The Caminito del Rey is the best-selling nature excursion in Andalusia, and for good reason: a walkway pinned to the vertical walls of the Gaitanes gorge, more than 100 metres above the river, in a spectacular landscape. But it's also the visit most people miss for an avoidable reason: not booking the ticket in time. This guide explains how to organise everything so you don't miss out.
The golden rule: no ticket, no entry, and it sells out weeks or months ahead. If your Málaga trip revolves around the Caminito, book it before even your accommodation.
What it is and what the route is like
The Caminito is a linear route of about 7.7 km (3 km of walkways anchored to the rock plus access trails) through the Gaitanes gorge, between Ardales and Álora. It's done one-way (north to south) and takes about 3-4 hours including the shuttle bus that connects the two entrances. Built for the workers of the hydroelectric plant in the early 20th century and inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII (hence the name), it was rebuilt and reopened in 2015, now completely safe and with a helmet included.
Tickets: the most important part
| Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic ticket | Access to the route (helmet included) |
| Guided visit | With an official guide; you understand the setting better |
| When to buy | Online, weeks/months ahead |
| Closing days | Mondays (variable) and on strong wind or rain |
⭐ Tip: tickets go on sale months ahead on the official site and vanish. Check the available Caminito dates first and build the trip around that day, not the other way round.
Getting there from Málaga
By train. Renfe Cercanías/Media Distancia to El Chorro–Caminito del Rey or Álora (40-50 min from Málaga). From the station, the shuttle bus connects to the north entrance (the start).
By car. About 50 minutes to the Ardales/El Chorro area. Park at the north entrance car park and, when you finish in the south, return to the car on the shuttle bus (the route is linear, not circular).
⚠️ Warning: since the route is linear, plan your return: the shuttle bus between the two entrances is essential. Buy it with your ticket or have change for the fare.
Difficulty and who can go
The route is physically easy (there's almost no elevation and the walkways are flat), but not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo: there are stretches more than 100 metres up with the drop at your feet, though always protected. Under-8s are not allowed. Closed, comfortable footwear required.
What to bring
- Water and a snack (no shops inside).
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen in summer: much of it is in the sun.
- Closed, comfortable shoes.
- Your phone well secured: many people drop their camera into the void.
How to fit it into the trip
It's a full-day plan within a two- or three-day Málaga break. We link it as day 2 in Málaga in two days. When you finish, it's worth eating in El Chorro or Álora and seeing the area's turquoise reservoirs.
What we don't recommend
- Turning up without a ticket. It isn't sold at the gate in season; you'll be left out.
- Going with serious vertigo. However safe it is, you'll have a hard time.
- Bringing children under 8. It's not allowed.
- Forgetting the shuttle bus. The route is linear; without it you can't get back to the start.
Common mistakes
⚠️ Warning: the slip-ups we see most.
- Booking the trip and then looking for a ticket. Do it the other way: the Caminito date first.
- Not checking the wind forecast. It closes in strong wind; have a plan B.
- Allowing too little time. Between access, route and shuttle, count a long half day.
In one sentence
The Caminito del Rey is spectacular, safe nature, but everything hinges on one thing: booking the ticket well in advance. Sort that and it's the best day trip from Málaga.