Caminito del Rey is Spain’s most challenging and popular hike, especially in Andalusia. So, if you come to Malaga and are adventurous, and love hiking and nature, this is a good idea for an exciting trip.
This is an 8km hiking path, and you will get an amazing experience as Andalusia offers stunning views. Moreover, this is a destination that you cannot miss in your holiday itinerary in Malaga. So, if you are an adrenaline lover, read this review to the end!
Caminito Del Rey: General Information
It’s a trail along the steep walls of an amazing narrow gorge at El Chorro, in the province of Malaga, Spain. You’ll find views of the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes, a gorge with 2,297-foot walls along the way.
This is also known as the pathway in Spanish or the King’s Walk and it will take you around 3 to 4 hours to complete. Formerly, this is the most dangerous hiking trail in the world because of the very unmaintained walking path.
However, in 2015, the governments of Andalusia and Malaga carried out renovations and finally reopened to the public. After renovation, this hiking trail has reinforced railings with iron mesh, and every visitor has to wear safety helmets.
Also, guidelines were put in place so that visitors can enjoy the hike without fear of its past reputation. Then, only 1100 visitors are allowed to visit this hiking trail per day.
As you travel through this thrilling trail, you’ll pass through gorges, cliffs, and magnificent valleys. If you are lucky, you can also find a variety of wildlife, such as golden eagles, Iberian ibex, Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, and others.
Caminito Del Rey Hike
The whole hike here only goes one way. This means you have to take the shuttle bus if you want to get back to where you started.
You will start the hike in Ardales and end in the city of Alora. There are two routes that you can choose to get to the control cabin.
If you are looking for a longer trail (about 1.7 miles) you will start the hike from Silicon del Rey. The other trail is shorter, only 0.9 miles.
You will go through a small tunnel and walk only 200 meters, which is right near the parking lot where you park your car. When you reach the control cabin, the staff will provide you with a safety helmet and they will also check if your shoes are suitable for the hike.
The main trail of the hike is straight, descending from north to south along the mountains and across suspended walkways. When you start hiking, you will be trekking through two gorges, Gaitanejo and Tajo de las Palomas and a suspension bridge, Puente del Rey.
If you see lush greenery, then you are getting closer to Hoyo Valley. Then, you will arrive at the canyon of Los Gaitanes, which has a spectacular view. Finally, you return to the control cabin to return your safety helmet.
When is The Best Time to Visit or Hike
You can visit Caminito del Rey all year round. However, because this area has dry weather, you can avoid the hottest months, such as July to mid-September.
Although some of the trails are in the shade, it can get very hot. The rest of the year has a nice temperature for a hike or walk.
Then, you need to dress accordingly. However, when winter starts, the weather can get very cold, so you have to be prepared for this.
How to Get There
Caminito del Rey is straightforward for you to access. This is because you can go here by several alternative means of transportation, such as a car and train. If you want to know how you get there, here’s an explanation:
1. By Car
The easiest way to reach Caminito del Rey is by car from Malaga. Then, you can drive to Ardales and take the A-357 towards MA-444.
The length of this route is about 60 km and takes about 50 minutes by car. Once you arrive, you can follow the signs to the entrance and find a parking space there.
You can park your car in the parking lot, which is located close to Restaurante El Kiosko. Then, you have to pay a parking fee of around USD 2.
2. By Train
If you want to take the train, you can take it from Malaga to El Chorro. There are 5 departure hours that you can choose from, 8.58 am, 01.21 pm, 1.51 pm, 5.19 pm, and 9.07 pm.
Then, a shuttle bus will take you to the trail every 30 minutes, from 08.30 am to 5.30 pm in winter. In summer, the shuttle bus operates until 08.00 pm. Moreover, it costs around USD 2 one way.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Caminito del Rey is open every day except Mondays all year round, from 09.00 am to 3.30 pm. This hiking trail is closed on December 25 and January 1.
Ticket prices vary widely. You can choose between a ticket with a tour guide in English and Spanish with prices from 18 Euros to 21.50 Euros. While the normal ticket (without a tour guide), the price starts from 10 Euros to 13.50 Euros.
Tips for Caminito Del Rey
This is a thrilling hiking trail that offers incredible views that many visitors want to visit. Therefore, because visitors are limited daily, you must book your tickets in advance on the official website.
Then, children under the age of 8 are not allowed to hike because the tracking is quite thrilling and the duration is long. Bring food and drinks because, during the hike, there are no food and drink stands.
Always wear a helmet and closed shoes for the hike, as you will be walking for 3-4 hours. Also, wear comfortable clothes and consider the weather when deciding what to wear.
That’s a review of Caminito del Rey, Spain’s most thrilling hiking trail. All the information is helpful for you if you want to go there. Don’t forget to prepare it carefully to be safe during the hike.
