Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey
is a narrow cliff-side path hanging 100m above the waters of the river Guadalhorce. From the Embalse de Guadalhorce reservoir,
through the famous El Chorro gorge, close to El Chorro village, (major center for rock-climbing, a few rural hotels and a train station).
Caminito del Rey (King’s Little Path) is built onto the side of the limestone rock face. El Camino Del Rey was originally built around 1905
and improved around 1921 it fell into disrepair and over the past decades, the path became known as ‘the most dangerous path in the world' or even the ‘walk of death'.
Walk start with Penny, Angela, Alan and Malcolm
Start point
The 'new' Caminito del Rey was reconstructed and reopened to the public on 28 March 2015, with the route and design of the path keeping as closely as possible to the old one.
The starting point of the Camino del Rey access path is on the MA-444 just south where it crosses over the Conde de Guadalhorce Dam by a well-known roadside restaurant called "El Kiosko".
The bus service stop between the two access points is located here. This is a suitable place to park a car. From here allow 50 minutes' walk to the Information office for registration.
Comments from Alan
“ Caminito walk. We did this walk in early June at 3.30 in the afternoon, even though it was a warm day there is lots of shade on the route and in many stretches a pleasant breeze, so no problem with the sun or the heat.
It is an amazing experience, the views, the boardwalk and the history. The new boardwalk is very safe and secure so even those with no head for heights should feel confident.
The old one, which in parts is directly under the new one, may have been a more hair raising experience.
As you walk on the boardwalk sections you can’t help but think about the guys who constructed it, how they hung on the gorge wall, how they transported the materials in and how they tested the finished boardwalk.
There are also relaxing stretches on terra firma between the boardwalk sections
There are breathtakingly views all the way along the walk, views of the gorge, the lakes and the general area all around.
There are many eagles, or are they vultures, flying overhead and no doubt nesting in the upper walls of the gorge. It is an experience of a lifetime and should be added to everyone’s 50 things to do before you know what ”.
Comments from Caroline
“ Caminito del Rey adventure is an experience of contrasts; Long striding walks either end, tentative steps along the dramatic boardwalks interspersed with gentle strolling through woodland paths,
animated chat meeting fellow walkers, quiet moments of reflection absorbing the grandeur and scale of the cliffs and gorges, fear, verging on terror in parts, the exhilaration having done it - then that Gin and Tonic to complete the experience “.
Comments from Penny
“ Caminito walk. The recent restoration has opened up the stunning trail to a much wider audience. It’s no longer the preserve of professional climbers and adrenaline-seekers; the damaged paths have been fixed and reinforced,
with a new handrail and glass-viewing platform for the brave. I think it's great that more people can take in the spectacular views the walkway has to offer “.
Caminito del Rey, far left the glass balcony
Comments from Annie
“ A few words on the Caminito walk A thoroughly enjoyable day out with a sense of adventure but felt totally safe along the whole walk.
The views are spectacular - the gorges, the river and surrounding hills. We loved watching the birds of prey circling in the warm air by the top ridges “
Comments from Malcolm
“ Caminito del Rey. Being nearly 80 and having had a cancerous tumor removed a few months earlier I was a little anxious about being able to undertake this venture.
Within a few minutes of starting the elevated walk along the ravine all anxiety disappeared and I was captivated by the wonderful views. I am doing it again in October “.
Comments from David
“ Caminito del Rey is not for the faint-hearted. So long as the person is reasonably fit they will definitely have an adventure.
An exhilarating experience with fantastic views thrown in for free. An achievement to be talked about for years “.
Annie walking the suspension bridge
Caminito Del Rey
The Caminito del Rey (King’s Little Path) is built onto the side of the limestone rock face, and passes through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (Gaitanes Gorge),
also known as Garganta del Chorro (litteraly throat of Chorro) after the nearby village and offering spectacular, heart-stopping views down a sheer drop to the churning waters.
The famous boardwalk section is 2.9 km long and is constucted with a wooded slatted boardwalk and simple 1.2m-high three-wire guard rail. In places it is only one metre wide, hanging to the cliff face.
The 'old' path can be seen just below. A highlight is the steel suspension bridge across the gorge, just next to the emblematic aquaduct bridge.
