Quick Information

Plan your visit

What is Caminito del Rey?

Inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1921, Caminito del Rey, known as The King's Little Path, was originally a small service path on the right bank of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, connecting the El Gaitanejo dam with the El Chorro hydro-electric plant. Today, it is an 8-kilometre-long walkway in the canyons of central Malaga, hanging 100 meters above the River Guadalhorce. Located around 55 kilometres from Malaga City, Caminito del Rey is an iconic tourist destination in Spain known for its stunning natural beauty and exciting walkway experience.

Quick facts about Caminito del Rey

  • Official name: El Caminito del Rey
  • Location/Address: El Caminito del Rey, 29550 Ardales, Málaga, Spain
  • Date of opening: 21 May 1921 
  • Timings: 9am to 2:50pm (winter months) and 9am to 5:20pm (summer months)
  • Architect (for historical monuments): Original path built by Chorro Hydroelectric Society.  Path upgraded by Rafael Benjumea Burín.
  • Number of visitors per year: 300,000
  • Function: Originally built as an access route for workers at the El Chorro hydro-electric plant.Used as a walking path today.

Plan your visit to Caminito del Rey in Malaga

Opening Hours: The opening hours change depending on the season. The Caminito del Rey is open from 9am to 3:30pm in the winter months and from 9am to 5:20pm in the summer.

Closed: Every Monday, December 24 & 25, 31, and January 1.

Best Time to Visit: The best time of the year is from September to November. The best time of the day is in the morning.

Know detailed timings

Address: El Caminito del Rey, 29550 Ardales, Málaga, Spain

Find on Map

The Caminito del Rey is located in the central area of Malaga province, around 55 kilometres from Malaga city.

Nearby Landmark: Bobastro Ruins 

How to visit Caminito del Rey

What to see at Caminito del Rey?

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Desfiladero de los Gaitanes/El Chorro Gorge

Gaze at the beautiful Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Gorge created due to the relentless force of the Guadalhorce River. One of the most breathtaking canyons in the world, take a moment to cherish the spectacular work of nature, also known as El Chorro.

Geological Formations

You will find a plethora of magical geological formations, including caves and chasms as you walk along the 8-kilometer-long Caminito del Rey walkway. Do not miss the famous Cave of the Bats, which is home to a colony of bats, toward the end of your journey.

Wildlife

Known for its dazzling array of wildlife species, keep a lookout for the griffon vulture, falcon, and mountain goats

Corridor of the Immortals

Arguably one of the most famous and intimidating sections of the Caminito del Rey, the Corridor of the Immortals is a very narrow walkway, overlooking the El Chorro gorge, with cliffs on either side.

The Bridge of the Sighs

Legend has it that people felt a sigh of relief once they crossed the 30-metre-long Bridge of the Sighs, hence, earning its evocative name.

Waterfalls

You will spot several beautiful waterfalls along the Caminito del Rey, among which, the Gaitanejo Waterfall, located near the beginning of the walkway is considered the most gorgeous among them all.

Mirador de las Buitreras

A secluded vantage point offering some of the most enchanting views of the mountains and river bends. Do not miss the griffon vultures that are often spotted from here.

Caminito del Rey photos | Views on your walk

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History of Caminito Del Rey in a nutshell

While the construction of Caminito del Rey began in 1901 and concluded in 1905, it was only opened to the public in 1921 by King Alfonso XIII. The path was primarily built for the workers at the Hydroelectric Power Station in El Chorro, who needed access between the two hydro-electric sites, including  Salto del Chorro (Chorro waterfall) and Salto de Gaitenejo (Gaitenejo waterfall) for maintenance, transportation, and other purposes. The Caminito del Rey is one of the most popular attractions in Spain, thanks to its serene natural surroundings and memorable walking experience.

Who built Caminito Del Rey? 

The walkway was renovated by Chief Engineer Rafael Benjumea Burn in the early 1900s. The first path was built by the Sociedad Hydroelectrica del Chorro (Chorro Hydroelectric Society) between 1901 and 1905. While the stories remain unconfirmed to date, there are claims that convicts, including those sentenced to death, were tasked to construct the riskiest parts of the Caminito del Rey.

Frequently asked questions about Calminito Del Rey

Camintino del Rey is about an 8-kilometer walkway pinned to the El Chorro gorge in the central part of the Malaga province in Spain.