Visit El Caminito del Rey in Spain
How to Book Tickets & Tours for El Caminito del Rey in Spain?
Planning to visit El Caminito del Rey, also known as the King’s Little Pathway, from Seville or Málaga? Best tips, practical info, day tours, and tickets for your hike along this breathtaking walking trail in Andalusia, Spain.
Visit El Caminito del Rey: Tours & Tickets |
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| Tickets |
IMPORTANT! Booking El Caminito del Rey tickets in advance is highly recommended, as regular tickets are often sold out several weeks ahead. Only 1,200 visitors are allowed per day. For booking El Caminito del Rey tickets (with your own transport), you have two options. Further down this page, you can also find information about visiting El Caminito del Rey from Seville, Málaga, and other destinations along the Costa del Sol:
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| Visiting by car |
The entrance is located near the village of Ardales, where you will see clear signposts. Park your car at the Parking Acceso Norte parking area. From here, it is only a short walk to Restaurante El Kiosko Ardales. From this restaurant, you will walk (with your guide) for about 20 minutes through the pedestrian tunnel towards the checkpoint. The actual 3.5-kilometer Caminito del Rey trail starts at the checkpoint. At the end of the hike, you can take a shuttle bus back to the starting point and parking area (cost: € 2.50; weekdays every hour, weekends every 30 minutes). You can also choose to walk the approximately 12-kilometer return route via a different trail, as the Caminito del Rey itself is a one-way route. |
| Bus Tours |
You can easily book an organized day tour from Seville, Málaga, and other destinations along the Costa del Sol via GetYourGuide.com. Availability and pickup locations vary by tour, so make sure to compare the different tour options below: |
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| Important information |
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Visit El Caminito del Rey in Spain
Located 59 kilometers from Málaga and 175 kilometers from Seville, the spectacular walking trail of El Caminito del Rey (“The King’s Little Pathway”) has reopened to visitors after an extensive renovation. Built along the steep cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge, this breathtaking route features more than 3 kilometers of cliffside boardwalks and suspension bridges, with stunning views around every corner. The total hiking route is nearly 8 kilometers long and takes you through one of the most impressive landscapes in southern Spain. If you enjoy hiking and are visiting Andalusia, I highly recommend this unforgettable experience. El Caminito del Rey is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Andalusia!
The History of the ‘King’s Pathway’
In the past, El Caminito del Rey was known as one of the most dangerous walkways in the world, mainly because of the cliffs dropping more than 100 meters into the gorge below. The history of this dramatic cliffside path dates back to 1901, when a hydroelectric power plant was built near the waterfalls of El Chorro and Gaitanejo. The narrow path along the El Chorro River was originally constructed to transport workers and building materials between the different sections of the project.
In 1921, King Alfonso XIII officially inaugurated the Conde del Guadalhorce dam near Ardales and personally walked part of the dangerous trail. Since then, the route became known as the ‘Caminito del Rey’ — the King’s Little Pathway. For many years, the trail was also used by locals and mule transport.
Walking along the famous King’s Pathway in Spain
Bridge section of El Caminito del Rey in Andalusia
In 1992, the pathway was officially closed because it had become extremely dangerous due to large holes, broken railings, and missing sections. Despite this, adventurous hikers continued to enter the trail illegally, giving El Caminito del Rey its deadly reputation. After years of restoration work, the trail in Andalusia finally reopened in 2015 and is now considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Spain. Today, visitors can safely walk the 8-kilometer route thanks to the modern wooden walkways, railings, staircases, and steel safety cables.
The hike consists of three sections:
- A relatively easy walk towards the beginning of the gorge (approximately 2 km)
- The actual Caminito del Rey route along the steep cliff walls (approximately 3.5 km)
- A final and easier section from the end of the gorge towards the exit point (approximately 2 km)
El Caminito del Rey Tickets & Tours
Best Time to Visit El Caminito del Rey
El Caminito del Rey can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to hike this spectacular trail is during spring and autumn. In April, May, September, and October, temperatures are usually pleasant and ideal for walking through the gorge and along the cliffside boardwalks. These months also offer the most comfortable conditions for photography and enjoying the surrounding Andalusian landscape.
During summer, especially in July and August, temperatures in inland Andalusia can easily rise above 35°C (95°F). Because large parts of the trail are exposed to the sun, it is highly recommended to start your hike early in the morning, bring enough water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Morning tours are generally the best option during the hottest months.
Winter is also a good season to visit El Caminito del Rey, particularly for travelers who prefer cooler hiking conditions and fewer crowds. Most winter days in southern Spain remain mild and sunny, although rain and strong winds can occasionally cause temporary closures of the pathway for safety reasons. For the best overall experience, spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons to visit El Caminito del Rey. During these months, you will usually enjoy pleasant weather, clearer skies, and the most comfortable hiking temperatures.
Video: El Caminito del Rey in Andalusia
Where is El Caminito del Rey in Spain
The entrance is located near the village of Ardales, where you will see clear signposts. Park your car at the Parking Acceso Norte parking area. From here, it is only a short walk to Restaurante El Kiosko Ardales. From this restaurant, you will walk (with your guide) for about 20 minutes through the pedestrian tunnel towards the checkpoint. The actual 3.5-kilometer Caminito del Rey trail starts at the checkpoint.
FAQ Visiting El Caminito del Rey
What is El Caminito del Rey?El Caminito del Rey is a spectacular walking trail in Andalusia, Spain. The route follows narrow boardwalks along the steep cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, near Málaga.
Where is El Caminito del Rey located?El Caminito del Rey is located near Ardales and Álora in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. It is about 60 kilometers from Málaga and around 175 kilometers from Seville.
Do you need tickets for El Caminito del Rey?Yes, tickets are required to walk El Caminito del Rey. Because visitor numbers are limited, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
How long does it take to walk El Caminito del Rey?The full route usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, including the access paths and the boardwalk sections through the gorge.
Is El Caminito del Rey difficult?El Caminito del Rey is not a technically difficult hike, but you should be comfortable with heights. The trail includes narrow cliffside boardwalks, stairs, and exposed sections with impressive drops.
Can you visit El Caminito del Rey from Málaga or Seville?Yes, El Caminito del Rey is a popular day trip from Málaga. It can also be visited from Seville, although the drive is longer and takes about 2 hours each way.
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