Unveiling Caminito del Rey Hike ‘World's Most Dangerous Walkway’ which is not dangerous at all!
- Amy
- Jan 17
- 13 min read
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As you probably already know, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect mix of culture, history, adventure, and relaxation in every trip I plan! So, this time in Andalusia, I was determined that Caminito del Rey would be an unforgettable adventure—and it certainly lived up to the hype!
Looking back, it would have made more sense to do Caminito del Rey during our trip last year since we were in Malaga, as Caminito del Rey is located near Ardales, in the Málaga province. To be precise, it sits in the stunning El Chorro Gorge, about an hour’s drive from the city. However, at the time, we didn’t have anyone to look after the kids (since only children 10 and older are allowed on the hike), so we decided to wait until we could do it this year with our in-laws. Although we were based in Granada this time, the drive wasn’t too bad—just an extra hour—and we were able to make it work!
Is the Caminito del Rey hike really as dangerous as they say?
The adventure at Caminito del Rey is best described as 'A Thrilling Cliffside Hike' and definitely not 'world's most dangerous walkway'. It's a hiking trail with a suspenseful walk through dramatic landscapes' that has both hiking and trekking elements, but the focus is sure on a suspenseful, elevated pathway that keeps you in wonderment at every turn rather than a rigorous mountain hike. Fair enough?
I had anxiety for days leading up to the hike as I ended up reading on the internet that Caminito del Rey is known to be 'world's most dangerous walkway'! It is true that between 1999 and 2000, five people died trying to cross it, however, one must also know that the path was old and broken, with many parts missing, and there were no handrails to protect people from falling. Some of these people tried to use ropes or zip lines to get across the most damaged sections, but it was very risky.
The victims slipped and fell from the high cliffs into the river far below. These accidents led the government to close the trail in 2001 to prevent more deaths. Despite the closure, some people still sneaked onto the trail for the thrill, even though it was extremely unsafe.
The trail was repaired and reopened in 2015 with new walkways, handrails, and safety features, making Caminito del Rey a much safer place for visitors today. Now with a guide to check on you and a very safe journey planned, you just feel so secure. It could easily be done with young kids too but they believe it’s not safe if the kid isn’t able to walk and if carried, then it can cause a safety concern.
When is the best time to visit Caminito?
October, November, and December are fantastic months to visit Caminito del Rey! The weather is much more pleasant during these months, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making for a much more comfortable experience. Summer, on the other hand, can be extremely hot, and since the hike is quite intense, it can become uncomfortable and even dangerous in the peak heat. The fall and winter months offer the perfect balance of mild temperatures and a quieter atmosphere.
What to Wear and Bring?
You probably already know that sturdy, closed-toe shoes (preferably hiking boots or trainers with good grip) are a must, no matter the season. For the hike, think athletic wear or casual hiking clothes. In fall or winter, when it can get a bit chilly, a light jacket or sweater will do the trick. Make sure to bring your own water, as there are no spots to buy drinks along the trail—though you can grab refreshments at the end of the hike. Avoid hanging sunglasses on your shirt; it's better to store them inside your bag or wear them. With the provided helmets, you won’t really need sunglasses unless it’s summer. As for your phone or camera, it’s best to keep it in your bag and only take it out for photos or videos.
Alright, I’m all set! But where do I begin?
The best way to begin this experience is by starting from either Málaga or Granada, two of the most popular cities for this trip. If you’re coming from Málaga, it’s just about a 1-hour drive. For those driving from Granada, it takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The roads are great, the views are amazing and the early morning head start gave us so much adrenaline rush, we couldn’t wait to get there! It can be confusing to know where to reach if you just type Caminito del Rey on google maps, Apple maps or ways.
Parking at Caminito del Rey: Caminito del Rey reception center, W6J6+Q4, 29550 Gobantes, Málaga, Spain
If you're looking for a hassle-free way to experience the Caminito del Rey hike, I highly recommend this guided tour with transportation from Málaga! It’s a fantastic option that takes care of all the details, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure. Check it out here! If you’re looking for a smooth and informative experience, check out this guided tour to Caminito del Rey from Málaga! It’s a great way to explore the trail with a knowledgeable guide, and transportation is included, making your trip stress-free. Don’t miss out—book it here! If you're heading to Caminito del Rey, check out this guided trek from Seville! It includes transportation and a knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience. Perfect for a hassle-free, adventure-packed day! Book it here: Caminitodel Rey Trekking from Seville. |
We arrived at the Visitor Reception Centre around 9:00 AM (an hour before our entry time) at Puerto de las Atalayas (57.7 km from Málaga), and immediately noticed a large open parking lot with several cars already parked. Clearly, some hikers had gotten there earlier than us, as Caminito del Rey opens at 8:00 AM and closes early at 2:30 PM during winter, so people tend to start their hikes early to explore the whole gorge. Parking at the Visitor Reception Centre costs 2 euros for the day, and we highly recommend arriving at least an hour before your scheduled time. You can reserve a parking space online when purchasing your tickets, or if you're feeling lucky, try your chance at finding an available spot when you arrive.
🚗You can also opt to rent a car and drive yourself, which can be easily arranged by BOOKING HERE.
A quick tip before you go:
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We parked our car and headed towards the long line of people waiting for the shuttle bus. The shuttle stop is located here (though it's not managed by Caminito del Rey). We ended up waiting for almost 30 minutes before we could board. Two buses passed us by before we finally got on, which just shows how long the line was—even in December! The temperature in Ardales was a brisk 8°C, with a cool wind and bright sunshine—ideal for hiking. The cool weather kept us comfortable and stopped us from sweating too much along the way. There are toilets and a vending machine at the parking area offering drinks like colas, water, and some dry fruit snack packs while you wait for the bus.
You can also park at P2, though it's usually full. The advantage here is that you don’t need a shuttle—just a short walk to the tunnel, and then it's a 1.5 km walk to the entrance of Caminito del Rey.
If you take the shuttle bus, it will drop you off at the Bar & Restaurant near P2 parking. From there, you'll spot signs pointing to the Caminito Reception, offering two route options: a longer 2.7 km trail and a shorter, recommended 1.5 km route. We also noticed some guided tours available on the website, so we decided to give one a try.
The shuttle bus ticket costs 2.50 euros per person, and it's cash-only—they don’t accept card payments. You can ride the shuttle as many times as you need throughout the day. It runs from 07:40 to 20:00, and the ride to the Restaurant El Kiosko stop takes about 15-20 minutes. |
On the trail
We got dropped off at P2 where we took the recommended 1.5 km walking trail to the entrance of Caminito. We walked through a tunnel which in my opinion would’ve been claustrophobic for a lot of people since the ceiling was low and the path was muddy and we were a lot of people in the tunnel marching towards the entrance.
Tunnel Address: Túnel de Acceso a Caminito del Rey, 29550 Ardales, Málaga, Spain
The atmosphere here was so calm and orderly, it almost felt like we were on a spiritual journey. The quiet, peaceful surroundings made the experience feel perfect! After exiting the tunnel, we found ourselves back on a muddy path, but the stunning views of the Guadalhorce River below made it all worth it. When we reached the entrance, hikers were divided into those with guided tours and those going solo. We were instructed to borrow helmets from a counter and wear them throughout the hike. Plus, we were given microphones to ensure we could hear our guide clearly.
We followed our guide with much enthusiasm and began our so called adventure highlight! Once we were on the trail, we found ourselves walking along narrow paths carved into steep limestone cliffs. The views were mesmerizing at the beginning itself and I wondered what more should I expect! The trail is about 7.7 km long and the gorge gets deeper as we scale its entire path. It’s not nearly as deep when you think about it. The guide instructed us at one point that we were 50 metres above the gorge and although it looked very intimidating, we knew we have scaled higher heights. It’s the sheer panoramic views that gives you the goosebumps. It’s definitely something to thing about if you suffer from vertigo. The whole pathway takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass historical landmarks and see remnants of the hydroelectric plants that powered Málaga in the early 1900s. So, in all in, yes it’s very safe and can even be done with kids !
So what’s the story of Caminito?
Caminito del Rey was originally constructed between 1901 and 1905. The first hydroelectric power plant was built here in the early 1900s, and it started generating electricity for the city of Málaga, using the fast-flowing Guadalhorce River. It was a pretty big deal back then, providing the much-needed power to the city.
The trail was built to connect workers from the hydroelectric power plants in the area with the nearby village of El Chorro. The trail was built along the steep cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge to provide access for workers who were maintaining the power plants, which harnessed the power of the Guadalhorce River.
Even today, the hydroelectric plants are still going strong and supply about 80% of Málaga’s electricity. So, the energy that started here back in the day is still powering most of the city—talk about a lasting legacy! The whole area, with its mix of nature and industry, really shows how it’s been a key player in Málaga’s energy story.
Even the King visited Caminito del Rey but…
There was a time back in May 1921 when the King Alfonso XIII of Spain visited the Caminito del Rey. The king was supposed to walk the entire length of the trail. However, he arrived two hours late, and the visit was not as grand as initially planned. Also back then, all these great safety measures weren’t in place. The path was then built from concrete slabs and was rested on steel supports (which can be seen even now under the newly constructed wooden path in the image below).
The king walked only about 700 meters of the trail before turning back. The whole event was seen as somewhat of a debacle. The delay, combined with the challenging terrain and weather conditions, led to the shortened walk. Despite his limited journey, the walkway which was built in 1905 became famous after the royal visit. Following the king’s visit, it became known as 'El Caminito del Rey', or 'The King’s Walkway', in his honor. His visit marked a significant moment in the history of the Caminito del Rey, as it raised its profile and brought attention to the stunning views and the challenges of the walkway.
What Lies Beyond the Cliffs of Caminito del Rey?
The answer to this question is simply Limestone. Yes the yellowish brown tinge in the dramatic landscape is a result of the limestone mountains in the Caminito del Rey region, which are a key feature. The limestone mountains around Caminito del Rey are part of the Sierra de Huma range. These mountains are known for their impressive cliffs, which make the views along the trail so beautiful. The Sierra de Huma is located in the Guadalhorce River Valley, and its rough, rugged landscape adds to the stunning beauty of El Chorro Gorge. Over millions of years, erosion has carved out stunning formations, creating the narrow gorge and spectacular views that make Caminito del Rey famous.
Another beautiful addition to its landscape is the Oleander tree. You’ll spot the oleander tree along the trail. In spring and summer, its colorful pink, white, and red flowers brighten up the landscape. This tough shrub loves the Mediterranean climate here and adds a nice pop of color. Just a heads-up though—while it’s gorgeous to look at, oleander leaf is toxic if eaten, so it’s best to admire it from afar!
Did the Lima Family actually live in this gorge?
Hidden in the rocky landscape of Caminito del Rey is the story of the Lima family. They lived in a stone house called Casa los Lima, which still stands today, though it’s falling apart. Mar, our guide, gave us some time to take in the crumbling layers of the house while she shared the story of the Lima family with us. The Lima family had 13 children and lived in this tough, remote area where most people worked at the local hydroelectric plants. Life was hard, with strong winds blowing 95% of the time. Workers often lived in cave houses to shelter from the weather, working long 70-day shifts.
Despite the harsh conditions, the area must have been a magical place for the Lima children. Imagine growing up with cliffs, rivers, and trees instead of a concrete city. However, things changed in the 1970s when a new company Hidrocantábrico, a Spanish energy company, took over. Many workers, including the Lima family, were fired. The Lima family had been working as caretakers and managing various tasks related to the Caminito del Rey and the surrounding area. Their role included maintaining the walkway and assisting with the hydroelectric plants. The area’s industrial work faded away, and over time, it became a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking. The beautiful cliffs and tough trails attracted outdoor adventurers, turning the area into a famous tourist destination. Today, hikers on the trail likely don’t realize that families like the Limas once lived here.
Ammonite Fossils of Caminito del Rey Right as we were descending into El Chorro, Sidd spotted one Ammonite fossil embedded in the limestone cliff. These spiral-shaped imprints are the remains of ancient sea creatures that lived millions of years ago. As you walk the trail, you can spot them at different points, but they become more noticeable near the end, in the El Chorro section. It felt like discovering a hidden piece of ancient Earth’s history, adding a special touch to the experience! |
El Chorro
As we neared the end, we hit the most exciting part—the thrilling, wind-swept swinging bridge! It was the perfect grand finale to the whole hike! I braved it, Sidd braved it, and the winds were as fierce as any normal day in The Netherlands! With the gusts howling around us, we kept our phones out and captured every epic moment of the walk. After crossing the bridge, we navigated a few stairs up and down, then walked along some flat ground where we found seating to relax and take it all in. From there, we made our way to the El Chorro neighborhood to return our helmets. The area is full of souvenir shops and food stalls, so we grabbed some fresh orange juice and tasty empanadas before heading to the bus stop, just 300 meters away, to catch the shuttle back to the Visitor Reception Centre. What a finish to an unforgettable adventure!
El Chorro is a small village near Caminito del Rey, known for its history and outdoor fun. A long time ago, a railroad was built through the area to connect Córdoba and Málaga, running along the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge with amazing views. The railroad was used to transport materials to nearby hydroelectric plants. Today, El Chorro is famous for rock climbing, with its tall cliffs attracting climbers from all over. The beautiful Hoyo Valley nearby is perfect for scenic views and other outdoor activities. |
Closing Thoughts
We’ve tackled far more strenuous and challenging trails, like Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest with a toddler in tow, no safety measures in sight; the Bohemian Switzerland National Park hike in the Czech Republic; the 15-day Indo-Tibetan hiking route, and many others. By comparison, Caminito del Rey was a relatively easy hike—charming, with no real difficulty—but the views made it one of my most memorable experiences. I’ve never seen a gorge quite like this (though Ronda was stunning too, it didn’t compare in scale or experience). With its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and unique geological wonders like ammonite fossils embedded in the rocks, Caminito del Rey is an absolute must-do! It’s an unforgettable journey through centuries of history, offering one of the most scenic hikes in Spain.
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