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Latest update: 20 February 2025
Wearing a helmet, I’m hugging the rock wall as closely as possible. The abyss lies behind the fence, but with my fear of heights, this is the only way I will make it to the end of the Caminito del Rey. While Spain’s most dangerous path has been safely reopened to the public for years, its reputation still haunts it – and maybe that’s exactly what makes the Caminito del Rey hike so attractive.
What is the Caminito del Rey?
The Caminito del Rey was known for years as Spain’s most dangerous path – according to some sources, even Europe’s or the world’s most dangerous path. However, after extensive renovations, you can safely walk the Caminito del Rey since 2015. In fact, it’s now one of Andalusia‘s most famous attractions.
The Caminito del Rey was built for workers at the hydroelectric power plant at the end of the path. They used this narrow path along the rocks, about 328 feet (100 meters) above the Guadalhorce River. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII opened the hydroelectric dam and walked a section of the path. He actually stopped halfway and took the train because it was raining. But his short walk was enough to name it the King’s Path, Caminito del Rey.
Over the years, the Caminito del Rey fell into disrepair. Several fatal accidents occurred in the 1990s, leading to its closure in 2000. Yet some people still dared to attempt it – not everyone lived to tell the tale.
The Spanish government invested €5.5 million ($6 million) in the project; since 2015, it’s been accessible again. Now, you walk on a sturdy wooden path with fencing, but for those who fear heights (read: me), while it might not be dangerous anymore, it’s still thrilling!
What can you expect from the Caminito del Rey?
The entire Caminito del Rey hike consists of a wide walking path at the start, then the actual Caminito del Rey, and finally a walk to the endpoint. The Caminito del Rey itself has three sections. The first part is the constructed wooden walkway. You walk along a “regular” wide sandy path along the river and rocks (you might even spot a mountain goat!). The final section is again the narrow wooden walkway. The wooden walkway, accessible since 2015, is positioned above the original path in many places. This gives you a clear view of just how narrow, high, and dangerous the original path was.
I honestly can’t imagine what possessed people to hike this path before the renovation. It’s narrow, there’s nothing to hold onto, parts are missing, and the sections that are there look like they could collapse under your weight at any moment.
Across the river, you can see a railway line. If you’re lucky, you might see a train pass by. And who knows, you might even spot rock climbers tackling the high rock walls. Rather them than me!
You walk the Caminito del Rey single file from north to south – one-way traffic. Sometimes, you’ll pass someone or be passed, but I never feel rushed, thanks to the time slots with a maximum number of people. Of course, there are a few points along the path where it gets a bit busier because everyone wants to take photos. For example, there’s a small glass balcony with a beautiful view straight down into the abyss, and the suspension bridge at the end is also a popular spot for photos.
I ask my guide if everyone eventually crosses the suspension bridge, and she tells me that while she’s never experienced it herself, there are occasionally people who don’t dare and turn back. For the record, that means walking back about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers)!
Is the Caminito del Rey hike difficult?
The hike isn’t difficult at all. You’ll be disappointed if you’re doing the Caminito del Rey for a physical challenge. However, it is a longer walk than you might expect, with some uphill and downhill sections, sometimes including stairs. The majority of the Caminito del Rey path is relatively flat.
The Caminito del Rey itself is about 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) long, but from the north entrance, it’s already about a 15-minute walk to the restrooms and entry point. After the suspension bridge, it’s another 15-20 minute walk to the endpoint. In total, you’ll walk 4.8 miles (7.7 kilometers). Add some time to get to your car, shuttle bus, or train, and you’ll understand why you should set aside half a day for the Caminito del Rey.
The Caminito del Rey with a fear of heights
While the Caminito del Rey may no longer be the most dangerous walking path, you might feel differently if you fear heights. I also fear heights, but other visitors told me it wasn’t as bad as they expected, so I decided to try it. Because there’s often rock or part of the old path under the renovated walkway in many sections, and I’m not looking straight down into the abyss, I find it quite manageable. Sure, I sometimes get anxious and mostly walk as close to the rock wall as possible.
Only the last part, the suspension bridge, is a real victory for me. Eyes forward, keep walking, don’t think. Unfortunately, my best friend forgot to photograph this heroic feat.
New suspension bridge incoming!
As 2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of the reopening of the Caminito del Rey, the Málaga province has announced a new suspension bridge. It should be finished by November 2025. It’ll be 110 meters long, making it the longest suspension bridge for pedestrians in Spain – not sure if it’ll be easy peasy with a fear of heights though!
Practical info about the Caminito del Rey
- Wear good shoes – flip-flops and open shoes aren’t allowed!
- It’s one-way traffic on the walkway
- There are no restrooms or picnic spots along the way
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen
- The start and endpoint are in different locations
- The shuttle bus runs all day between the entrance, exit, and visitor center
- The shuttle bus requires separate payment
- You must be 8 years or older to walk the Caminito del Rey
- No pets allowed
- No drone flying
How to get to the Caminito del Rey?
By car (and parking)
It’s about an hour’s drive to the north entrance from Málaga. Park at P1 Aldares, less than a five-minute walk to the entrance, which is a lit tunnel along the road. Then, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the restrooms and ticket scanning point. This is the Google Maps location. Make sure to bring cash (€2) for parking and arrive about 30 minutes before your start time, as you’ll need to walk a bit to reach the entrance.
At the Caminito del Rey endpoint, you can buy a shuttle bus ticket (€2.50 in 2025). The final stop is right next to P1.
If you book through the Caminito del Rey website, you’ll receive an email with all parking information. I found this to be the most convenient option.
By train
The train takes less than an hour from Malaga to El Chorro station. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to the entrance tunnel. The train runs several times daily, costing about €10 ($11). You can travel directly to El Chorro from either Málaga Maria Zambrano station or Málaga center. Check train times on the Renfe website.
With a tour
If you don’t have your own transportation and don’t want to take the train, a tour is your best option. You’ll find a few options below.
Tickets for the Caminito del Rey
Interested in walking the Caminito del Rey? While it’s definitely a tourist attraction now, it’s worth it. You need to buy a ticket in advance – don’t even think about showing up without one, especially during high season and weekends. You can book up to three months ahead. If your preferred date isn’t available, you can try to join a tour.
A self-guided ticket costs €10 ($11), while a guided tour costs €18 ($20) as of 2025. I recommend taking the guided tour. While you might not walk entirely at your own pace, the guide’s information is super interesting. My guide, Katy, explained everything clearly and calmly. Sure, there were some rehearsed jokes, but hey, that’s part of the charm.
You book a time slot, but they’re not super strict about it at the entrance. I wouldn’t show up hours early or late, but they don’t seem to mind if you’re 15 minutes off. We booked through the Caminito del Rey website. However, it was a bit of a hassle (creating an account, error messages, payment issues). If that doesn’t work for you, you can always buy a ticket through GetYourGuide.
Another option is booking a tour from Málaga, which includes transportation.
Frequently asked questions about the Caminito del Rey
In total, you’ll walk about 4.8 miles (7.7 kilometers). The actual Caminito del Rey portion is 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers). Plan for at least 2.5 hours of walking time, but set aside at least half a day for your visit – including parking, shuttle bus, etc.
The cheapest self-guided ticket costs €10 ($11). A guided tour costs €18 ($20). Prices for different guided tours vary. Parking costs €2 ($2.20) and the shuttle bus costs €2.50 ($2.75) per person. (prices as of 2025)
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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