Caminito del Rey - El Chorro

You may have heard of it: El Caminito del Rey or the King’s Little Path. This path used to be known mainly among mountaineers and daredevils. Since 2015 it has become accessible to people without fear of heights. 
The Caminito del Rey takes you on a simple, yet spectacular three-kilometer-long high walkway. The path seems to be attached to a vertical rock wall with flowing water far below you and another vertical rock wall next to you.
 the Caminito del Rey walkway is suspended 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River, which meanders serenely between the steep canyons of the ravine. The views are breathtaking.

Practical information

You must buy tickets in advance (s. below text). In our opinion, the difficulty of this walk is largely exaggerated on the website of Caminito del Rey. Everyone with a normal condition and no fear of heights can do it. In addition to the walkway, there are sandy paths and a now-and-then staircase. There is little height difference. It is not a circular walk. At the end of the walk, a bus can bring you back to the starting point again.
Children under eight are not allowed for safety reasons.
The walk will take you at least 2-2,5 hours. The last part of the walk doesn’t offer many shelters. If you go in summer, don’t forget to bring sun lotion and a cap and preferably buy a ticket for the morning or the later afternoon (after 5 pm).

Order entrance tickets

An increasing number of people want to visit the Caminito del Rey. Only a limited number of people per day may visit the path. You should therefore order your entrance ticket in advance. There are a few possibilities:
– Order the entrance ticket via the official website
The other options we are happy to share with our guests. Send us a message!

How did the Caminito del Rey originate?

A couple of well-to-do gentlemen from Málaga came up with the idea to build a railway to connect Málaga with Córdoba. This would make it possible to transport goods from the fertile inland to both cities. You can think of olives, vegetables and fruit. Coal was also transported to Málaga and used in the factories.

The construction of the 192 km long railway started in 1860. The current Caminito del Rey was the most difficult part. The rocky terrain was difficult to access even by horse. When the railways were completed in 1866, the villages in the vicinity of the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes, the gorge near the village of El Chorro, grew. Other places that benefitted from the railway included Las Mellizas, Álora, Pizarra and Cártama.

Hydroelectric power station

The first electricity companies in Spain emerged at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the Spanish civil war. Málaga was the first Andalusian city with electricity. Initially, electricity was supplied by German and British companies. The province of Málaga changed it by building the Guadalhorce dam at El Chorro and generating energy itself. Even the king came over to take a look. Later on, a second dam was built. All construction materials were delivered by train and then transported with mules over the narrow paths, which are currently called Caminito del Rey! It’s the path King Alfonso XII walked on; the King’s Path.

What if you can’t get an entrance ticket?

The surrounding area of El Chorro, where Caminito del Rey is located, is extremely beautiful. You can easily enjoy yourself here for one day, so even if you do have an entrance ticket, continue reading …
…In 2020 a new visitor centre was opened near Caminito del Rey. From here, the buses leave for the starting point of the path. If you pass this centre you will reach another parking place after the tunnel. If you continue walking, you can walk through a long dark tunnel and observe a piece of the gorge. A perfect place for a nice walk.

The Ardales lakes; The turquoise-coloured Ardales lakes are located in woody surroundings with beautiful mountains. A lovely place for a refreshing dive or canoe trip.

Bobastro; This Moorish, rock-hewn church is definitely worth a visit.

Our E-Book also describes a walk in the mountains near Granada, which is a nice alternative to the Caminito del Rey.

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