Caminito del Rey, Málaga

About the Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey is a boardwalk fixed to the sheer walls of the El Chorro gorge near the town of Ardales in Málaga province. It was built in the early 20th century for workers at a hydroelectric plant, and earned the name King's Path after the King of Spain came to open the dam.

Today a new, safe walkway with railings follows the old route, reopened in 2015 after a major rebuild. Underfoot is wooden decking, with glass panels in places; on one side the rock, and far below a turquoise river. It's one of Andalusia's most popular walks.

What the route holds

• The approach through pine woods — to the northern entrance.
• The first gorge — a path above turquoise water.
• The Hoyo valley — an open stretch of rocks and pines.
• The second gorge — the tallest, narrowest walls.
• The suspension bridge — crossing the canyon at the end.
• The old path — visible below the new boardwalk.

How the route works

The route runs one way only, north to south. First comes an approach along a forest track from the car park or bus stop to the northern entrance, where tickets are checked, helmets handed out and a short briefing given. Then the gorge itself: the path hugs the cliff above the drop, then opens into a valley of pines and grazing mountain goats.

The most dramatic stretch is the second gorge near the end, where the walls close in and rise almost vertically. The ruined old path is visible beneath the new boardwalk, and a suspension bridge across the canyon finishes the walk. From the southern exit it's about half an hour on foot to El Chorro station.

Safety and heights

The new path is solid: wide decking, high railings and netting, plus a helmet for everyone against small falling stones. Almost anyone of normal fitness can walk it. It does run high above the river, though, so if you're nervous of heights the first minutes may feel uneasy; most people settle quickly.

Take your time on the glass panels and the suspension bridge, stop, look down and take a photo. Hold phones and cameras tightly, ideally on a strap: anything dropped into the gorge is gone for good.

Tips for the walk

Wear closed shoes with good grip and bring water, as there are no cafés or shops on the route. In summer, choose a morning slot: the gorges get hot and shade is patchy. A hat and sunscreen help in the open valley halfway along.

Plan the logistics: you enter in the north and exit in the south, then need to get back to the station or car park. Many people park at El Chorro station, take the shuttle bus to the entrance and walk back afterwards.

The Caminito pairs well with lunch by the Guadalhorce reservoirs above the gorge, with cafés and swimming spots, a great day in nature after city walks in Málaga.

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How to do it right

• Book weeks ahead.
• One way only.
• Closed shoes and water.
• Cooler in the morning.

Questions