El Caminito del Rey Day Trip: One of the Best Hikes in Spain

El Caminito del Rey Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re after one of the most thrilling hiking experiences in Spain, an El Caminito del Rey day trip should be at the top of your itinerary. This spectacular Caminito del Rey hike near Málaga combines vertigo-inducing boardwalks, remarkable engineering, and jaw-dropping scenery — all packed into a half-day adventure accessible from several Andalusian cities.

What is the Caminito del Rey?

Tucked away near Ardales, in Málaga province, lies a path that delivers much more than a simple walk — it’s an unforgettable Caminito del Rey trekking adventure. Once known as the most dangerous hike in the world, El Caminito del Rey has transformed into a bucket-list experience for thrill-seekers and history lovers alike.

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A Glimpse Into Its History

“El Caminito del Rey,” or The King’s Little Path, was built between 1901 and 1905 as a service walkway for workers maintaining the nearby hydroelectric plants at Chorro and Gaitanejo Falls. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII inaugurated the route linking the Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs — and from that moment, the 100-meter-high walkway became famously known as the King’s Pathway (Caminito del Rey).

Clinging to the cliffs high above the gorge, the narrow, one-metre-wide trail quickly became legendary. Over the decades, however, the walkway deteriorated, its concrete slabs crumbling away until only rusted steel beams remained. Despite being closed, adventurers kept sneaking in — and tragically, several fatal accidents in the late 1990s led to its full closure.

Following years of restoration, El Caminito del Rey reopened in 2015 as a safe yet still exhilarating experience. Today, the route features sturdy wooden paths, railings, helmets, and controlled access — preserving its wild beauty while ensuring safety for all.

Evolution of the Caminito del Rey Trail

Modern El Caminito del Rey stretches for about 7.7 kilometres, combining access trails and cliff-side boardwalks. The access paths total roughly 4.8 km, while the famous suspended walkway covers 2.9 km.

Once used by locals for everyday errands and even children on their way to school, the trail now stands as a monument to courage and engineering — offering every visitor a taste of that daring spirit.

Starting Your Caminito del Rey Hike

Walking this path feels like stepping back through history.

North Access (Ardales) – Park near Restaurante El Kiosko and walk 1.5 km through a tunnel to reach the control booth.
South Access (El Chorro) – Park near El Chorro and use the shuttle bus (every 30 minutes) to reach the starting point. It is not possible to start from this side.

The entire route — from reservoir to El Chorro — takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. Expect dramatic viewpoints, sheer cliffs, and plenty of photo stops along the way.

The Thrill of the Trail

As you make your way across the narrow walkways and glass platforms, you’ll feel suspended between sky and stone. Although no longer dangerous, the Caminito del Rey hike still delivers a rush of excitement and breathtaking views at every turn.

The finale of the Caminito del Rey trekking adventure is the spectacular Balconcillo de los Gaitanes, a 30-metre steel suspension bridge that sways gently in the wind — a highlight for many hikers and photographers.

Caminito del Rey Finish line

Once you’ve completed the route, return your helmet and take a short 20-minute stroll to the rest area near the shuttle stop. Reward yourself with a snack or drink before heading back.

If you have time, treat yourself to lunch at La Garganta restaurant — a scenic spot near the station known for its panoramic views of the gorge.

Getting there — Day-Trip Options

Planning your Caminito del Rey day trip is easier than you might think. Here are practical ways to reach El  Caminito del Rey so you can plan your arrival from different bases — by car, public transport or guided tour.

1. Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Malaga

If you’re starting in Málaga, you’re already in the perfect spot for a quick and easy visit.

By car: Take the A-357 / A-343 toward Ardales, then follow signs for el Caminito del Rey. The drive takes roughly 50 minutes (about 59 km), ending near the northern access point at Ardales. You can park near either entrance — just remember, the trail is linear, so many travellers park at the north entrance (start point) and return later by shuttle.

By train and shuttle: From Málaga María Zambrano station, take the local train to El Chorro (around 50–60 minutes). Once there, hop on the shuttle bus (cash only, €2.50) that runs every 30 minutes and drops you close to the north access entrance.

Prefer not to drive? Book a guided Caminito del Rey day tour from Málaga, which includes transport, entry ticket, and guide — ideal if you want a stress-free day out.

Find the best caminito del rey tours from Malaga:

2. Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Seville

From Seville, the Caminito del Rey makes for an exciting full-day adventure. The drive takes around 2 hours each way, passing through beautiful Andalusian countryside.

You can also catch a train from Seville-Santa Justa / San Bernardo to El Chorro. Duration about 2 h 30 m with several daily services.

Most travellers choose a guided bus tour, which includes transport, entrance ticket, and a guide — saving you the hassle of renting a car or managing timings.

Find top rated Caminito del Rey tours from Seville:

3. Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Granada

If you’re coming from Granada, expect a slightly longer journey — around 2 hours each way — but the stunning landscapes along the route make it worthwhile.

There is a train route from Granada to El Chorro (usually with at least one change) taking around 2h 45m to 3h or more depending on connections.

Again, the most convenient option is a full-day guided tour, which takes care of transport and entry logistics. It’s a great way to combine a cultural city break with a nature-filled adventure.

Explore Caminito del Rey tours from Granada:

4. Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Marbella / Fuengirola / Torremolinos

For those based along the Costa del Sol, you’ll find plenty of organized excursions departing from Marbella, Fuengirola, and Torremolinos.

These tours usually include pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point, transport by air-conditioned coach, your entrance ticket, and a guided walk. Because of the travel distance and pickup time, expect a full-day experience, with around ~2-3 hours of hiking and plenty of sightseeing along the way.

See top Caminito del Rey tours from the Costa del Sol:

Planning Your Caminito del Rey Day Trip

To make the most of your Caminito del Rey trekking adventure, keep these key tips in mind:

Tickets & Timing

→ Caminito del Rey tickets can sell out—especially in peak season. Book in advance.
→ If the official site is full, try GetYourGuide or other reputable platforms.
→ Arrive at least 30–60 minutes before your entry time to allow for parking and shuttle transfers.
→ Minimum age typically 8 years. Strollers, baby carriers not allowed.
→ Avoid midday hours in high summer (12-3 pm). Morning and late afternons are ideal.

What to Bring & Wear

→ Clothing appropriate to the season, wear comfortable clothes and shoes without heels, flip-flops are not allowed .

→ The journey has no designated meal stops, there’s a seating area at the end of El Chorro for a quick bite.

→ Pack light: It’s a straightforward walk, but you’ll thank yourself for bringing sunscreen, water, snacks like energy bars, fruit or nuts and a light backpack.

Facilities are limited: Toilets are available only at the start and end of the walk. Plan accordingly before you set off.

Safety & difficulty

→ The route is considered medium difficulty: walking for ~2-3 hours on uneven surfaces at height.
→ Not suitable if you have serious vertigo or mobility issues.
→ All visitors must wear helmets, follow marked routes, and comply with staff instructions.
→ The walkway is now completely safe, with railings, barriers, and security checks in place.

El Caminito del Rey Awaits: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re travelling from Málaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Seville, or Granada, an El Caminito del Rey day trip is one of southern Spain’s most thrilling outdoor adventures.

Breathtaking views, a bit of adrenaline, and a whole lot of “wow” moments — that’s Caminito del Rey in a nutshell. Lace up, step out, and see why everyone talks about this epic Spanish adventure.

Thank you for reading: El Caminito del Rey Day Trip: One of the Best Hikes in Spain

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Now that we have all the information we need, it’s time to plan your El Caminito del Rey day trip. For everything else—accommodation, tours, and travel—be sure to explore these essential resources:

RECOMMENDED LINKS AND RESOURCES IN ONE PLACE

Expedia: The nearest international airport to El Caminito Del Rey is Málaga Airport. Additionally, there is an airport in Granada that is served by domestic flights, primarily from Barcelona and Madrid. Check Expedia for flight options.

Hotels.com: Choose Hotels.com for a diverse range of luxury and resort hotel properties. Enjoy a seamless experience with a rewarding loyalty program and a price guarantee. Earn points with every booking, and enjoy complimentary hotel stays.

Plum Guide: When it comes to indulgent stays, our top recommendation is Plum Guide. Their exclusive collection of high-end vacation home rentals undergoes stringent assessments for comfort, design, and functionality.

Vrbo: For a wide selection of vacation rentals, Vrbo offers a variety of options, from beachfront properties to charming city apartments. Their platform ensures secure bookings.

GetYourGuide: For the best selection of tours and activities, highly rated by fellow travelers.

Discover Cars: For rental car price comparison and booking, with no hidden costs and the flexibility of free cancellation when you book your rental car through them.

Wise: When traveling abroad consider Wise. With their multi-currency account and debit card you can spend and withdraw money in over 40 currencies from local ATMs — much cheaper than using your local bank.

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