Caminito del Rey is a walkway hanging more than 100 metres over the Guadalhorce river in the natural site of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, very close to the villages of Alora and Ardales, in Malaga province. In this article we will explain how to get to Caminito del rey from Malaga and other advices to get the most of your visit.
The walkway was built between 1901 and 1905 to communicate two dams belonging to the Sociedad Hidrolectrica del Chorro (a hydroelectric firm of the time).
It was very difficult and dangerous to build as not many people could stand working hanging from ropes 100 metres over the floor, so among others, local seamen were hired to help with the construction works.
The name of Caminito del Rey (‘little pathway of the king’) was given on 1921 when king Alfonso XIII visited the area on the inauguration of the nearby Chorro dam.
As years went by the walkway deteriorated, and on the years before the restauration works, only experienced mountaineers dared to use it.
Today, after the 2015 re-opening, is one of the best-known natural sites of Spain.
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga by train (Malaga – El Chorro)
This way to get to Caminito del Rey is quite useful and it allows for some good panoramic views. The train stop is quite close to the main entrance so you won’t have to walk that much.
The train from Malaga and el Chorro makes the route only twice every day: one way and return. So, if you are thinking about visiting the place by train, remember to book your entrance tickets not later than 12,45-1 pm or you risk missing the return trip.
It’s also advisable to plan your visit well ahead if you want to go by train otherwise you may not find tickets available.
Trains timetable to Caminito del Rey
OUTGOING TRAIN: Malaga – El Chorro: Exit 10:00 am; arrival at 10:47 am
RETURN TRAIN: El Chorro – Malaga: Exit 6:00 pm; arrival at 6:50 pm
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga by bus
We can’t really recommend this option to get to Caminito del Rey as it’s not direct and it’s a bit complicated. Total length of the trip is also higher than with other alternatives.
There are several combinations but the less difficult one is to take a bus to Alora and once there pick another bus to Caminito del Rey. Total length may reach 2 hours, and tickets will cost you around 10€
There are many firms with daily guided tours to Caminito del Rey and they usually take you there by bus but usually you will end paying more with this option.
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga by car
It’s likely the best option to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga as it will take less travel time and you’ll be on your own, without public transport schedule constraints to enjoy the place.
The distance from Malaga and Caminito del Rey is of around 70 km and petrol expenses should not be over the 20€
If you don’t have your own car during these holidays you can always choose to visit Caminito del Rey in a car hire.
If you choose this option remember to buy a ticket on the shuttle bus to return to your car from the Caminito del Rey exit after ending your visit (main car park is close to the entrance)
Caminito del Rey tickets
Buying tickets for Caminito del Rey can be a difficult task as there is a limit on the maximum numbers of daily visitors and demand is high, and increasing every year.
It’s highly recommended to buy the tickets at least 3 months in advance, although there are some alternatives to get the tickets on shorter notice.
We tell you here how to buy the tickets to Caminito del Rey:
- Buying tickets through the official website of Caminito del Rey.
- Buying tickets through the webpages of intermediaries offering one-day guided visits or just reselling the tickets for a higher price.
Caminito del Rey tickets price
- GENERAL TICKET: It includes only the entrance to Caminito del Rey on your own.
PRICE= 10EUR
- GENERAL TICKET + BUS TICKET: It includes the entrance to Caminito del Rey plus 1 ticket for the shuttle bus to return to the main entrance (where your car is likely parked)
PRICE= 11,55EUR
- GUIDED TOUR TICKET: It includes the entrance to Caminito del Rey with a guided tour.
PRICE= 18EUR
- GUIDED TOUR TICKET + BUS TICKET: It includes the entrance to Caminito del Rey with a guided tour plus a ticket for the shuttle bus to return to the main entrance.
PRICE=19,55EUR
Useful information
It is important to know some basic rules before the visit. Espacar wants to inform you about everything you need to know:
- Children under 8 years old are not authorised to visit Caminito del Rey
- You have an insurance included in the ticket that covers any incident you might suffer -if you have not breached any safety rule.
Required documentation
- Printed tickets (or clearly visible on your mobile phone)
- Valid national ID card or Passport
Visit’s duration to Caminito del Rey
The time that will take you to complete the visit depends on your walking speed and the time you’ll want to spend taking photos of the amazing views, but on average, it’ll be around 2.5 hours.
Caminito del Rey opening times
- Winter times: From the end of October to the end of March from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Summer times: From the beginning of April to the end of October from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
What to wear to the visit of Caminito del Rey
- Light sport clothes, comfortable to walk with
- Sport shoes
- Some light snack to eat
- Drinking water
- Safety helmet (one is provided free of charge on the entrance)
Caminito del Rey deaths and accidents
As years went by the walkways in Caminito del Rey deteriorated and got quite dangerous. Mountaineers and extreme sports fans became attracted to it and dared to visit it.
After several fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000 the regional government decided to close the access and ban the visits. After deep restoration works it was reopened to general public visits on 2015 quickly becoming one of the most visited natural sites on the whole country.
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