Things To Do
7.7 km · Dramatic Gorge Walk · Book in Advance · 1 Hour from Málaga
About the Route
The Caminito del Rey (The King's Little Path) is one of the most dramatic walks in Europe, a 7.7 km route along a narrow pathway pinned to the sheer walls of the Gaitanejo and El Chorro gorges, at times just 1 metre wide and 100 metres above the river below.
The original path was built in 1921 to allow workers access to the Guadalhorce hydroelectric stations. For decades it fell into disrepair and became one of the world's most dangerous (and therefore most infamous) walks. After a comprehensive €9 million restoration completed in 2015, it reopened as a properly managed trekking route, thrilling, safe and utterly magnificent.
The round trip from the Costa del Sol is a full day, but it is one of the finest days out available from any point on the coast. Do not miss it.
Distance
7.7 km (linear)
Duration
3 hrs walk + travel
Difficulty
Moderate
Min Age
8 years
From Málaga
~1 hour drive
Booking
caminodelrey.info, essential
Equipment
Helmet & harness provided
The Route
The route begins at the northern entrance near Ardales, passing through the Gaitanejo gorge with dramatic limestone walls rising 300 metres on both sides. The path here is pinned to the rock face, sometimes just 1 metre wide with sheer drops below.
Highlight: The hanging bridge section, 50 metres long, 100 metres above the river, is the most photographed moment on the route.
The original Camino del Rey pathway, built in 1921 to allow workers to access the Guadalhorce hydroelectric stations. The restored section incorporates much of the original stonework and gives the route its authentic historic character.
Highlight: Look for original 1920s construction elements preserved throughout the route, the engineering achievement is remarkable.
The southern and most dramatic section, the El Chorro gorge is narrower, deeper and more visually intense than the northern section. The path crosses a spectacular bridge above the confluence of the two gorges.
Highlight: The views from the bridge over El Chorro gorge are among the most dramatic landscapes in Andalucía. Allow time to stop and absorb them.
The route ends at the southern entrance near El Chorro village, a descent through pine forest with continuing gorge views. The village has a good restaurant and bar for post-walk recovery.
Highlight: The El Chorro train station (10 minutes from the exit) connects back to Málaga in 45 minutes, making car-free logistics straightforward.
Car to Ardales (northern entrance) or El Chorro (southern). A shuttle connects the two ends. From Málaga: A-357 towards Ardales (~1 hr). From the coast: A-7 west, then MA-444 north.
Hiking boots or sturdy trainers. Layers (gorge sections are cooler). Sun hat and sun cream for exposed sections. Backpack for water (2 litres minimum), snacks and a windproof layer.
Helmet and harness are provided and compulsory. The path is genuinely narrow in places, those with severe vertigo should consider carefully. The route is safe for anyone else who follows the rules.
Book online at caminodelrey.info, capacity is strictly limited. Weekend dates in spring sell out 3–4 weeks in advance. Guided tours are included in the €10 ticket price.
A private villa on the coast gives you the perfect base for the Caminito del Rey day trip, just 1 hour's drive through stunning Andalusian scenery.
Browse VillasFAQ
The Caminito del Rey is graded as moderate difficulty. The total distance is 7.7 km (linear) with around 400 metres of ascent. The path is narrow in places (minimum 70cm width) and has exposed sections with significant drops, it is not suitable for those with severe vertigo. Fitness-wise it is accessible to most healthy adults. Children under 8 are not permitted.
Tickets must be booked online in advance at caminodelrey.info, the route has strictly limited daily capacity and sells out weeks ahead in spring and at weekends. Guided tours (included in the ticket price) depart at fixed times. There is no walk-up entry. Book as early as possible once you have confirmed your dates.
Allow 4–5 hours for the complete route including travel time between entrances. The walk itself takes approximately 3 hours at a comfortable pace with stops for photos. There is a shuttle bus between the two entrances (the route is linear, not a loop). A full day from the Costa del Sol is required.
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are essential, trainers are acceptable but boots with ankle support are better. Bring water (no facilities on the route), sun protection and a light jacket for the gorge sections which can be cooler. A helmet and harness are provided at the entrance and must be worn throughout.
