Experience the fantastic Caminito del Rey

The history of the Caminito del Rey

El Caminito del Rey is a walkway that is attached to the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro and loosely translates to “The King’s Path”.

Originally used by workers transporting materials from a power station in the deep gorge, the path became a dangerous playground for adventurers when transport ceased and the path fell into disrepair.

Authorities renovated the trail after several people fell to their deaths, and the new Caminito del Rey was completed in April 2015. It is now a very safe, but highly dramatic, walk along the sheer cliffs of the ravine. Under the new walkway, you can still see the remains of the old, dangerous path, without railings and with large holes and broken sections.

Getting there

Caminito del Rey is just over an hour’s drive from Fuengirola. From 2023 you can take the train there from Fuengirola, see information below.

You start the hike at the northern entrance. The road signs point the way to both the northern and southern entrances, so remember to start from the northern entrance where there are parking spaces. From here it is about 2 km to the starting point itself. Park your car at least half an hour before your starting time. At the starting point your ticket will be checked, you will be given a helmet and a briefing on the rules that apply.

The walk

You won’t be disappointed. Most of the Caminito del Rey consists of walkways attached to a vertical rock wall in the El Chorro ravine. Only a wire or railing separates us from the cliff.

Who can walk the Caminito del Rey

Anyone who can handle a 2 hour walk with stair-like climbs can do the hike. If you are afraid of heights, you may not want to do the trail, but there are cables and protection from falling rocks everywhere. The trail does not contain any sections where you are without a railing or protection, so don’t let any fear of heights stop you from having a fantastic experience.

After the walk

After the hike, it’s a 15-minute walk to the buses that run every half hour back to the north entrance. The entire adventure from parking, hiking and return takes just over 3.5 hours.

Book tickets for Caminito del Rey

You book a day and time. During high season it is necessary to book in advance. At other times you can take a chance and buy a ticket on the spot, it usually works out. The trail can be closed in bad weather. Some months the trail is closed on Mondays.

This is the official site of Caminito del Rey →

From March 2023 you can take a train to Caminito, timetables can be found on the website and the journey takes about 3 hours. By car it takes 1 hour from Fuengirola. The train goes from Malaga station Maria Zambrano to El Chorro.

El Chorro

El Chorro is a paradise and one of the most beautiful places in the Malaga mountains. Between the steep and very high walls flows the Guadalhorce river and there are countless hikes here. If you like rock climbing, there are over 1300 routes.

At the campsite at the El Chorro lakes you can rent kayaks, paragliding or paddle surfing.

More tips:
The old town of Álora is worth a visit.
At the El Mirador restaurant you can have a wonderful meal with a spectacular view of the surroundings.