Once a feared via ferrata, today a popular hiking trail for anyone looking for a special thrill during their round trip through Andalusia : The Caminito del Rey in the backland of Málaga, around an hour from the city and the coast, takes you between the villages of Ardales and El Chorro over wooden paths and suspension bridges at a height of 100 metres through an impressive gorge landscape with breathtaking views. It’s worth plucking up your courage and visiting this popular place. Our two Geotoura travel experts have travelled the trail themselves and put together an overview with the most important tips and information for you.

The Caminito del Rey is located around an hour north-east of Málaga in the middle of the Gaitanes Gorge in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes nature reserve. The path, which was only restored in 2014, runs between the Gaitanejo and El Chorro waterfalls, past 300 metre high rock faces and over 200 metre deep gorges. Some time ago, the Caminito del Rey had a reputation as the most dangerous via ferrata in the world, but since 2015 it has been accessible to everyone thanks to secured wooden paths. Incidentally, the original path had a completely different purpose. It was built in 1921 to transport building materials and maintain the nearby hydroelectric power station.

How exactly does a visit to the Caminito del Rey work? How does it work with tickets or travelling? We have summarised some of the most important information for you so that you can plan your trip well in advance.

You always need a valid ticket to access the Caminito del Rey. If you are planning a trip to Andalusia with us, we will be happy to organise this for you at the time of booking. Due to the high demand, we recommend that all travellers organise their tickets in good time, even if you would like to purchase them online yourself. With the tickets, you can choose between pure access to the trail, where you can hike through the gorges and forests without a guide. Or you can book one of the guided tours, where you will learn all about the history, geography and biodiversity of the region.

All tickets have a time slot for entry. You should arrive at the north entrance of the Caminito del Reys half an hour before the time printed on the ticket. The reason for this is that you will always be allocated to a small hiking group at the entrance and will also be provided with a helmet.

Basically, the Caminito del Rey is easily accessible by car or train. You can park your car at the north car park, where there is also a restaurant. From here it is about half a walk to the north entrance, where the Caminito del Rey starts.

The Caminito del Rey is not a circular hiking trail but a 7-8 kilometre destination trail that only leads in one direction, namely from Ardales to El Chorro. The trail always starts at the northern entrance and ends at the southern exit. Once you reach the end, you can take the shuttle or walk back to the car park at the main north entrance. It is also possible to arrive and depart by train. Regular shuttle buses run from El Chorro railway station.

You should plan at least half a day, i.e. 4-5 hours, to visit the Caminito del Reys (including time at the entrance to the trail). Pack enough water and snacks, as there are no refreshment facilities along the way. Depending on your pace, the trail takes three to four hours to complete and there are no sanitary facilities. It can be sunny in places and very cool and shady in the gorges. Take suitable clothing and sun protection for all weather conditions.

Would you like more information about visiting the Caminito del Reys? Our team will be happy to help and advise you at any time. Or start planning your personalised round trip through Andalusia right away and discover even more exciting places and sights.