The early morning sun shines brightly as we stroll along the boardwalks clinging to the side of the steep cliff. Far below, the Guadalhorce River rushes through the canyon, carving it deeper with each passing year.
The path alternates between narrow passages and breathtaking views. Occasionally, you can see parts of the old, abandoned track—crumbling and hazardous—a reminder of when it was known as the World’s Most Dangerous Walkway, the Caminito del Rey.
Today, walking the Caminito del Rey is safe and straightforward. Extensively restored in 2015, visitors now receive a helmet and hairnet before entering. With the mesmerizing scenery, it’s easy to forget to watch out for the sharp cliffs beside you.
In terms of difficulty, it’s one of the easiest walks in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes nature park, located an hour’s drive northwest of Malaga in southern Spain. Even my 66-year-old mother with two bad knees was eager to do the 7.5 km walk again when we finished. This shows you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy this stunning experience. Just bring along your sense of adventure.
The three-hour walk has minimal stairs and mostly follows a level path through the canyon. As the boardwalk hugs the steep canyon walls, you’re treated to one spectacular view after another, whether it’s peering into the chasm below at the glass-floored lookout point, adjusting to the bright sunlight after exiting the shadowy gorge, or simply soaking in the amazing scenery. It’s a magical journey reminiscent of Indiana Jones or old Western movies.
The Guadalhorce River has carved out this remarkable canyon over millions of years. In some places, the canyon is just 10 meters wide, while in others, it plunges to depths of over 700 meters. The original boardwalk was constructed in 1905 as a service path between hydroelectric power plants at Chorro and Gaitanejo Falls. King Alfonso XIII himself traversed the walkway in 1921 for the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce dam, giving it its name: Caminito del Rey, or The King’s Little Pathway.
A tour costs a mere 10€, and it’s well worth the price. Tickets must be purchased online, which can be a bit confusing due to the various options and Spanish language. Choose the “Entrada General” option, select your desired date and time, and the number of tickets. Opt for the combined ticket and bus ticket, which you’ll need to return to your car since the walk is one-way. Remember to enter your passport number when booking, and bring your passport and credit card on the trip.
I recommend parking near the Northern Entrance at the Guadalhorce reservoir. There are several excellent restaurants with stunning water views, perfect for a post-hike lunch. Allow 15 minutes to walk from your car to the Northern Entrance to ensure you don’t miss your time slot.
After completing the walk, head to the Southern Entrance where a bus runs every half hour, taking you back to the Guadalhorce reservoir. There, you can unwind with a nice meal on a sun-soaked terrace.
Unsure if you’re up for it? You can take a Virtual Boardwalk tour on Google Maps, starting from the beginning or jumping to the highlights. Rest assured, the walkway will be fully repaired when you visit. If you need a place to stay nearby, consider Andalucia Vacation, which offers four properties near the charming white town of Álora, within driving distance of Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Malaga.
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