Caminito del Rey Guide 2025: How to Plan the Perfect Visit

Caminito del Rey Guide: Map, North Access, Shuttle Bus & Best Tips for Visiting

Welcome to our updated Caminito del Rey guide – your essential companion for visiting one of Spain´s most breathtaking trails. This guide covers everything you need to know: tickets, the Caminito del Rey north access, parking options, shuttle bus details, and a map overview to plan a stress-free trip.

1. Caminito del Rey Map and Route Overview

Before you visit, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the Caminito del Rey map. The trail runs one way — from north to south — beginning near Ardales (El Kiosko Restaurant) and ending at El Chorro.

Trail length: ~7.7 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours (including access paths)

Sections:

1. Gaitanejo Gorge
2.Tajo de las Palomas
3. Valle del Hoyo
4. Gaitanes Gorge
5. South Wall and Suspension Bridge
6. Exit Path to El Chorro

2. Caminito del Rey Tickets and Guided Tours

Booking early is essential — especially during spring and autumn. Tickets are available in two formats:

– General Admission

– Guided Tour (“Visita Guiada”)

If Caminito del Rey official tickets are sold out, try searching via GetYourGuide.

Caminito del rey tickets on the day are occasionally available but not guaranteed. The ticket booth is about a 25-minute forest walk from the Caminito del Rey north access tunnel (see below). Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

3. Caminito del Rey North Access

The Caminito del Rey north access is the main entrance, located near Restaurante El Kiosko in Ardales. There are two access paths:

– Caminito del Rey Access 1. Tunnel 1, the Gaitanejo path, 2.7 km – about 50 minutes (just near the Kiosko Restaurant)

– Caminito del Rey Access 2. Tunnel 2, the Gaitanejo track, 1.5 km – about 25 minutes ( 200 m walk from the Kiosko Restaurant)

Both lead to the ticket booth, where you’ll collect your helmet and have your ticket scanned.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Dec 24–25, Dec 31, and Jan 1.
Arrive 30 minutes before your entry time for check-in and safety briefing.

If you book through a third-party tour, verify your Caminito del rey guided tour meeting point — some tours have separate start locations.

4. One-Way Trail and Return Options

The Caminito del Rey route runs strictly one way, from north (Ardales) to south (El Chorro). Once you finish the trail, you cannot turn back. The whole area is incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit.

After completing the hike, you can:

– Walk 30 minutes to El Chorro train station, or

-Take the Caminito del Rey shuttle bus back to the starting area or parking.

This setup makes planning your Caminito del Rey parking options crucial (details below).

5. Caminito del Rey Shuttle Bus: Routes, Timetable & Tickets

The Caminito del Rey shuttle bus connects:

– El Chorro (south exit) ↔ Restaurante El Kiosko / North access

– Visitor Center ↔ El Chorro / Ardales

Schedule: Every 30 minutes, from 07:40 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: €2.50 (cash only, valid all day for both directions)
Tickets: Purchase online with your Caminito del Rey entry ticket or directly from the driver.

Note: Keep your printed or digital ticket handy — inspectors occasionally request proof even if pre-purchased. The shuttle takes around 15–20 minutes and is essential for most visitors who park at the starting point.

6. Caminito del Rey Parking Options

Wondering where to park for Caminito del Rey? Finding convenient Caminito del Rey parking options is key for a smooth visit, and there are several good choices depending on where you start:

🅿️ Parking at Caminito del Rey North Access (Ardales)

→ Parking P1 Municipal Lot: GPS 36.931863, -4.801762 (€2/day or free in open areas).

→ From here, walk 20–50 minutes via one of the two access paths.

→ After your hike, take the shuttle bus from El Chorro back to P1.

🅿️ Parking at the Caminito del Rey Reception Center

→ Visitor Center: GPS 36.91464175, -4.807614262

→ €2/day, tickets can be added when booking Caminito del Rey entry tickets online.

→ Arrive at least 1.5 hours before your hike to allow for parking, shuttle transfer, and check-in.

Note: this parking caminito del rey facility is situated about halfway between the village of El Chorro and the start point of the Caminito del Rey.

🅿️ Parking at El Chorro Exit (South Side)

→ Parking P2: GPS 36.932480, -4.788978

→ Park here and take the shuttle bus to the Caminito del Rey north access at least 1 hour before your entry time.

Ideal if you prefer to finish the hike where your car is waiting.

Pro tip: Be prepared with correct change for parking and bus fares due to reported parking-related issues.

7. How to Get to Caminito del Rey

🚆 By Train

If you’re traveling by train, take a Renfe service to El Chorro station, the southern end of the trail. From there, board the Caminito del Rey shuttle bus to the north access near El Kiosko Restaurant. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes and costs €2.50 (cash only).

If early-morning trains aren’t available or don’t align with your ticket time, explore alternative transport options. Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer private group buses and organised tours with guaranteed entry tickets — a reliable solution for visitors coming from Málaga or the Costa del Sol. You can also use local taxis or Uber for a flexible early arrival to the Caminito del Rey north access.

If you need to wait for your return train after the hike, the nearby Hotel La Garganta is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy food, drinks, and one of the most spectacular views in Spain from its terrace overlooking the gorge and reservoirs.

🚗 By Car

Drive to Restaurante El Kiosko or the Caminito del rey Visitor Reception Center, depending on your parking choice. The roads are well sign-posted but become narrow near the reservoir, so drive carefully.

You can often park by the roadside near El Kiosko, though spaces fill quickly. There are also extra parking options along the lakeside, stretching toward Hotel Posada del Conde, plus a paid lot near Restaurante El Mirador just before reaching El Kiosko.

These areas are convenient for starting from the Caminito del Rey north access, with the shuttle bus available afterward to return to your car.

🚌 Guided Tours with Transport

If you prefer convenience or don´t have a car, book an organised Caminito del Rey tour with transportation from Málaga, Fuengirola, or other Costa del Sol cities. Tours often include skip-the-line entry, a guide, and round-trip transfer.

8. Caminito del Rey Visitor Center

The modern Caminito del Rey Reception Center at Puerto de las Atalayas (MA-5403 road) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays. It features:

– Exhibits on geology, archaeology and history

– A scenic viewing terrace over the reservoir

– Ticket and information assistance

– Paid parking (€2/day)

An important note: Caminito del Rey tickets currently cannot be purchased at this location; they can only be booked online on the caminito del rey official website or at the ticket booth (northen access).

El Caminito del Rey Guide: Final Thoughts

This Caminito del Rey guide has covered everything from the north access tunnels to parking options, maps, and shuttle bus logistics. With careful planning and early arrival, your experience on this spectacular walkway will be seamless and unforgettable.

If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact us. Happy exploring!

Thank you for reading: Caminito del Rey Guide 2025: How to Plan the Perfect Visit

Let’s stay in touch! Follow us @taolivincom

Frequently Asked Questions About Caminito del Rey

Can I experience the beauty of Caminito del Rey without hiking it?

Yes. If hiking the full route isn’t for you, you can still enjoy incredible views of the Caminito del Rey walkway. From the El Chorro (south access) side, visitors can admire the suspension bridge and cliffs without entering the trail. Around the lakeside near Restaurante El Kiosko, you’ll also find stunning lookout points and can walk down to the Caminito del Rey entrance and ticket booth for a closer view.

Do you need to book Caminito del Rey tickets in advance?

Absolutely. Tickets for the Caminito del Rey sell out fast due to limited daily capacity. Book early via the official website or trusted partners like GetYourGuide or Viator. Caminito del Rey on the day tickets at the Caminito del Rey reception center are rarely available. Visiting without a ticket isn’t possible, so reserve ahead to guarantee entry.

Can you walk the Caminito del Rey without a guide?

Yes — self-guided visits are allowed. However, joining an official guided tour offers added value: expert explanations of the area’s history, and wildlife. Guides meet at the Caminito del Rey north access and ensure a richer experience for first-time visitors.

How to visit Caminito del Rey?

To visit, book your tickets online and plan your transportation to the Caminito del Rey entrance near Ardales. Arrive early (at least 30 minutes before entry), wear closed shoes, and carry water. Whether you drive, take the Caminito del Rey shuttle bus, or join a guided tour, follow trail signs carefully — it’s a one-way route ending in El Chorro.

How long does Caminito del Rey take?

The total route is around 7.7 km, including approach paths. Expect the full experience to take 3 to 4 hours. This includes time from the north access tunnel to the Caminito del Rey ticket booth, through the gorges, and down to El Chorro.

What is the best time to visit Caminito del Rey?

The best time to visit Caminito del Rey is during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when temperatures are mild and the scenery is lush. These shoulder seasons have fewer tourists, creating a calmer experience.

If summer is your only option, visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. Longer daylight hours make it easier to complete the trail at a relaxed pace.

What are the best days to visit?

Midweek visits — especially Wednesdays or Thursdays — are ideal. Weekends and public holidays tend to be crowded, so plan your Caminito del Rey day trip for a weekday if possible. This also helps secure better parking near the north access and smoother shuttle connections.

Do you need hiking boots for Caminito del Rey?

You don’t need heavy boots, but closed, sturdy shoes (like trainers or trekking shoes) are mandatory. Sandals or heels are not allowed for safety reasons on the boardwalks.

Can children visit Caminito del Rey?

Yes — but only for children aged 8 and older. Bring an ID or Family Book for verification at the Caminito del Rey entrance. Younger children are not permitted for safety reasons.

Are restrooms available on the Caminito del Rey trail?

No. There are no restrooms on the walkway itself, so plan ahead. Facilities are available near the Caminito del Rey reception center, ticket booth, and El Kiosko Restaurant before starting. Carry your waste out, as there are no bins along the trail.

Are digital tickets accepted for entry?

Yes. Digital Caminito del Rey tickets are accepted — there’s no need to print them. Save the PDF confirmation (with barcode) on your phone or download it offline since mobile signal can be weak. For shuttle bus tickets, keep your PDF or printed version handy; inspectors may ask to see proof even if it’s linked to your main ticket.

Note that mobile coverage can be limited, so having offline access to essential documents is crucial.

Can I bring my own helmet?

Yes. Visitors can use their own certified hiking or climbing helmet, provided it meets safety standards. Otherwise, helmets are supplied at the Caminito del Rey ticket booth before you start your hike.

Where to eat near Caminito del Rey?

Here are some of our favourites Caminito del Rey restaurants in the area:

Hotel La Garganta (El Chorro): A traveler favorite beside the train station, known for its terrace offering one of the best panoramic views in Spain. Ideal for a post-hike meal or a drink while waiting for your train.
Restaurante El Mirador Ardales: A cozy restaurant with lakeside views near the Caminito del Rey north access.
Mesón Carrión (Álora): Serves traditional Andalusian cuisine, about a 10-minute drive from the Caminito del Rey south exit.

News / Post Page