The Caminito del Rey is a wooden boardwalk roughly 1 metre wide pinned to the cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge near El Chorro in Málaga province, southern Spain, running more than 100 metres above the river below. Originally built between 1901 and 1905 for hydroelectric workers, it earned its name 'the King's little path' after King Alfonso XIII crossed it in 1921; left derelict and dangerous for decades, it was restored and reopened as a safe tourist walkway in 2015. The full route is about 7.7 km, of which roughly 5 km is elevated boardwalk, and takes around 4 to 5 hours.
A 1-metre-wide wooden walkway clinging to sheer cliffs more than 100 m above the river, including a glass-floor viewing balcony section
Dramatic scenery of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a narrow gorge with walls rising up to 700 m
One of the world's most famous cliff-edge treks, walked one-way with a mandatory safety helmet issued at the entrance
A new 110 m suspension bridge, opened in 2026 and the longest in Spain, included in all tickets when safety conditions allow
Public-transport access, with a shuttle bus and train linking the trail ends to El Chorro village
Wild Andalusian nature, with birds of prey soaring over the gorge and mild, scenic spring and autumn conditions
Good to know
RulesAdvance booking is essential. As one of Spain's most popular attractions it sells out fast on weekends and school holidays, so reserve ahead on the official site (caminitodelrey.info) and confirm the latest price (around €10 self-guided, around €18 guided) and rules before you go.
CautionWhen it is sold out, many reseller sites push 'guaranteed' tickets at two to three times face value, and some are outright scams. Use only the official site or verified platforms such as GetYourGuide or Viator, and avoid any seller that will not give a confirmation number tied to the park's own system.
SafetyThe safety helmet handed out at the start must be worn correctly the whole way. Stepping off the marked boardwalk or climbing on barriers or rocks is forbidden. The route is not advised for anyone with vertigo or heart or lung conditions, or who is unwell, and children under 8 are not allowed.
SeasonHigh winds are the main cause of closures, and heavy rain or extreme summer heat (roughly 2–4 PM) can also shut the path temporarily. Check the official website on the morning of your visit, and watch for the email, SMS or Telegram alerts you signed up for when booking.
RulesThere is nowhere on the route to buy food or water, and picnicking is not allowed. Bring water and small snacks in a small backpack only, as large rucksacks are not permitted; wear comfortable trainers or hiking boots, not heels or flip-flops.
RulesThe trail is one-way from north (Ardales side) to south (Álora side) and you cannot walk back. To return to the start, car park or station from the far end you must take the shuttle bus (about €2.50, cash with exact change).
Practical info
From Málaga, take a Renfe train to El Chorro in as little as about 38 minutes; note there are two stations serving El Chorro, so check which one you need. A shuttle bus (about €2.50, cash and exact change) links the station and car park to the northern entrance, and you should arrive in time for your booked entry slot. Confirm fares, opening hours and rules on the official site.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
