Caminito del Rey: the walkway along the gorge, an hour and a half from the coast
From the apartment: about 110 km, 1 h 30 by car (AP-7/A-7 to Málaga, then the A-357 towards Ardales).
Once "the most dangerous path in the world", the Caminito del Rey was rebuilt in 2015 as a wooden walkway bolted to the walls of the Gaitanes gorge, a hundred metres above the Guadalhorce river, and it is now one of Andalusia's most popular excursions. The route is linear, 7.7 km long, takes three to four hours, and needs a ticket booked in advance. From Casares Costa it is a comfortable day: leave after breakfast, walk in the late morning, lunch in El Chorro, back for a swim.
Why go
- The walkway: three kilometres of boardwalks and a hanging bridge over a canyon 100 m deep.
- Turquoise reservoirs, vultures overhead and the hydroelectric works that the path was built to service in 1905.
- Well organised: numbered time slots, helmets, marshals and a shuttle bus back to the car.
- Not technical: anyone comfortable with heights and a long walk can do it.
What to see and do
The route
You enter at the northern access near Ardales (El Kiosko), walk through pine forest to the control point, then follow the boardwalks through the Gaitanejo and Gaitanes gorges, cross the suspension bridge and descend to the exit at El Chorro station. Boardwalks make up about three of the 7.7 km; the rest is forest track. The whole thing takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. Helmets are handed out at the control point and are compulsory.
Tickets
Buy on the official platform, caminitodelrey.info. General entry costs €10 (maximum ten tickets per purchase) and entry with an official guide €18. Visits run from 08:30 to 17:00, with winter hours of 09:00–16:00 from late October. Slots sell out weeks ahead in spring, autumn and at weekends; midweek in July or August is easiest but hot. The path is closed on Mondays and on days of strong wind or rain.
Getting there and the shuttle bus
Park at the northern car park by the Ardales access (240 spaces, €2 per day) and walk 20 minutes or take the shuttle to the start; at the end, at El Chorro, the shuttle bus (€2.50 per person, cash to the driver, or bought online) takes you back to the car park. The bus runs from 07:40 to 19:00 and stops 300 m from the car park, on the railway platform. Alternatively park at El Chorro and take the bus to the start first, so you finish at your car.
Who it suits
Children must be at least eight years old and everyone needs a head for heights, but the walkway is wide and railed; the hardest part is the length and the sun. Wear trainers or walking shoes, take water and a hat, and start early in summer. Dogs, pushchairs and large backpacks are not allowed.
Around it
El Chorro village has a couple of bars for lunch, and the reservoirs of Guadalhorce–Guadalteba a few kilometres north have beaches and kayak hire. Ardales, the nearest town, has a castle and a cave with prehistoric paintings (visits by appointment).
Practical information
| Distance from the apartment | About 110 km · 1 h 30 |
|---|---|
| Tickets | €10 general, €18 with official guide, on caminitodelrey.info; book weeks ahead |
| Hours | 08:30–17:00; 09:00–16:00 in winter (from late October); closed Mondays |
| Shuttle bus | €2.50 per person, cash to the driver or online; 07:40–19:00 |
| Parking | Northern car park (Ardales access), €2 per day, 240 spaces |
| Route | 7.7 km linear, 3–4 hours, about 3 km of boardwalks; helmet provided |
| Age | Minimum 8 years |
FAQ
- How much does the Caminito del Rey cost?
- €10 for general entry and €18 with an official guide, plus €2.50 for the shuttle bus and €2 for parking.
- Can children do the Caminito del Rey?
- Yes from eight years old, provided they are used to walking and heights. Younger children are not admitted.
- Is the Caminito del Rey scary?
- The walkway is wide, railed and solid, but it hangs 100 m above the river and the glass floor section and hanging bridge test anyone with vertigo.