Caminito Del Rey tickets | Malaga

4.4(2.3K Ratings)

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Group of tourists exploring the scenic Caminito del Rey trail, a unique day trip from Seville, Spain, with General Entry Tickets
Hikers crossing a bridge in Caminito del Rey
Hiker photographing the view in Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Group of tourists hiking on the Caminito del Rey trail in Malaga, Spain, guided tour in English & Spanish
Tourists hiking on the scenic trail at Caminito del Rey, Spain, showcasing the General Entry Tickets tour
Group of hikers enjoying the scenic view on the Caminito del Rey trail, a unique day trip experience in Malaga, Spain
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville, with scenic mountain views and round-trip transfers included
Man rappelling down Caminito del Rey in safety gear
Hikers in Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Caminito del Rey, Spain, with General Entry Tickets
Group of tourists exploring the scenic Caminito del Rey trail, a unique day trip from Seville, Spain, with General Entry Tickets
Hikers crossing a bridge in Caminito del Rey
Hiker photographing the view in Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Group of tourists hiking on the Caminito del Rey trail in Malaga, Spain, guided tour in English & Spanish
Tourists hiking on the scenic trail at Caminito del Rey, Spain, showcasing the General Entry Tickets tour
Group of hikers enjoying the scenic view on the Caminito del Rey trail, a unique day trip experience in Malaga, Spain
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville, with scenic mountain views and round-trip transfers included
Man rappelling down Caminito del Rey in safety gear
Hikers in Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Caminito del Rey, Spain, with General Entry Tickets
Group of tourists exploring the scenic Caminito del Rey trail, a unique day trip from Seville, Spain, with General Entry Tickets
Hikers crossing a bridge in Caminito del Rey
Hiker photographing the view in Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Group of tourists hiking on the Caminito del Rey trail in Malaga, Spain, guided tour in English & Spanish
Tourists hiking on the scenic trail at Caminito del Rey, Spain, showcasing the General Entry Tickets tour
Group of hikers enjoying the scenic view on the Caminito del Rey trail, a unique day trip experience in Malaga, Spain
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville, with scenic mountain views and round-trip transfers included
Man rappelling down Caminito del Rey in safety gear
Hikers in Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Caminito del Rey, Spain, with General Entry Tickets
Tickets
4.2(735)

Caminito del Rey General Entry Tickets

from
€45
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr. - 4 hr.
Guided tour
  • Seasoned hikers come get your next big dose of adventure! With these entry tickets, scale the 7.7-kilometer Caminito del Rey trail at your own pace.
  • Chart your way through remote Mediterranean landscapes full of spring colors and alpine flowers, as you pass the ruins of ancient cave houses.
  • Stand at the Los Embalses viewpoint to admire Andalusia’s key hydraulic complex, where turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs and lush greenery.
  • Upgrade to include a bilingual guide on your hike and find out all about the natural forces that carved the unique 'Gothic Arc'.
  • Seasoned hikers come get your next big dose of adventure! With these entry tickets, scale the 7.7-kilometer Caminito del Rey trail at your own pace.
  • Chart your way through remote Mediterranean landscapes full of spring colors and alpine flowers, as you pass the ruins of ancient cave houses.
  • Stand at the Los Embalses viewpoint to admire Andalusia’s key hydraulic complex, where turquoise waters meet rugged cliffs and lush greenery.
  • Upgrade to include a bilingual guide on your hike and find out all about the natural forces that carved the unique 'Gothic Arc'.

Inclusions

  • Entry to Caminito del Rey
  • Expert English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide (as per option selected)
  • Guided tour of Caminito del Ray (as per option selected)
  • Helmets, radio guides, & headphones (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Shuttle service to the meeting point (available at an additional charge, payable at venue)
  • Tip: Visit in March or April to best appreciate the flora, including Aleppo pines, junipers, eucalyptus, willows, and ash trees!
  • Caminito del Rey is a one-way trek. Your tour will start at the north entrance (Ardales) and end at the south entrance, in El Chorro town.
  • If you are driving by yourself, you can park your vehicle at the Visitor Centre Parking Lot.
  • Carry 2.50 EUR change to book a roundtrip shuttle service from the parking lot to the meeting point of the trek. For maximum convenience, the shuttle also drops you back at the parking lot.
  • The total length of the trail is 7.7 KM (4.8 miles). Please ensure appropriate physical preparedness.
  • Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
  • The following are not allowed on the hike: bulky backpacks, smoking, crutches and/or canes.
  • This experience is not the best fit for pregnant people and guests with cardiac, respiratory, locomotor, or vertigo issues.
  • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
  • Please plan to have a meal and use the bathroom before beginning the trek, as there is no facility or possibility to stop in the middle of the route.
  • Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 8 years.
  • Guests between the ages of 8 and 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Don't forget to bring along your ID, passport, family book, or equivalent document.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Trekkers on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Royal Trail or The King's Little Path in Caminito Del Rey
Hikers in safety gear at Caminito del Rey
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Guadalhorce river running through Caminito del Rey Hiking Trails
Hikers in safety gear at Caminito del Rey
Tourists trekking in Caminito Del Rey trail overlooking Ribera Bridge
Trekkers on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey Canyon entrance
Hikers leaving the Tafonis tunnel on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Trekkers on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Royal Trail or The King's Little Path in Caminito Del Rey
Hikers in safety gear at Caminito del Rey
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Guadalhorce river running through Caminito del Rey Hiking Trails
Hikers in safety gear at Caminito del Rey
Tourists trekking in Caminito Del Rey trail overlooking Ribera Bridge
Trekkers on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey Canyon entrance
Hikers leaving the Tafonis tunnel on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Trekkers on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Royal Trail or The King's Little Path in Caminito Del Rey
Hikers in safety gear at Caminito del Rey
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Guadalhorce river running through Caminito del Rey Hiking Trails
Hikers in safety gear at Caminito del Rey
Tourists trekking in Caminito Del Rey trail overlooking Ribera Bridge
Trekkers on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey Canyon entrance
Hikers leaving the Tafonis tunnel on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Guided Tours
4.2(503)

Caminito del Rey Official Guided Tour in English & Spanish

from
€45
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.
  • Tackle the world's scariest trail with a guide. Handrails, boardwalks, and skywalks make the Caminito del Ray trek safe, but no less thrilling!
  • From being named the King's Little Path to the historic hydroelectric plant, hear it all with your bilingual guide and radio headsets.
  • Take the dizzying swing bridge and marvel at the emerald river 100m below you, flanked by towering canyon walls and lush green landscapes.
  • Spot perfectly preserved wave fossils, traditional cave dwellings, and spectacular natural phenomena like the 'Gothic Arc'.
  • Tackle the world's scariest trail with a guide. Handrails, boardwalks, and skywalks make the Caminito del Ray trek safe, but no less thrilling!
  • From being named the King's Little Path to the historic hydroelectric plant, hear it all with your bilingual guide and radio headsets.
  • Take the dizzying swing bridge and marvel at the emerald river 100m below you, flanked by towering canyon walls and lush green landscapes.
  • Spot perfectly preserved wave fossils, traditional cave dwellings, and spectacular natural phenomena like the 'Gothic Arc'.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Caminito del Rey with entry
  • Expert English & Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
  • Helmets, radio guides, & headphones

Exclusions

  • Shuttle service to & fro the meeting point (available at an additional charge, payable at venue)
  • Tip: The Mirador de los Gaitanes is a viewpoint toward the end of the trail that offers an amazing view of the gorge and Caminito del Rey.
  • Caminito del Rey is a one-way trek. Your tour will start at the north entrance (Ardales) and end at the south entrance, in El Chorro town.
  • If you are driving by yourself, you can park your vehicle at the Visitor Centre Parking Lot.
  • Carry 2.50 EUR change to book a roundtrip shuttle service from the parking lot to the meeting point of the trek. For maximum convenience, the shuttle also drops you back at the parking lot.
  • The total length of the trail is 7.7 KM (4.8 miles). Please ensure appropriate physical preparedness.
  • Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
  • The following are not allowed on the hike: bulky backpacks, smoking, crutches and/or canes.
  • This experience is not the best fit for pregnant people and guests with cardiac, respiratory, locomotor, or vertigo issues.
  • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
  • Please plan to have a meal and use the bathroom before beginning the trek, as there is no facility or possibility to stop in the middle of the route.
  • Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 8 years.
  • Guests between the ages of 8 and 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Don't forget to bring along your ID, passport, family book, or equivalent document.
  • Collect your safety gear like helmet and radio headsets at the ticket office near the Northern entry point.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hikers in Caminito del Rey on a Guided Tour
AC bus for a One Day Guided Tour
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour with round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville, walking on a bridge against a backdrop of scenic cliffs and greenery
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour with round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville, walking on a bridge with scenic mountain views
Group of tourists exploring the Caminito del Rey in Spain, guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville with round-trip transfers
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Group of tourists exploring the Caminito del Rey in Spain, guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville with round-trip transfers
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge in Caminito del Rey
Conde de Guadalhorce Dam, Caminito del Rey
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville, with scenic mountain views and round-trip transfers included
Hikers in Caminito del Rey on a Guided Tour
AC bus for a One Day Guided Tour
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour with round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville, walking on a bridge against a backdrop of scenic cliffs and greenery
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour with round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville, walking on a bridge with scenic mountain views
Group of tourists exploring the Caminito del Rey in Spain, guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville with round-trip transfers
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Group of tourists exploring the Caminito del Rey in Spain, guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville with round-trip transfers
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge in Caminito del Rey
Conde de Guadalhorce Dam, Caminito del Rey
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville, with scenic mountain views and round-trip transfers included
Hikers in Caminito del Rey on a Guided Tour
AC bus for a One Day Guided Tour
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour with round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville, walking on a bridge against a backdrop of scenic cliffs and greenery
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour with round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville, walking on a bridge with scenic mountain views
Group of tourists exploring the Caminito del Rey in Spain, guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville with round-trip transfers
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge on a Guided Tour of Caminito del Rey
Group of tourists exploring the Caminito del Rey in Spain, guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville with round-trip transfers
Hikers on the Suspension Bridge in Caminito del Rey
Conde de Guadalhorce Dam, Caminito del Rey
Group of tourists enjoying the Caminito del Rey guided tour from Granada, Malaga, or Seville, with scenic mountain views and round-trip transfers included
Day Trips
4.5(1.6K)

From Granada/Seville: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

from
€99
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
6 hr. - 10 hr.
Guided tour
  • With a pro guide, roundtrip transfers, and entry tickets all sorted, you can focus on enjoying the Caminito del Rey high without a hitch.
  • In Granada or Seville? Hop on a cozy AC bus and save your stamina for an epic hike along cliff-hugging trails, soaring 300m above an untamed river.
  • Make the most of your time with an expert ready to spill stories of how local kids once braved the 'world’s scariest walkway' just to get to school!
  • Capture Europe's finest sights along your way — sparkling turquoise river, wildflower-dotted Mediterranean terrain, and dramatic rock formations.
  • With a pro guide, roundtrip transfers, and entry tickets all sorted, you can focus on enjoying the Caminito del Rey high without a hitch.
  • In Granada or Seville? Hop on a cozy AC bus and save your stamina for an epic hike along cliff-hugging trails, soaring 300m above an untamed river.
  • Make the most of your time with an expert ready to spill stories of how local kids once braved the 'world’s scariest walkway' just to get to school!
  • Capture Europe's finest sights along your way — sparkling turquoise river, wildflower-dotted Mediterranean terrain, and dramatic rock formations.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Caminito del Rey with entry
  • Expert English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
  • Round-trip transfers from Granada/Seville (as per option selected)
  • Tip: Toward the end of the trail, keep an eye out for the Cave of the Bats, home to a small colony of these winged mammals.
  • Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 8 years.
  • Guests between the ages of 8 and 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and bring along their ID, passport, family book or equivalent document.
  • Shutterbugs, take note: Photography using selfie sticks or tripods are prohibited.
  • Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
  • This experience is not the best fit for guests with cardiac, respiratory or locomotor issues and vertigo.
  • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
  • Please plan to have a meal and use the bathroom before beginning the trek, as there is no facility or possibility to stop in the middle of the route.
  • The total length of the trail is 7.7 KM (4.8 miles). Please ensure appropriate physical preparedness.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MalagaCaminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey | Brave the King’s Little Pathway

The Caminito del Rey is a hike unlike any other. It's a narrow walkway clinging to the vertical cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge near Malaga, Spain. Back in the day, when the path through the steep Spanish gorge was falling apart, it had different names like The King's Little Path, The World’s Most Dangerous Trail, or El Camino de la Muerte (which means 'The Walkway of Death'). But those days are gone. Since 2015, strong wooden platforms have been installed over the Guadalorce River, making the new Caminito del Rey much safer, yet still retaining the thrill of the old days. If you're in Malaga, Granada, or Seville, you can plan a day trip to Caminito del Rey and make unforgettable memories.

What are you looking for?

No cliffhangers here (except the actual one)! Here is all you need to know about Caminito del Rey tours and how to maximize your visit! Just click on the links below to jump straight to what you're interested in:

  1. Why take a Caminito dey Rey tour?
  2. Things to keep in mind!
  3. Which Caminito del Rey ticket is best for you?
  4. Caminito del Rey day trip options | Choose your city
  5. Breaking down your Caminito del Rey walk
  6. Caminito del Rey tour highlights
  7. Get hike ready with these handy info | Caminito must-knows
  8. Visitor tips
  9. Frequently asked questions about Caminito del Rey tours

Things to keep in mind!

Understanding how to get to the Caminito del Rey trail can be confusing, but we'll try to clear it up for you.

Caminito Del Rey

Before booking your tickets

  • Book weeks in advance: Many wish to walk El Caminito del Rey due to its proximity to a cruise ship port and popular cities in Spain. However, entry is controlled and requires tickets. With limited daily spots (supposedly 1100) and timed entries, getting tickets can be tough. As a result, tickets and tours often sell out fast, particularly the cheaper ones without guides, which are often gone weeks in advance.
  • Age restrictions: Children under the age of 8 are not allowed to get on the walk. Visitors aged 8 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult and have ID. Adults should also carry proof of age. A copy/photo on your phone might suffice, (bear in mind the patchy 4G signal, so pre-download)
  • Fitness level: The Caminito del Rey is not a demanding hike in terms of distance (2.9 kilometers or 1.8 miles), but it does involve inclines and uneven terrain. There are also sections with stairs, including a long, steep climb at the beginning. If you suffer from severe vertigo or a deep fear of heights, consider avoiding the experience altogether.
Caminito del Rey walk

Before beginning your Caminito del Rey walk

  • Start point and ticket pick-up: The official start point of the Caminito del Rey tour, called the North Access, is where you'll show your ticket and get your helmet. Whether you have an entrance ticket, are part of a guided group, or on a day trip, you'll need to go here to begin the trail.
  • Getting to the North Access: The North Access isn't by a road, a car park, the Caminito del Rey Visitor Centre, or on the shuttle bus route. It's only reachable through a 1.5km walk via a couple of tunnels and a dusty trail.
  • The walk to North Access: The 1.5km walk is signposted and starts in a tunnel by the side of a road. It takes about 20 minutes, so plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before your ticket time.
  • You can't start at the South Exit: Caminito del Rey is a one-way loop, which starts at the North Access, so you will be picked up at the end of the walk by a shuttle bus. You can not start the journey from the South Exit. The shuttle links the entry and exit points: Ardales(entry) in the north and Álora(exit) in the south.

Note: Remember, none of the parking areas mentioned below (⬇️) are right next to the trail start point. You'll have to walk 1.5 km and take the shuttle bus at least once, regardless of where you park.

Which Caminito del Rey ticket is best for you?

As mentioned above, getting tickets for El Caminito del Rey is tough due to limited daily spots and high demand! There are three types of tickets available: Guided tours, General entry tickets, and Day trips. But which one should you pick? Let's look at the details to help you plan your ideal Caminito del Rey adventure.

Caminito del Rey General Entry

General entry

Who's this for: Independent hikers and budget-conscious travelers should go for Caminito del Rey tickets

  • Go at your own pace: Explore the Caminito del Rey independently, setting your own rhythm and schedule. Take photos, linger at viewpoints, and soak in the scenery at your leisure.
  • Budget-friendly: General entry tickets are the most affordable option, making the Caminito del Rey accessible to a wider range of visitors.
  • Flexibility: Choose your start time within your allotted entry window. This allows you to avoid peak crowds and potentially find better parking or shuttle availability.

Trip option: Caminito del Rey General Entry Tickets

Caminito del Rey Guided Tours

Guided tour

Who's this for: History buffs, First-time visitors, or those unfamiliar with the area should go for Caminito del Rey tours

  • Safety and security: Guides are trained in first aid and familiar with the terrain. This can provide peace of mind, especially for those with mild concerns about heights.
  • Group atmosphere: Enjoy the camaraderie of exploring with others, potentially making new connections with fellow adventurers.
  • Structured schedule: Follow a set itinerary with designated stops for photos and information. This ensures you don't miss any key points of interest.

Trip option: Caminito del Rey Official Guided Tour in English & Spanish

Caminito del Rey Day Trips

Day trips

Who's this for: If you're coming from far away and you don't want to worry about transportation

  • Transportation available: All three cities (Malaga, Granada, Seville) offer day trips with round-trip transportation included.
  • Explore beyond: If you have time in your hands, you can visit famous attractions in each of the cities, for example Alhambra Palace, Seville Cathedral, Picasso museum etc.!
  • Refuel after exertion: The hike can be tiring, and delicious post-hike food is a great reward. Stop at local restaurants, for example El Kiosko restaurant, for a flavor of rich and authentic Andalusian cuisine you might not experience otherwise!

Trip option: CFrom Granada/Malaga/Seville: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

Need tickets for Caminito del Rey but cutting it close? No worries! You can snag last-minute tickets right here with us. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous adventure or just realized you missed out, we’ve got you covered. Grab your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Click here to claim your last-minute Caminito del Rey tickets!

Caminito del Rey day trip options | Choose your city

Malaga
Granada
Seville

Breaking down your Caminito del Rey walk

Starting El Caminito del Rey Hike:

  • At the trailhead, there's a spot with a restaurant and parking spaces, where the last shuttle bus also stops. The shuttle bus makes stops along the road, which is handy for getting back to your car after the hike.
  • There are two paths at the start: one leads to the control house, where you get a helmet, and the other heads to the Gaitanejo dam, where the hike begins.

Swedish Tradition:

  • If you choose the longer path starting at Sillón del Rey, it's 2.7 km (1.7 mi) long and has stone benches, a table, and a chair used by the king. Alternatively, you can take the 1.5 km (1 mi) shorter trail that begins 200 meters (218 yards) before the restaurant and passes through a small cave.

The Unforgettable Suspension Bridge:

  • Once you reach the Gaitanejo dam, you'll encounter the Sierra Parda cave, once home to workers of the hydropower plant. Continuing along, you'll come to the Gaitanejo gorge and the Puente del Rey suspension bridge, which hangs high above the ground, surrounded by towering mountains.
  • Crossing the bridge, the path winds through the Los Gaitanes valley, with paths hanging 100 meters (109 yards) above the ground. The hike offers stunning views of nature in every direction, including a 100-year-old juniper tree and a "fossil beach" with fossils from the Jurassic period. Don't miss the glass balcony that juts off the main path. Finally, return the helmets and walk the last 2.1 km (1.3 mi) downhill to the El Chorro train stop.

Get hike ready with these handy info | Caminito must-knows

While day trips cover round-trip transportation, making your experience seamless and stress-free, here are some of the other ways you can travel to Caminito del Rey, how to visit, entrance, and all essential information explained for you!

Entrance
Parking
Getting there
Reception/facilities
Timings
Ecology
Rules
Signposting
Prohibition
Eat

There's only one northern entrance where most tours begin. You can't access the walk from anywhere else except for this North Access near El Kiosko restaurant. You can get there by car and park at the Ardales (€2/day) lot. From there, you have a choice of two paths: a shorter 20-minute walk through a tunnel, or a scenic 35-minute walk along the Gaitanejo trail. The trail offers lovely views but takes longer. Whichever path you choose, they both lead to the official entrance gate of El Caminito.

In summary:

  • Pedestrian tunnel (shorter, 20 minutes): This is near El Kiosko > takes you to the North access
  • Gaitanejo trail (longer, 50 minutes): This is a scenic route through a forest > takes you to the North access

If you're driving, you need to park at one of four available car parks to reach the tunnel entrance. You can pay on arrival with cash or reserve a spot while booking your tickets:

  • Car Park Ardales: Costs €2, opens at 8.30am, opposite the tunnel entrance. (Google Maps). There's free parking in the village of El Chorro (Google Maps)
  • El Kiosko: Limited free parking near a restaurant/cafe, then a 5-minute walk to the tunnel entrance. (Google Maps)
  • Official Caminito del Rey Car Park: Costs €2, furthest from the tunnel (2.2km), but you can reserve a space online. (Google Maps)

Note: As mentioned earlier, none of these car parks are located right next to the North Access. You will need to get on a 1.5km hike to reach the North Access to start your walk!

  • Reception Booth: After following the trail and landmarks, visitors arrive at the reception booth where the official route begins. This area features informational panels and is where two paths merge. The walk to this point can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the chosen path.
  • Check-In Process: At the Control Cabin, visitors receive a protection helmet and undergo a check for footwear and restricted items (e.g., umbrellas, hiking sticks, selfie sticks). They are then organized into groups based on their timeslot. Guides provide an introductory talk emphasizing the importance of not littering (orientation).
  • Shuttle bus: A shuttle bus service operates between the parking areas and the Caminito del Rey entrance, with tickets available for €2.50 each way online or in cash from the driver.
  • Important to note: There are no toilets or bins on the walkway itself, so be sure to use the facilities at the visitor center before you set off.
Caminito del Rey Timings
Caminito Del Rey Ecology
Caminito Del Rey Rules
  • Tickets & entry: Entry requires a digital or printed ticket and is primarily from the northern zone (Ardales), following a downhill path. Arrive 30 minutes before your time slot. The starting point is near Restaurant El Kiosko by the Conde del Guadalhorce Swamp. Use the designated northern access with your ticket. Off-path areas, especially train tracks, are off-limits.
  • Safety: Visitors between 8 and 18 years must have adult supervision and provide ID to prove age. Adults also need ID to enter and exit. Wear safety gear properly and proceed cautiously, especially when passing slower visitors. Follow staff instructions and keep areas clean. Access is limited to marked paths.
  • Expulsion: Misconduct may lead to expulsion. The administration can close the site for safety or maintenance without obligation. Comply with all staff directions and stay updated via the Caminito del Rey platform regarding any changes or incidents.

Signposting Details: All signs conform to the Natural Areas Signposting Manual from the Andalucia Council. Directions from Environmental Agents and Spanish military police are mandatory.

Types of Signposting:

  • Location Signs (Big Format): Provide general location within Málaga, showcasing the area's connection between northern plains and the Guadalhorce valley.
  • Guidance Signposting (Arrow-like Format): Placed at entry crossings of the two paths.
  • Complimentary Signposting: Marks the start and end of the path at the northern and southern accesses, with symbols indicating danger, prohibition, or precaution.
  • Theme Signposting: Discusses local flora, wildlife, and geology.
  • Public Use Signposting: Offers bilingual information about the route, including maps showing distances, landscape profiles, local amenities like hotels and restaurants, and specific locations.
Caminito Del Rey
  • Carrying and Lifting: Do not carry or lift anyone on the boardwalks.
  • Obstructions on Paths: Do not use harnesses, cables, or carry large backpacks and bags that could obstruct the path or cause accidents.
  • Mobility Aids and Accessories: Canes, crutches, wheelchairs, baby carriages, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
  • Misuse of Equipment: Follow correct usage of security equipment provided at access points.
  • Photography and Drones: Avoid using tripods, large cameras, or drones (unless specifically authorized).
  • Animals and Noise: Do not bring animals, play loud music, or make excessive noise.
  • Physical Environment: Do not swim in rivers or ponds, enter unauthorized tunnels, leave the path, damage geological features, paint, or write on surfaces.
  • Respect for Nature: Avoid pulling up plants, undressing, lying down, or scattering ashes.
  • Restricted Items and Areas: Bringing prams or anything that could hinder evacuation is not allowed. Children under 8 are not permitted.
Caminito del Rey Food

There are a couple of options for places to eat near Caminito del Rey, depending on what you're looking for:

  • El Kiosko (Quick and casual): This is a simple restaurant with a colorful terrace overlooking the lake. They offer tapas and traditional Malagan dishes, like fritura malagueña (fried fish) and gazpacho. It's a good option for a casual meal with a view. They're open every day from 8:30am to 10pm.
  • Restaurante El Mirador Ardales (Sit-down meal with a view): This restaurant offers Andalusian cuisine with a beautiful view of the mountains. They have a wide variety of dishes on the menu, including grilled meats, seafood, and pasta. They're open every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, except for Mondays.

Visitor tips

  • Wear trainers for the walk; hiking boots aren't necessary, but don't wear flip-flops or casual sandals to avoid injuring your feet while hiking.
  • You're allowed to bring a small backpack, but not large picnic setups. Remember to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
  • Bring water, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen, especially on your left side. Avoid walking between 12pm-3pm in peak summer to escape the intense sun for the roughly two-hour journey.
  • Use the bathroom before starting the walk, as there are limited facilities along the route. The last chance for a restroom break is at the northern access point, with another available about five minutes after the southern access/exit. Once you start, there's no turning back, and traffic flows only one way.
  • Despite visitor limits (1100), the boardwalks can still feel overcrowded. Consider slowing down to let others pass for a more enjoyable experience. Expect queues and congestion, especially during peak times like Easter, July, and August.
  • If you're nervous about heights, rest assured that the boardwalks are wide with handrails and steel mesh on exposed edges. It's a manageable experience designed to help overcome fear, but guided walks or virtual tours can offer additional support. However, If you have medical conditions, reconsider.

Frequently asked questions about Caminito del Rey tours

What type of Caminito del Rey day trips and tours are available?

Most Caminito del Rey day tours are full-day excursions, with transportation included from Malaga, Granada, or Seville. These day trips typically focus on the Caminito del Rey itself, with guided walks along the path and explanations about its history and geology. The right trip for you is based on your place of preference! If you're in Seville and you have time on your hands, get on a day trip to Caminito del Rey! Malaga is the closest to Caminito, so you can squeeze it into your itinerary any day! Granada is a great starting point, once you're done visiting Alhambra Palace and other famous attractions!

What are the must-visit attractions and how do I prioritize them?

The Caminito del Rey is the main attraction, but don't overlook:
El Chorro gorge: A beautiful natural area with waterfalls and hiking trails (allocate 1-2 hours)
Ardales: A charming white village with a castle and historical center (can take 1-2 hours)
Malaga (if departing from there): Explore the Malaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, or Alcazaba fortress.

Can I customize my day trip itinerary?

With an entrance ticket, you have the flexibility of curating your perfect itinerary

Are there any age restrictions for Caminito del Rey tours?

Children below 8 years of age are not allowed to get on a hike. This is due to safety considerations on the Caminito del Rey. Those aged 8-18 must be accompanied by adults at all times. Do not forget to bring ID proof with you.

Are day trips suitable for children or older adults?

The Caminito del Rey itself requires a good level of fitness and has uneven surfaces. It might not be suitable for very young children or older adults with mobility limitations.