What is the Caminito del Rey?
The Caminito del Rey in Malaga is one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Spain and all of Europe, located in the province of Malaga, in the natural setting of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, being a path that was originally built in the early twentieth century to facilitate access to the workers of the hydroelectric plant of El Chorro.
Over time, the path fell into disuse and deteriorated, becoming an extreme challenge for adventurers until its restoration and reopening in 2015.
Today, the Caminito del Rey in Malaga is an impressive wooden footbridge suspended more than 100 metres above the Guadalhorce River, offering panoramic views over cliffs, gorges and an incomparable natural environment, making it a must-see destination for hiking and nature lovers.
What to do near the Caminito del Rey in Malaga?
The main attraction of the Caminito del Rey is, without a doubt, the walk along its hanging footbridges and nature trails. However, there are many more activities you can enjoy in the area.
- Hiking. In addition to the Caminito itself, there are several hiking routes that surround the gorge and offer different levels of difficulty.
- Photography. Every corner of the route offers unique opportunities to capture breathtaking landscapes.
- Bird watching. The area is home to numerous species, including griffon vultures and golden eagles.
- Climbing. For the more adventurous, the area around the Caminito has climbing routes of different levels.
- Visit to El Chorro. This small nearby village is ideal for enjoying the local gastronomy after completing the route.
Is the Caminito del Rey dangerous?
The Caminito del Rey, despite its spectacular beauty and the impressive infrastructure that accompanies it, for many years was known for its dangerousness, which gave it a reputation for being a very risky path.
In the past, the Caminito del Rey in Malaga was notorious for its deterioration and precarious safety conditions. Over the years, many people ventured along it without adequate protection measures, resulting in several accidents and even deaths, as the original path was full of unstable sections, broken bridges and fallen wooden planks, making it a dangerous experience, even for the most experienced hikers.
However, after several years of restoration and modernisation, the Caminito del Rey has been rehabilitated to be safely accessible to the public, being equipped with a steel footbridge, handrails, and well-marked walkways to ensure the safety of walkers.
Today, the route is designed to avoid any kind of risk, and visitors are required to wear a safety helmet during the walk, with controlled entry, which is only allowed to limited groups of people per day to ensure a safe environment.
How much does it cost to do the Caminito del Rey?
Access to the Caminito del Rey has a relatively affordable cost, which makes it an attractive option for those who want to live a unique experience without spending too much. The approximate rates are:
General admission: 10 euros
Entrance with guide: 18 euros
Shuttle bus (to return to the starting point): 2.50 euros.
It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, as capacity is limited and demand is usually high, especially at weekends and on public holidays. In addition, children under 8 years old are not allowed to enter the Caminito del Rey, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
How to get to the Caminito del Rey from Leiro Residences?
If you are staying at Leiro Residences, getting to the Caminito del Rey is an easy and accessible excursion.
By car, the quickest and most comfortable way. From Leiro Residences, take the A-7 motorway towards Malaga and then join the A-357 towards Cártama. Continue along this road until you take the turn-off to the MA-5403, which will take you directly to Ardales. From there, follow the signs to the Caminito del Rey.
The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can park in the parking area near the northern access or in El Chorro, where the route begins.
By train. El Chorro train station has regular connections from Malaga and other nearby towns. From Leiro Residences, you can go to Malaga station and take a train to El Chorro. From there, there is a shuttle bus service to the Caminito entrance.
On an organised excursion. If you prefer not to worry about transport, there are guided excursions that include transfers from different points on the Costa del Sol, including Malaga and Marbella.
At Leiro Residences, we want to offer you the best experience on the Costa del Sol. Our accommodation provides you with the ideal luxury and comfort to relax after a day of birdwatching.