Caminito del Rey is one of the most beautiful and appealing adventures in the Province of Málaga, Spain. It should be on anyone’s bucket list that is visiting Andalucia and nearby cities such as Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuenguirola or Ronda. The path wanders through beautiful forest lined valleys as well as the breathtaking gorges of the Guadalhorce River. Walls of multi-colored limestone and dolomite, alternately highlighted in shadow and bright sunlight, rise strikingly on the sides of the canyon, while hikers traverse a boardwalk up to 100 meters (328 feet) above the rushing waters of the river.
Construction of the original Caminito del Rey began in 1901 and was completed in 1905. The path was constructed for the Hydroelectric Power Station El Chorro. It provided a way for maintenance employees to cross the river in order to have access, as well as for the transportation of materials to construct and service the power station. King Alfonso XIII inaugurated the path when he visited the Conde del Guadalhorce dam in 1921. Since then, this route has been known as the Caminito del Rey.
At one time, Caminito del Rey was thought to be one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. This was due to the fact that over many years the path’s use, and the effects of nature, left some sections of the Caminito del Rey impassable and dangerous. After several fatal accidents, Caminito del Rey was closed in the year 2000. In 2009, restoration work began and in 2015 it was opened again to the public.
Many descriptions of the trail suggest that it’s “Terrifying” the “World’s Most Dangerous”, the “World’s Scariest”. In reality, the present path is wide, safe, stable, relatively flat along the majority of the trail, with occasional steep stairs. While it must be an individual choice, it’s likely that only hikers with serious vertigo may have difficulty traversing the path. This is not only due to the height of the trail hugging the walls of the gorge, but the necessity to cross the suspension bridge over the gorge near the end of the trail.
The total length of the walk is about 4.8 miles. This includes the initial 9/10-mile path to the beginning of the Caminito, the Caminito itself, and a hike of about 1-1/4 mile back to catch a bus back to parking. There are several rest spots on the trail. Any one in reasonably fit condition should have little problem making the trek.
Hikers are urged to bring some water and a snack. While large backpacks are not allowed on the trail, small backpacks are. Hence, some travelers bring a small picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the viewpoint/rest areas. Of course, check the weather in Ardales, Spain before you go and dress accordingly. It can be quite hot in summer and quite cold and windy in winter.
For 2023, guided walks are available for 18 Euros. Solo tickets are 10 Euros. It is STRONGLY recommended to buy tickets months in advance as this venue is often sold out, especially the solo tickets.
Your ticket time is for the trail itself. Allow plenty of time to arrive. While the drive from Malaga to parking, for example, is only about an hour, it is best to allow at least two hours to arrive at the trail. That gives time to take a bus from parking to the beginning of the path leading to the Caminito. Then there is the roughly 1 mile walk to the entry point. Best to allow for too much time than too little.
Children of 8 years of age or older are allowed on the trail accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed. Do not leave your dog in your car at parking! Selfie sticks and hiking poles are not allowed for safety reasons. Smoking is not allowed, even in rest areas. There are restrooms at the beginning of the trail. There are no restrooms available on the trail.
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16 окт 2024
