Almost 30,000 tickets are already on sale to visit the spectacular Caminito del Rey during autumn and winter, the most ideal season in Malaga to enjoy beautiful walks in nature.
One of them is undoubtedly the Caminito del Rey, a spectacular aerial path rehabilitated along the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, which has been converted from one of the most dangerous paths in the world into an attractive route through this beautiful natural setting, and even more so now in autumn when temperatures drop and nature offers spectacular colours and contrasts.
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
Recommendations for the Caminito del Rey in autumn and winter
Although you can walk the Caminito del Rey all year round, the less hot months are the most suitable for enjoying this route.
On the other hand, we must take into account that during these months there are greater changes in temperature, more probability of rainfall and fewer hours of light. Let’s see the most important aspects in more detail.
The weather
When purchasing the ticket electronically on the official website of the Caminito del Rey, the visitor must also leave his/her email address and will be notified of the closure of the trail due to certain weather conditions such as wind or rain. However, we must also be aware of the weather forecast, as depending on the weather it is advisable to wear the corresponding clothing.
Clothing requirements
It is important to remember that this is not a promenade but forest paths and even a suspension bridge in a 100% natural environment. Therefore, always and regardless of the weather, you should wear suitable footwear that has a good grip.
It is also important to consider a jacket. As we move away from the coast and at a certain height, in autumn and winter the temperature changes quite a bit in the shade and places exposed to the wind. It is ideal to wear a rainjacket that protects you from the wind and in case of bad weather. As we move, it is convenient to wear a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt and a polar lining, so we are perfectly equipped and can take off or put on clothes according to the heat or cold we feel.
The rucksack
We are going to the mountain. Although the Caminito del Rey today is a tourist route with all the security, you have to equip yourself with some basic things that you will not find on the trail.
The most important thing, always: Carry a bottle of water of at least one litre.
Something to snack on: It can be nuts, or some energy bars, some fruit, since to cover the whole route requires 3 to 4 hours and will have to replenish energy. Sun protection is also very important, we can never underestimate the sun in the south, not even in winter and much less in the mountains: So in our rucksack we also carry a sunhat, sunglasses, and a high protection sunscreen.
Mask and hydrogel: As long as we continue with Covid, these will also be our regular companions.
If we have thought of going to the mountain with new shoes, there can be very unpleasant abrasions, so some band-aids in the backpack are also a good idea.
Prohibitions
There are a number of prohibitions that must also be taken into account. For example, we are not allowed to carry selfie sticks, crutches, umbrellas, canes and prams or dogs.
Frequently asked questions about the route
What is the Caminito del Rey like?
The Caminito del Rey is an infrastructure that has been restored to enable you to enjoy active tourism in a spectacular setting. There are narrow footbridges and even a suspension bridge at more than 100 meters height, which can create a sensation of vertigo.
What physical condition is required to walk the Caminito del Rey?
The forest roads, some climbs and its length require a certain degree of physical effort or skill. Only children over 8 years of age are allowed to access the site. Any person who is not properly prepared, who suffers from vertigo or illnesses related to the heart or respiratory system or who is undergoing medical treatment coinciding with the duration of the visit is not recommended to enter.
How long does it take to walk the Caminito del Rey?
The total length of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 km, which is made up of 4.8 km of forest paths and 2.9 km of aerial path. The total time to do these 7.7 km is between 3 and 4 hours.
Where does the tour begin?
The route is unidirectional, from the northern access (Ardales) to the south (El Chorro, Alora). At both points there is a bus service that takes visitors back to their starting point.
What are the opening hours?
Currently the schedule is from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 3 pm. The Caminito de Rey is closed on 1st January and 24th, 25th and 31st December. Remember that you have to buy your ticket online on the official website well in advance.
Everything you need to know to visit the Caminito del Rey
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Everything you need to know to visit the Caminito del Rey in our Blog!
How to get to the Caminito del Rey?
From Malaga by car
Hiring a car at Malaga airport is the easiest way to get there. From Malaga city take the A-357 towards MA-444, passing by the municipalities of Cartama, Pizarra, Carratraca and Ardales.
This route is approximately 60 km and it takes 50 minutes by car to get there. In Pizarra you can also take the road to Alora and from there to the train station of El Chorro along the A-343. This route is slightly longer and it takes a little bit over an hour to get there. The road is narrower with many curves.
By Train
From the train station El Chorro (Alora) it’s about 2 km walking passing by the chapel of Villaverde the camping site and the iron bridge before arriving at the starting point of the Caminito del Rey.
At El Chorro station arrives a daily medium distance train between Malaga and Seville. This train leaves at 10.05 am from Malaga Maria Zambrano train station and returns from El Chorro station at 6.02 pm. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
360º virtual tour of the Caminito del Rey
If you have always wanted to visit the Caminito del Rey, but you haven’t gone yet, you don’t know if this is really your thing or if you have vertigo, there is another option: visit the Caminito del Rey virtually from the sofa at home. The tour is available for computers, mobile phones and tablets, in Spanish, English, French and German.
Did you know that…?
The Caminito del Rey has been proposed to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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