tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga

Malaga

Viator

We will start the tour with pick-up with transport at an agreed starting point. 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 return to the meeting point to resume the return trip.

Price €66

Min age 8

Rating 4.43 / 5 [95 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Caminito del Rey group walking tour

Malaga

Viator

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 €58

Min age 8

Rating 4.32 / 5 [52 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Caminito del Rey private walking tour

Malaga

Viator

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 €189

Min age 8

Rating 4.72 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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