What the Caminito del Rey Is
The Caminito del Rey is a walkway pinned to the limestone walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge cut by the Guadalhorce river in the centre of Málaga province, less than 60 km from Málaga city. It was built between 1901 and 1905 so that workers at the hydroelectric plants of Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls could move between them and maintain the water channel. It took its name, "the King's little path", after King Alfonso XIII walked it in 1921 when he came to inaugurate the Conde del Guadalhorce dam.
Decades of neglect left the original path crumbling. After fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000 the entrances were closed, and a €9 million restoration began after 2011. The new boardwalk, roughly one metre wide and in places more than 100 metres above the river, reopened on 28 March 2015. The old concrete path is still visible below the new boards in several sections.
How the Route Works
The walk is linear and one-way, running from north to south: you start in the municipality of Ardales and finish at El Chorro in Álora. According to the official route description, the whole outing covers about 8 km and takes three to four hours once you include the approach trails.
The section between the two walkway gates is 2,955 m, of which 1,550 m is boardwalk and 1,405 m is forest track. Inside that controlled section you pass three landmarks in order:
- The Gaitanejo gorge, the first canyon, less than 10 m wide in places.
- El Valle del Hoyo, an open valley where you walk on track rather than boardwalk and must not leave the marked path.
- The Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, the final and most dramatic canyon, which includes a suspension bridge before the exit.
From the north side there are two approach paths to the control booth: a longer trail of about 2.7 km through a tunnel next to El Kiosko restaurant (around 50 minutes), or a shorter 1.5 km route through a pedestrian tunnel 200 m further on (around 20 to 25 minutes). After the exit at El Chorro, allow about 15 minutes to the southern control booth and another 15 to the railway station.
Tickets and Opening Times
Tickets must be booked through the official website, caminitodelrey.info, or at the ticket office at the northern access. The visitor reception centre does not sell walkway tickets. Current official prices are:
- General admission: €10
- Official guided visit: €18, in Spanish and English, groups capped at 30
The site opens Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays, as well as on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January. Entry slots run from 9:00, with the last entry between 14:50 and 17:20 depending on the season. The managers can close the path at short notice for weather, rockfall or maintenance, and tickets for closed days can be moved to another date through your personal area on the website.
Arrive at the entrance gate at least 30 minutes before your slot, remembering that the gate is a 25-minute walk from El Kiosko even on the shortest approach.
Rules You Need to Know
The rules are strict and enforced at the control booth, where you also receive a helmet that must be worn for the whole walk.
- No children under 8. Visitors aged 8 to 17 must be with an adult and carry ID.
- Proper footwear only. Flip-flops, heels and any shoe not secured at the heel are refused.
- No pets, selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, drones, large backpacks, prams or walking poles.
- Keep right on the boardwalks and do not lean over the railings.
- No smoking, alcohol or swimming in the river.
There are no toilets between the entrance and the exit, and eating is not allowed on the boardwalks, so plan both before you start. The official recommendation is to bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person, sun protection and simple snacks such as nuts, fruit or energy bars.
Getting There and Getting Back
By car: Málaga to the Ardales side is about 59 km and a little over 50 minutes via the A-357 and MA-5403, through Cártama, Pizarra, Carratraca and Ardales. Antequera and Ronda are each about an hour away. The visitor reception centre at Puerto de las Atalayas has parking at €2 per day, bookable when you buy your ticket.
The shuttle bus: Because the route is linear, you need to get back to your car. A shuttle runs between the north and south ends along the MA-444. A ticket costs €2.50 per person and is valid for unlimited trips in both directions on the day. If you pay on board it is cash only; you can also add it when booking online. The ride takes 15 to 20 minutes.
By train: Renfe trains stop at El Chorro–Caminito del Rey station in Álora, at the southern end. From there you take the shuttle up to the northern access. Check train and shuttle timetables together before travelling, since services are limited.
Who Should Think Twice
The walk is not technical, but it does involve steep sections, long exposure to height and several hours on your feet. The official advice is that anyone with vertigo, heart conditions or limited fitness should reconsider. Spring, especially March and April, is recommended for wildflowers and birds; summer afternoons in the gorge can be very hot, so early slots are the safer choice from June to September.
