For sure, Caminito Del Rey is one of several highlights when visiting Andalucia and is becoming more popular year by year.
Caminito Del Rey, an old pathway for local hydroelectric dam, was built between the waterfalls of El Chorro and Gaitanejo to bring materials and maintenance workers to work daily. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII officially opened this masterpiece of engineering and ever since then it has been known as “King’s little walk” meaning Caminito del Rey.
It was closed for tourism for years after it's origial usage as a pathway in hydroelectric dam befause of it's dangerous nature. In 2015 Caminito del ray was opened for tourism, being fully renovated by securing visitors safety.
What can I expect from the walk?
The trail can be taken only one way, going downwards from north entrance to the south, some parts of it are mountain paths and some just suspended walkways. Length is about 7.7 kilometres long and takes around 3-4 hours to walk, from the start in the town of Ardales until the exit in Álora. There are also nice benches and resting areas for resting your legs or having a nice lunch break.
In the middle of the walk, you will reach the suspension bridge, which might seem scary but is actually very fun to cross! Make sure to stop in the middle for a second to breathe in the beauty of the nature.
Where to drive and where can I park?
Simply type into Waze or Google maps "Caminito Del Rey North access" for the driving instructions. There is a reception area at the beginning with a restaurant, toilet and several parking areas. This is also the final stop for the shuttle bus that runs between the north and south ends of the trail, if you decide to park your car in Alora, instead of Ardales. But keep in mind that you can't start the trail from Alora.
How can I go if I don't have a car? Is there an option for public transport?
1. By train: from Malaga (Maria Zambrano Station), get off at the last stop in El Chorro (south access) and ake a shuttle bus to Ardales (north access) where the El Caminito del Rey starts.
2. Take cercanias train from Malaga Centro Alameda or Maria Zambrano Station to Alora and then take a taxi (around 30€) to Caminito del Rey entrance.
What to bring with me and what to wear?
No need for advanced hiking equippment. Just wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
I reccommed you to bring the following items:
- Water bottle
- Sandwiches
- Camera (beauty of it's nature is breathtaking!)
- Phone with full battery (to show your tickets)
- Sunglasses
- Hat (it can get very hot during peak season in mid July-Augst)
- Positive mind
- Small packpack to keep your hands free but store items listed
- Document to proof identity
How and when can I buy tickets?
I recommend you to book your tickets IN ADVANCE! The earlier the better! Yes, they are non-refundable, but it is not easy to get them. You can book tickets thru this website here: https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/tickets/buy
Then you see two options, there are General visit tickets and tickets for official guided visit. Now, it of course depends of person but I recommend to buy General Visit tickets. This way you don't have to walk in the group with a guide and can do it in your own pace and take time to fully enjoy. But trust me, general visit tickets are way more hard to get as they are usually always sold out. They allow around 50 people every half hour so that's why spots are limited.
So be prepared to buy your general visit tickets at least few month in advance to secure the entrance!
One general visit ticket with tax costs 11,5 €, guided visit ticket 19,5 €.
I wish you an exciting visit to Caminito del Rey and feel free to get in touch in the contact form if you have any questions!