Best advises to visit the Caminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey is one of the most famous hiking paths in Spain and especially in Andalusia. For this reason, if you come to Malaga and you love hiking, nature and adventure this is a good idea for a day trip from Malaga.

It is a 8 km hiking path where you will spend an incredible experience admiring some breathtaking landscapes that Andalusia offers.

If you are a lover of adrenaline and vertigo, you should continue reading this post and learning more about El Caminito del Rey. It is a destinations that you can not miss on the itinerary of your vacation in Malaga.

Excitement and unforgettable memories are waiting for you, so let’s get into it!

Indice de la Entrada

Caminito del Rey – History

The history of Caminito del Rey started in 1901 when the Sociedad Hidroeléctrica del Chorro proposed the construction of a trail through the gorges in order to connect various dams in the area. It was a way to allow the workers to reach the reservoir construction site, having the possibility to transport the materials.

During the 20s, King Alfonso XIII inaugurated the Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs; it is said that the king walked himself through this path that from that moment on was called Caminito del Rey (literally The King’s Little Pathway).

At the beginning of the 90s, Caminito was forgotten; its paths were completely destroyed and its balusters collapsed, leaving only isolated stretches of the road.

For this reason, the old path was closed in 2000 and it was considered for years one of the most dangerous trails, due to its bad maintenance and to the number of deaths on this trail.

However, in 2009 started the project for its reconstruction.

If you’re wondering if nowadays Caminito del rey is safe, the answer is yes: no more sections of the road missing, no more open-end cliffs, so you should be fine.

Since 2015, El Caminito del Rey has been reopened to the public, becoming one of the most popular hiking routes in the world.

Caminito del Rey information

So far we’ve talked about the story of Caminito del Rey but now it’s time to give some useful info and tips that you should know before going to this incredible adventure.

Opening times and prices of Caminito

The Caminito is open from 9.30 to 14.00.

You can choose between the normal ticket and the ticket with tour guide in English and Spanish included.

Ticket without guided tour:

10€ (only the entrance)
13,50€ (with bus included)

Ticket with guided tour included:

18€ (only the visit + guided tour)
21,50€ (entrance + guided tour + bus)

Remember to bring the ticket with you, otherwise they won’t let you to go in.

How to book tickets for Caminito del Rey?

In order to book the ticket, check the official web page of Caminito.

How long is Caminito del Rey and how much time do I need?

As I have previously said, the pathway is almost 8 km long. Once you get there, you have to remember that there’s only one direction to do it, from North (Ardales) to the South (Alora).

It takes around 2/3 hours to complete the hike, but I can assure you that it is worth it!

The views are undeniably splendid, and the colours amazing. I’ve never seen such intricate patterns of beiges, browns and sand tones.

My suggestion: Probably, you already know that Malaga is very hot during summer. For this reason, spending your time between rocky slopes maybe it is not a good idea.

I think the ideal season for visiting it is in early Spring or early Autumn, when the weather is more pleasant.

What happens if it rains or if it’s too windy?

Usually, if it’s too windy or too rainy, the Caminito is closed for security reasons.

How to get to Caminito del Rey?

To get from Malaga to Caminito del Rey is quite easy.

By car

From Malaga the direction A-357 towards MA-444. It is approximately 1 hour of travel.

Once you get to Caminito, you can reach el Kiosko; here you will find a pay and display parking, where you can leave your car safely.

By train

From Malaga Maria Zambrano, take the train direction El Chorro. The ticket costs 4.85€ and it takes 45 minutes to get there. Once you arrive at the train station,you should take a shuttle bus that cost around 1,50 € and it will stop you at El Kiosko.

El Kiosko is the perfect point where you can stop before starting the path. Here you will find the restaurant el Kiosko, perfect if you need to buy some food, water or to use the restroom.

Remember that all along the hiking, there are no toilets.

What to wear for Caminito del Rey?

As I told you, you will need around 2/3 hours to complete the hiking; for this reason, I recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and training shoes.

Moreover, remember that you cannot bring an umbrella with you, so if it rains it is better to wear a hoodie.

What should I bring to Caminito del Rey?

If you come during Spring or Summer, I suggest you to bring a hat, sunscreen and water.

If you like to take pictures, you can bring a camera with you but without tripod, because you cannot block the way to the other tourists.

For the same reason, you cannot bring big backpack or big bags but a little one.

Caminito del Rey with babies and children

According to the regulation of the Caminito, it is forbidden to bring children under 8 years old.

Additionally, it is strictly forbidden to carry children of any age in your arms, at any stretch. But don’t panic! It’s not that difficult to cross the Caminito with the little ones. All you have to do is pay attention to them and don’t let them go through any stretch on their own.

So it’s up to you whether the children over 8 will accompany you. If you’re used to taking them on a hike with you, it’s OK to do so.

Of course, whether you have children with you or not, you should always read all the prescribed safety rules; in this way you will surely enjoy the challenges and the beautiful views of the Caminito del Rey without any inconvenience.

Caminito del Rey on map

Here some useful tips on how to visit the Caminito del Rey. Share with us your experience or tel us know which one is your favourite hiking path in Andalusia.

Be ready to join this adventure!

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