The Caminito del Rey is one of the most spectacular natural sites in Malaga and Spain.
Here is everything you need to know to plan an excursion to this beautiful spot.
If you like nature, hiking and do not suffer from vertigo, we strongly recommend you to visit this emblematic place. You will love it!
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
From one of the world’s most dangerous trails to the most visited natural site
This magnificent natural site, which is one of the most important climbing areas in Europe, was for years one of the most dangerous trails in the world due to its very poorly maintained walkways.
Since 2015 and after a year of renovation, the Caminito del Rey is now open to the general public and is currently one of the most visited natural areas in the province of Malaga.
The aerial path called “Caminito del Rey” runs about 100 metres above the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
The old aerial path has been remodelled with pieces of wood and metal anchors drilled into the rock. Some sections have a glass floor so that visitors can see the gorge and also the old footbridge, as an example of the architectural artistry of the original route dating back to the early 20th century.
Route
The current travel route of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 kilometres, of which 4.8 kilometres are forest access tracks and 2.9 kilometres of footbridges.
This is a linear, non-circular, one-way route, descending from north to south, starting in the municipality of Ardales and ending in the municipality of Alora.
The approximate time to complete the entire route (section from the gate of one footbridge to the other, plus the paths or forest tracks to get to and from the area) is between 3 and 4 hours.
Due to the considerable distance and gradient, this route is not recommendable for people without a minimum of good health, as well as small children.
Parking and shuttle bus
If you arrive by car, we suggest you park in any of the car parks provided for this purpose. Take into account that you will have to return for your vehicle when you finish the tour using the shuttle bus.
You can park near the entrance to the Caminito del Rey in a municipal car park. The price is currently 2 € and you can find it here.
You can also park at the Visitor Reception Centre car park (2 euros/day).
It is highly recommended that you arrive at least one hour in advance.
There is a shuttle bus service between the north access (Ardales) and the south (El Chorro, Alora).
Once you finish the Caminito del Rey, you return the safety helmet provided by the organizers, and the shuttle bus stop is located 300 meters away. The current fare is €2.50. Please note that card payments are not accepted.
The bus operates from 7:40 am to 8:00 pm, running every half hour. The journey to the municipal parking lot next to the El Kiosko Restaurant takes approximately 20 minutes.
Visitor Centre
The centre is designed to welcome tourists and offer them useful guidance before they descend into the gorge.
Multilingual staff are available at the information points to answer questions about trail conditions, weather-related closures and operating hours. You can also view educational panels, historical timelines and scale models that explain the history of the gorge and the original construction of the trail.
Restrooms are available at the visitor centre. It is highly recommended to use the facilities here, as there are no restrooms along the 7.7 km trail once you pass the main security checkpoint.
Parking at the Visitor Centre
The visitor centre has a large parking lot. It is the safest and most convenient place to leave your vehicle. The parking fee is €2 per day.
You can add the parking pass when purchasing tickets via the official Caminito del Rey booking portal. You can also pay by credit card or cash at the machines located in the parking lot itself.
Ticket Reservations
You can purchase tickets through the official website.
In order to visit the Caminito del Rey, you need the corresponding ticket, which includes the name of the ticket holder and their ID card or passport number, as well as the day and time.
Visitors and accompanied minors must carry the ticket with them at all times, together with their ID card or equivalent document, for any possible checks by the Caminito staff during the visit.
The ticket is also necesary in order to be able to leave the path.
Visitors with reservations should arrive at the access area (at the entrance gates to the walkways behind the control booths) at least 30 minutes before the time showing on the booking voucher for the visit, in order to organise the groups.
Prices:
General admission: 10 €
Ticket + Guided tour: 18 €
Recomendations
1. The Caminito del Rey is an infrastructure that has been restored in order to be able to enjoy an active tourism activity, an activity that takes place in a natural environment. Therefore, it is inherent to it the risk factor and/or a certain degree of physical effort or skill, aspects that visitors have to assume at the moment they decide to do it.
2. It is recommended to bring:
- Water or any type of energy drink.
- Chocolates, energy bars, nuts and fruit.
- Sun protection cream and a hat, especially in summer.
- Clothing appropriate to the season and, above all, footwear suitable for hiking.
3. Visitors should make provision for a possible lunch (sandwiches or prepared food). It cannot be taken once the walkways have been accessed as there are no spaces set aside for it, nor would a stop be advisable as it would affect the flow of visits. Therefore, you will have to eat your snack before or after entering the walkways.
4. Visitors should bear in mind that from the moment they enter the route until they leave it, there is no toilet area.
5. Given the length of the route and the existence of some steep sections, it is not advisable for anyone who is not physically fit to walk along the Caminito, nor for anyone who suffers or thinks they may suffer from vertigo (the footbridges are narrow, there is a considerable height and in the Álora area there is a suspension bridge).
6. As this is an activity in a natural environment surrounded by mountains, small rock falls may occur, so you should be aware of them.
7. The route of the Caminito del Rey is linear, not circular, so you must make sure you return to the starting point by your own means.
8. Only children over 8 years of age may enter the area.
9. You can´t enter the Caminito del Rey in the company of animals.
Climbing in El Chorro and the Gaitanes Gorge
El Chorro is one of the most emblematic climbing areas in Andalusia.
For decades it was a very popular and much frequented site among climbers, despite being closed to the general public.
Unfortunately, several fatal accidents gave it a bad reputation and the site was closed to prevent unauthorised access.
After its refurbishment in 2015, the Caminito del Rey is now open to the general public for a fee.
The area has a large number of routes of all difficulties. There are short sport routes and long routes. It is also ideal for the winter months with good temperature conditions.
Regulations for access to the climbing sector
Those wishing to climb have free access to the Caminito del Rey.
To do so, when passing through the control booth, they must show their valid federation card and civil liability insurance.
Via ferrata Caminito del Rey
Outside the paid area there is also a beautiful via ferrata. It has stunning views and is equipped with steps, a Tibetan bridge, a Nepalese bridge and a 35-metre zip line.
The route takes about 3 to 4 hours. The via ferrata is free access for people initiated in this sport and with the necessary equipment.
If you are interested in active tourism in Malaga you can book the tour with guide and equipment included in this link.
Reservoir Conde del Guadalhorce
The whole area is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir, also known as El Chorro reservoir, stands out for its spectacular turquoise waters.
It is not only very popular for hiking routes under extensive pine forests.
It is also in fact the only inland beach to be awarded a Blue Flag.
The reservoir is ideal for cooling off in summer and there are several places to rent canoes and other water activities. There is also a campsite.
How to get there
By Car
Renting a car at Malaga airport is the easiest way to get there. Leaving from Malaga city take the A-357 towards MA-444, passing through the municipalities of Cartama, Pizarra, Carratraca and Ardales.
This route is about 60 km long and takes about 50 minutes by car. In Pizarra you can also take the road to Alora and from there head to El Chorro Station on the A-343.
That route is a little longer and takes a little over an hour. This road is narrower and winding.
Things to consider
Since the trail is strictly one-way, running from north to south. Visiting by car requires careful logistical planning regarding where to park and how to use the shuttle bus service.
Park at the North Entrance or the South Entrance?
There are two main parking strategies. Most visitors prefer Option 1 because it resolves the most stressful logistical aspect at the start of the day.
Option 1: Park at the North Entrance (Recommended)
This strategy allows you to park immediately upon arrival, complete the route on foot, and then take the shuttle bus back to your car when you finish.
• Where to park: At the Caminito del Rey Visitor Reception Centre parking lot.
• Cost: €2 per day. You can book your parking pass online when purchasing your trail tickets or pay upon arrival.
• Logistics:
1. Park at the Visitor Center.
2. Board the shuttle bus (€2.50, cash only) right outside the parking lot. The ride takes 15–20 minutes and drops you off near the El Kiosko restaurant, at the actual start of the route.
3. Walk along the access path to the checkpoint to begin the hike.
4. Upon finishing the route at El Chorro, you can take the shuttle bus back to the Visitor Centre.
Option 2: Park at the South Exit (El Chorro)
This strategy involves taking the shuttle bus first, so that when you finish the hike, you arrive directly at your car parked in El Chorro.
• Where to park: At the free Caminito del Rey car park (south zone) or near the El Chorro train station.
• Cost: Mostly free parking on the street or in dirt lots.
• Logistics:
1. Park your car in El Chorro.
2. Board the shuttle bus at the El Chorro train station before starting the route.
3. Take the bus to the North Entrance.
4. Complete the route and finish right where your car is parked.
⚠️ Important: If you choose this option, you must arrive in El Chorro at least an hour and a half before your scheduled entry time to allow for the bus wait, the ride up, and the walk to the checkpoint.
Key arrival schedule
Do not confuse the time shown on your ticket with the time you need to arrive at the area.
Once you have parked and the shuttle bus drops you off near El Kiosko, you will still need to walk to the official access control point:
• Short Tunnel Route: a 1.5 km walk taking about 20 minutes.
• Long Tunnel Route: a 2.7 km walk taking between 35 and 40 minutes.
General rule: Aim to park your vehicle 60 to 90 minutes before the official access time slot shown on your ticket.
If you choose to park at the south entrance, you must arrive at El Chorro at least an hour and a half before your scheduled access time to allow for the bus wait, the ride up, and the walk to the control point.
Train to El Chorro Train Station
From El Chorro train station (Alora) the most convenient option is to take the shuttle bus to the north entrance.
El Chorro station is served daily by 3 medium-distance trains between Malaga and Seville. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Buy your ticket online at Renfe.
The train drops you off at the south exit (El Chorro), but the walking route can only be started from the north entrance.
• Where to go: Immediately upon leaving the El Chorro train station, head to the designated shuttle bus stop for the Caminito del Rey/El Chorro service.
• The journey: Board the green shuttle bus bound for El Kiosko. The trip takes 15 to 20 minutes through the mountains. From there, you still need to walk to the actual ticket checkpoint.
• Use the short tunnel path: Look for the small, illuminated concrete tunnel located near the restaurant. It leads to a lovely 1.5 km forest trail that takes about 20 minutes to walk, bringing you to the main entrance.
• Price: The bus service costs €2.50 per person. Important tip: Bring cash or coins, as drivers do not accept cards, and having the exact amount is greatly appreciated.
Key arrival schedule
Since trains from Malaga to El Chorro run infrequently, you need to coordinate your trail entry time with the train schedule.
The most popular morning train option usually departs from Málaga around 9:05 am and arrives at El Chorro at 10:02 am. If you take this train, your ideal itinerary would be as follows:
• 10:02 am: Arrival at El Chorro station.
• 10:15 am: Take the shuttle bus to the northern access point.
• 10:35 am: Get off at El Kiosko and begin the 20-minute walk to the entrance.
• 11:00 am: Arrival at the checkpoint.
Therefore, if you take the 9:05 am train, you should look for a Caminito del Rey entry time between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.
The return journey
Once you finish the hike, hand in your helmet, and pass through the final exit turnstiles, you will find yourself right in the village of El Chorro.
You can walk straight back to the train station, grab a cold drink or a bite to eat at the station restaurant, and wait for the afternoon train back to the centre of Malaga.
Book a convenient transfer
In case you didn’t know: At Malagacar.com, we also offer a convenient transfer service.
You can book the vehicle that best suits your needs – complete with a multilingual driver – from anywhere in the province. We’ll take you to the Caminito del Rey and bring you back at the agreed time. It couldn’t be easier.
- Check out our highly competitive rates at this link.
Caminito del Rey 2026 Updates
Inauguration of Spain’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge
The major new feature of the Caminito del Rey for 2026 is the inauguration of its new suspension bridge, which is already open to the public. Spanning the Gaitanes Gorge, it has become the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Spain. Its construction was funded entirely by revenue from the attraction itself, with the aim of boosting adventure tourism in Malaga.
The new steel suspension bridge is 110 metres long and 1.2 metres wide, rising about 50 metres above the gorge floor. It is located near the end of the trail, close to the El Chorro railway bridge.
If you suffer from vertigo or are unsettled by the slight swaying of a suspension bridge, don’t worry. The original path carved into the rock remains open as an alternative route, so you can avoid the bridge entirely.
New WhatsApp alerts about weather and closures
Since the Caminito del Rey often has to close unexpectedly due to strong mountain winds or heavy rain, the park has launched an official WhatsApp channel to keep visitors informed with real-time updates.
A quick, free way to plan your visit with the latest information.
- Join the official channel here.
Updated rules and prohibitions for 2026
Local authorities have tightened safety regulations to protect the environment and prevent accidents on the narrow cliffside walkways:
• Rule regarding carrying children: It is strictly prohibited to carry anyone in your arms (for example, lifting a child to see over the edge or carrying a tired child) on any section of the suspended walkways.
• Strict footwear restrictions: Staff will strictly monitor the type of footwear worn. If you are not wearing hiking shoes or sneakers that are fully closed at the front, you will be immediately removed from the park without a refund.
360º virtual visit of the Caminito del Rey
If you have always wanted to visit the Caminito del Rey, but you haven’t been there yet or you have vertigo, you will be delighted to know that now you can visit it virtually.
The Malaga Provincial Council has published a 360º tour of this spectacular route. The experience allows you to enjoy this natural landscape with spectacular images, audio-visual resources and detailed information.
By means of photos we can now visit virtually in 360º the most characteristic places of the Caminito del Rey along almost 8 kilometres:
Its paths and walkways, the glass balcony, the suspension bridge, the water viaduct, the underground section through the canal gate, the Valle del Hoyo, the bat shelter, the Gaitanejo path, the Cambutas viewpoint, the Desfiladero de Gaitanejo marmitas and the El Chorro station halt.
In addition, along the route there are 40 icons that allow you to view photographs or photo galleries, videos and even brief information about each place, which you can expand if you want to know more about the site in question and you can see each point on a map, a normal aerial view or a satellite view.
The tour is available for computers, mobiles and tablets, in Spanish and soon also in English, French and German.
- Access the virtual tour of the Caminito del Rey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a quick look at the most frequently asked questions about the Caminito del Rey.
Do I need to be fit?
The Caminito del Rey involves an active tourism activity that requires a certain level of physical exertion. Therefore, a basic level of fitness is recommended.
The terrain features slopes, stairs, and walkways, making the walk demanding; however, one does not need to be an athlete to visit the area.
This route is not recommended for anyone lacking adequate physical fitness, suffering from vertigo or heart or respiratory conditions, or undergoing medical treatment during the time of the visit.
How do I get to the Caminito del Rey?
You can arrive by car and park near the trail, or use public transport. You can also opt for a convenient transfer service from your hotel. We will take you there and bring you back at the agreed time.
What are the opening hours?
The Caminito del Rey is open every day except Mondays. Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 2:50 pm or 5:20 pm (depending on the season).
It is closed on December 24, 25, and 31, and on January 1.
Where does the Caminito del Rey begin and end?
The route officially begins at the North Entrance (Ardales) and ends at El Chorro. Although El Chorro is often mistakenly considered the starting point, it is actually the end of the trail.
The official starting point is a 20- to 30-minute walk from the nearest car park or shuttle bus stop.
Is there a shuttle bus, and how does it work?
Yes, there is a shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes, taking visitors from El Chorro to the North Entrance near Ardales. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes. The fare is €2.50 in cash; please bring the exact amount.
If you parked your car at the North Entrance, you take the shuttle bus back to your vehicle after the hike.
If you parked at El Chorro, you take the bus to the North Entrance before starting the hike.
How long is the Caminito del Rey?
The Caminito del Rey has a total length of 7.7 kilometres. This includes 4.9 km of access paths (round trip) and 2.9 km of trail along the famous wooden walkways.
How long does the walk take?
You should take into account the access paths to the entrances and exits, as well as the shuttle bus stop (forest trails with a slight incline).
The full hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Is the route dangerous?
At one time, the Caminito del Rey was considered the most dangerous hiking trail in the world.
However, following its extensive renovation in 2015, this is no longer the case, Nowadays, the Caminito del Rey can be traversed safely. Only those who suffer from severe vertigo should avoid it.
What should I bring and what clothes should I wear?
To fully enjoy the experience, wear comfortable hiking boots with good soles, as the trail includes narrow bridges and sections with steep elevation changes.
For greater comfort, wear lightweight, breathable clothing, especially during the warmer months. It is essential to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It is also advisable to carry a small water bottle and a snack, as there are no food stalls along the trail.
You may bring a small backpack; however, for safety reasons, large bags and backpacks are not permitted on the trail.
What footwear should I wear?
You must wear closed-toe footwear with good grip (hiking boots or sturdy sneakers). Flip-flops, sandals, and high heels are strictly prohibited; staff will deny you entry if you are wearing them.
Are there restrooms?
No. Currently, there are no restrooms along the trail. For the time being, restrooms are only located at the entrances and exits.
What is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
In summer, temperatures can be very high, so it is advisable to start early in the morning.
It is cooler and less crowded in winter, but it is important to check weather conditions and ensure the trail is open.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Access is strictly controlled. You cannot enter without a pre-booked ticket and an assigned time slot. Generally, tickets are not sold at the venue itself.
How do I buy a ticket?
Book well in advance through the official Caminito del Rey booking portal. Tickets sell out months ahead of time. A general admission ticket costs €10, while guided tours are more expensive.
Do I need identification?
Yes. Tickets are personalized with your details. Please bring a valid passport or an official ID document that matches the name on your ticket.
How do I get back to my car?
Since the route is linear, you need to take a shuttle bus to return to the starting point. The bus runs between El Chorro and the parking areas or the visitor centre.
How much does the bus cost?
It costs €2.50 per person. Cards are not accepted. It is highly recommended to carry cash or coins for the trip.
When should I arrive?
Arrive at least 60 minutes before the time specified on your ticket. You need time to park, take the bus if necessary, and walk from the drop-off point to the security and access checkpoint.
Is wearing a helmet mandatory?
Yes. Protective helmets are mandatory and are provided free of charge at the entrance. You must keep the strap fastened under your chin throughout the tour.
Are children allowed?
Only children aged 8 and older are admitted. You must present a document verifying the minors’ age (passport or ID card).
What items are prohibited on the tour?
Selfie sticks, drones, tripods, umbrellas, and large backpacks (with a capacity exceeding 25 liters) are not permitted.
What happens if it rains or is very windy?
The tour may close unexpectedly for safety reasons due to heavy rain or strong winds. If your scheduled visit is cancelled, the park will notify you via email and provide instructions on how to reschedule or request a refund.
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