Caminito del Rey - safe safe but different
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Caminito del Rey

4.7
·34k reviews·Ardales, Spain

Walk along dramatic cliffside walkways suspended over a stunning gorge, once the world's most dangerous path.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Caminito del Rey - safe safe but different

Caminito del Rey

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk along dramatic cliffside walkways suspended over a stunning gorge, once the world's most dangerous path.

4.7
(34k reviews)

"The Caminito del Rey is an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views and a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online Early

Tickets sell out fast! Book well in advance via the official website to guarantee your entry .

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy walking shoes are essential for this hike. No heels or flip-flops allowed! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Narrow Gorge Walkway

The Narrow Gorge Walkway

Desfiladero de los Gaitanes

Walk along the cliff face on suspended walkways, experiencing breathtaking views and a touch of adrenaline.

El Chorro Reservoir Views

El Chorro Reservoir Views

Near Ardales

Marvel at the stunning turquoise waters of the El Chorro reservoir from high above.

The King's Bridge

The King's Bridge

End of the main path

Cross this iconic bridge offering panoramic vistas and a thrilling perspective of the gorge.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance!

Tickets for Caminito del Rey sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking online well in advance is crucial to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider guided tours if you prefer a structured experience and transport included.InstagramReddit

Getting There & Logistics

The Caminito del Rey is located near Ardales in Malaga province. While you can drive, public transport options like trains from Malaga to El Chorro are available.TikTok Remember the path is one-way, so factor in shuttle bus or walking time back to your starting point.InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less busy than mornings
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Additional tips for hiking Caminito Del Rey below👇🏼 🚂 You can take a train to Caminito Del Rey from Malaga, Spain. You will use the María Zambrano station in Málaga and from there, take the line to El Chorro train station. This journey takes about 60 minutes. 🚌 You can also book guided tours with several third party websites and some include bus transportation from major cities like Malaga. 🚘 P...
@pang__bang
3.7K likes • 134.5K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online Early

Tickets sell out fast! Book well in advance via the official website to guarantee your entry.InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy walking shoes are essential for this hike. No heels or flip-flops allowed! :athletic_shoe:

📍 Caminito del Rey #caminitodelrey #malaga #vivecostadelsol #senderismo #ardales #alora #amazing #fyp #foryou #parati
@undestinoentremismanos
173 likes • 6.5K views
📍Caminito del Rey, Malaga, Spain ✨The walkway is one-way, meaning that once you’ve reached the end, you need to either walk back or take the shuttle bus to where you have left your car. ✨Don’t forget to bring plenty of water or sports drinks, sun cream (particularly in the summer) and a snack, such as energy bars or fruit. ✨The walkway is absolutely safe and instead focus your attention on the...
loretraveling
6K likes • 172.7K views

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized. There are limited options once you're on the trail.Instagram

🚗 Parking & Shuttle Info

Parking is available, but can fill up. The shuttle bus is convenient for the one-way route.TikTokInstagram

Would you hike this trail? Follow @pang_bang for more hiking trails, hidden gems, and travel itineraries! Made in collab with @kierstinhughes #malaga #malagaspain #caminitodelrey #spain #hikespain
pang_bang
433.5K likes • 20.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online Early

Tickets sell out fast! Book well in advance via the official website to guarantee your entry.InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy walking shoes are essential for this hike. No heels or flip-flops allowed! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized. There are limited options once you're on the trail.Instagram

🚗 Parking & Shuttle Info

Parking is available, but can fill up. The shuttle bus is convenient for the one-way route.TikTokInstagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

The walk takes about 2-3 hours, plus travel to/from the start/end points.TikTok

☀️ Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during warmer months.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(34k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Caminito del Rey for its breathtaking scenery and thrilling, yet safe, experience. The well-maintained walkways and the sheer scale of the gorge leave a lasting impression. While booking tickets in advance is essential, the journey is considered well worth the effort for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

"The place was absolutely amazing!
The length of the hike was just right – even our 10-year-old managed the whole trip really well! It was a bit tricky to find the starting point at first, but we got there in the end :) Parking was easy, and from there we took a shuttle bus that brought us closer to the starting area, followed by a short walk.

We bought our tickets in advance, which made everything really convenient – I definitely recommend doing that. Just a heads-up: children under 8 may not be allowed on this tour."

Janne Färm

"Hiking the Caminito del Rey is an unforgettable experience. Suspended walkways cling to the cliffs of a narrow gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise river below. The trail is well-maintained and safe, but still thrilling enough to give you an adrenaline rush. It’s a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Highly recommended for nature lovers and thrill-seekers!"

Daysy Navarro

"Amazing experience! You need to buy tickets online in advance. We traveled in August and there was no availability from the official website. 10 EUR tickets were sold out till end September and the EUR 18 guided tours sold out for 3 weeks ahead. However, the next day tickets were readily available from the travel agencies at EUR 30! We booked with Aloratur for the afternoon tour. We liked the idea that we don’t have to leave very early to get on time for the morning tour. We heard that the morning tours are much busier and the weather is hotter. We arrived an hour earlier and had no problems finding free parking at the meeting point. Rachel, the tour guide, was great and entertained us during the full 3 hours of the tour. Views are spectacular and a bit scary at times. The walk is long but not difficult and mostly in the shade, except for the last 800 meters after the King’s bridge to the bus. Bus ticket is EUR 2.5 per person to get back to the North entrance. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you. We highly recommend to arrive early to find parking and visit the dam near the north entrance. Highly recommended to visit!"

Sergey

What People Like

Spectacular gorge views
Thrilling walkways
Well-maintained path

What People Dislike

Tickets sell out fast
Finding parking can be tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a train from Malaga's María Zambrano station to El Chorro station, which takes about 60 minutes.TikTokInstagram From El Chorro, a shuttle bus will take you closer to the starting point.TikTok Alternatively, guided tours often include transport.TikTok

Yes, it's definitely possible! You can use the train and shuttle bus system.TikTokInstagram Guided tours are also a great option for solo travelers who prefer not to rent a car.Reddit

There are parking areas available, but they can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended. Some reviews mention difficulty finding the closest parking lot via the website.Reddit

The north access is typically reached via a shuttle bus from El Chorro train station or from designated parking areas. Some videos show access from the Ardales side.TikTok+1

Taxis are an option, but can be more expensive than public transport. It's advisable to check prices in advance if considering this method.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance from the official Caminito del Rey website.Instagram+1 Tickets can sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially for guided tours.Reddit

Standard admission tickets are around 10 EUR, while guided tours are approximately 18 EUR. Prices can vary, and third-party agencies might charge more.InstagramReddit

Yes, children under 8 years old may not be allowed on the tour.Reddit It's always best to check the official website for the most current age policies.

While it's best to be on time, some visitors have reported that being slightly late was not a problem, and they were accommodated with the next available group.Reddit

A guided tour is not mandatory, but it can enhance the experience with historical insights and local knowledge. Many visitors opt for self-guided walks.Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The total route, including access paths, is about 7.7 km (4.8 miles). The main walkway through the gorge is approximately 2.9 km.TikTokInstagram

The walk typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.TikTok

Once known as the world's most dangerous path, it was renovated in 2015 and is now considered very safe and accessible.Instagram+2 However, it still offers thrilling heights and spectacular views.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes like hiking boots or sturdy trainers. Layers are advisable as the weather can change. A hat and sunglasses are recommended for sunny days.Instagram

Yes, many families with children find the hike manageable and enjoyable, provided they are over the minimum age requirement.Reddit The length is suitable for most active children.

📸 📸 Photography

Everywhere! The entire path offers stunning photo opportunities. Key spots include the hanging walkways, the King's Bridge, and viewpoints overlooking the gorge and reservoir.Instagram

It can be a bit challenging to get unobstructed shots due to other visitors, but taking your time and being patient will yield great results. Some tours allow ample time for photos.Instagram

A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the gorge. A secure strap for your camera or phone is a good idea.

Drones are generally not permitted within the natural park area to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. Always check the latest regulations.

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, potentially leading to better photographic conditions. However, the views are spectacular throughout the day.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Caminito del Rey is surprisingly family-friendly, with many visitors reporting that their children (even as young as 10) managed the hike well.Reddit The well-maintained path and the thrill of walking high above the gorge make it an exciting adventure for younger ones. Ensure children meet the minimum age requirement (usually 8 years old) and are equipped with comfortable shoes and plenty of water.Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers

Solo travelers can absolutely enjoy the Caminito del Rey. While guided tours offer a structured experience and transport, many opt for the self-guided walk to explore at their own pace.Reddit Public transport options like the train from Malaga to El Chorro are convenient, and the shuttle bus system handles the one-way nature of the trail effectively.TikTokInstagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Caminito del Rey is a dream. The dramatic gorge, suspended walkways, and vibrant turquoise waters offer endless opportunities for stunning shots.Instagram Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Be prepared for crowds, but patience will reward you with incredible compositions.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the King's Path

Originally built between 1901 and 1905, the Caminito del Rey (The King's Little Path) was constructed by workers of the El Chorro hydroelectric power company. Its purpose was to provide access for supervisors to inspect the channel and dam, and it quickly became known for its precarious nature. For decades, it was considered one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world, with sections of the original path crumbling and exposed.TikTokInstagram

In the early 2000s, the path fell into severe disrepair, leading to its closure. However, recognizing its historical significance and potential for tourism, a major restoration project began. In 2015, the Caminito del Rey reopened to the public after extensive renovations, transforming it into a safe and accessible walkway while preserving its dramatic character.Instagram+2 The new path features modern materials and safety features, allowing visitors to experience the gorge's grandeur without the extreme risks of the past.

Today, the Caminito del Rey is a testament to engineering ingenuity and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical context, and a thrilling sense of adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Andalusia.Instagram+1

Navigating the Caminito del Rey Route

The Caminito del Rey is a linear path, meaning it's not a loop. The most common route starts at the northern access point near Ardales and ends at the southern access point near Álora.TikTok+1 The total journey, including access paths and the main walkway, spans approximately 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles) and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.TikTokInstagram

Upon arrival, you'll typically check in at the welcome building, receive a helmet, and attend a brief safety orientation. The path then leads you through a series of walkways, some of which are suspended dramatically along the sheer cliff faces of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.TikTok+1 You'll traverse bridges, tunnels, and narrow ledges, all while enjoying spectacular views of the Guadalhorce river and the surrounding Sierra de Huma mountains.TikTokInstagram

Once you reach the end of the main path near Álora, you'll need to take a shuttle bus (for a small fee) or walk back to the starting point or your car. This logistical consideration is important for planning your visit and ensuring you have enough time.InstagramReddit The path is well-maintained and offers a thrilling yet safe experience for most visitors.Instagram

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