Caminito del Rey from Málaga: a guide

The Caminito del Rey is one of the most sought-after day trips in the province of Málaga, and for good reason: a walkway pinned to the wall of a gorge, around a hundred metres above the river, with dizzying views. Best of all, it works perfectly as a day trip from the city. Here, as local hosts, we tell you everything you need to plan it without any hassle.

What the Caminito del Rey is

It's a trail of wooden walkways through the Gaitanes Gorge, between Ardales, Álora and El Chorro, just over an hour from Málaga. Built in the early 20th century for the hydroelectric workers, it once had a reputation as 'the most dangerous path in the world'. After a complete refurbishment, it reopened in 2015 entirely safe: today you walk it with a helmet, railings and a new surface, suitable for anyone without mobility issues.

The route is linear and one-way, from north to south: around 8 km in total including the access paths, of which nearly 3 km are the famous walkways. It takes about three hours at a steady pace, allowing time for photos.

How to get there from Málaga

There are two easy ways to get there, and since it's a linear route it helps to know that the entrance (north, Ardales side) and the exit (south, El Chorro) are in different places, linked by a shuttle bus:

• By car (≈1 h): about 60 km via the A-357. There is parking at both ends; most people leave the car in El Chorro (south) and take the shuttle up to the north entrance to start.
• By train (≈45 min): from María Zambrano station to the "El Chorro-Caminito del Rey" stop. Simple and traffic-free, though there are only a few services a day: check the timetable when planning.
• On an organised tour: several companies run trips from Málaga with transport and a guide included, the easiest option if you would rather not deal with logistics.

Tickets: book them in advance

This is the most important tip: tickets sell out, especially at weekends, on long weekends and in high season. Buy them weeks ahead on the official website (caminitodelrey.info). The ticket is inexpensive (around €10, or a little more with a guide), and there's a guided option if you'd like to learn the history of the place.

What to bring and who can go

• Comfortable, closed shoes, trainers or hiking shoes.
• Water, a hat and sun protection: much of the route is in the sun.
• A helmet is compulsory and is given to you at the entrance.
• Not suitable for children under 8 or for prams.
• There are sections at height: bear it in mind if you suffer from vertigo (the walkways are wide and safe).

How to fit it into your Málaga trip

The formula we recommend to our guests: book the Caminito for the morning, come back to the city for lunch and spend the afternoon at the beach or in the centre. With your Málaga apartment as a base, the excursion makes for a perfect day without giving up the rest of your trip.

And the location works in your favour: from our central apartments —like those on Calle Álvaro de Bazán, or the one 300 metres from the old town— you're a short walk from the Cathedral and Calle Larios and, at the same time, very well connected for day trips. María Zambrano station, where the train to the Caminito leaves, is about 15-20 minutes on foot (or a five-minute taxi). And if you're driving, our apartments on Calle Álvaro de Bazán have parking in the lower floors of the building itself: the easiest way to leave the car and set off early without circling for a space (ask us about availability when you book).

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