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Ultimate guide to visiting Caminito Del Rey | Timings, location, tips & more

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Caminito del Rey | Visitor information at a glance

Caminito Del Rey

What are the Caminito del Rey opening hours?

  • The Caminito del Rey is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, with opening hours depending on the season:
  • Summer: 9am to 5:20pm
  • Winter: 9am to 2:50pm
  • It is open from Tuesday through Sunday, being closed on Mondays. 
  • Additionally, it remains closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st

Where is the Caminito del Rey located?

  • Caminito Del Rey is situated in a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain.
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Caminito Del Rey

How many entrances does the Caminito del Rey have?

  • 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.
  • Visitors will start the walk at the North access point, where they will collect their helmets and gear. Here is also where you will need to show your tickets for validation.
  • The walk is one-way only, which means it starts at the North access point and ends at the South exit.

How many number visitors does the Caminito del Rey see per year?

  • The Caminito del Rey attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, making it a popular tourist destination in Malaga, Spain.

What are the Caminito del Rey opening hours?

The Caminito del Rey is generally open from 9am to either 2:50pm or 5:20pm, depending on the season. Here's a breakdown of the opening hours:

  • Summer (generally from June to September): 9am to 5:20pm
  • Winter (generally from October to May): 9am to 2:30pm

Important to note:

  • The Caminito del Rey is closed on Mondays, with a few exceptions.
  • It is also closed on Christmas Day (December 25), New Year's Day (January 1), and some other holidays.



Book Tickets To The Caminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey General Entry Tickets
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Mobile ticket
3 hr. - 4 hr.
Guided tour
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Caminito del Rey Official Guided Tour in English & Spanish
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Mobile ticket
4 hr.
Guided tour
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From Granada/Seville: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers
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Mobile ticket
6 hr. - 10 hr.
Guided tour
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What's the best time to visit Caminito del Rey?

Weather Wins: Spring and Fall (Shoulder Seasons)

  • March to May: Pleasant temperatures, typically in the 15-16°C (60-62°F) range. Flowers might even be blooming, adding a colorful touch! But be prepared for occasional spring showers.
  • September to Early November: Enjoy the warm remnants of summer with sunshine and comfortable temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Plus, there's less rain compared to spring.

Crowds? Choose Wisely:

  • Weekdays: Aim for a Tuesday-Friday visit to dodge the weekend rush. Fewer people mean a smoother flow on the narrow walkways and more time to savor the scenic viewpoints.

Where is Caminito del Rey located?

How to get to Caminito del Rey?

Caminito Del Rey

By Public Transportation

By Train:

  • From Málaga: There are trains from Málaga to El Chorro with a morning schedule at 10am (arrival at 10:47am) and an afternoon schedule at 6pm (arrival at 6:50pm)​​.
  • Other Departures: There are 8 train departures per day from Málaga to El Chorro, a roughly 40-minute journey. Upon arrival at El Chorro, a local shuttle bus running every 20 minutes will transport you to Caminito del Rey​​.

By Bus: 

  • A shuttle bus service connects the exit point to the Visitors' Centre and the starting point. The bus stops near El Kiosko restaurant at the start of the trail in Ardales, and picks up near the El Chorro train station at the end of the trail.
Caminito Del Rey

By Car

The scenic drive from Málaga to El Chorro through the countryside is a delight. The route involves taking A-384 until Campillos, A-357 until Ardales crossing, and then continuing via MA-5403​​.

Parking Facilities

There are several parking options:

  • On site: Visitors' Reception Centre Parking​.
  • A car park located just north of the tunnel under El Mirador de Ardales​​.
  • The southern parking area near El Chorro station is usually less crowded and is recommended for those who don't mind a short walk to the north access​.
  • Park near the El Kiosko restaurant at the trail's start. From there, you're just a 20-30 minute walk to the hike's beginning.

Day trip

The easiest way to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga, Granada, or Seville is to join a day trip with a shuttle bus service, that handles all the transportation details, taking you straight to the North Access. Once there, shuttle buses connect to key locations like El Chorro village, the Visitor's Centre (Tickets unavailable here, buy in advance), and the starting point near El Kiosko restaurant. Shuttles run every 30 minutes from 8:30am to 6pm in summer and 5pm in winter. Tickets cost €2.50 each and can be purchased online, at the train station kiosk, or on the bus (cash only).

Know before you go to Caminito del Rey

Entrances
Facilities
Prohibition
Tips
Dine
Stay
Nearby
Caminito Del Rey
Caminito Del Rey
  • 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). Helmets and hair nets are provided when you get there. 
  • 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.
Caminito Del Rey
  • Do not carry or lift anyone on the boardwalks.
  • Do not use harnesses, cables, or carry large backpacks and bags that could obstruct the path or cause accidents.
  • Canes, crutches, wheelchairs, baby carriages, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
  • Follow correct usage of security equipment provided at access points.
  • Avoid using tripods, large cameras, or drones (unless specifically authorized).
Caminito Del Rey
  • Hike it here: Your Caminito del Rey adventure begins at the North Access, the official starting point. This is where you'll show your ticket and collect your helmet for the thrilling walk.
  • Skip the car: The North Access isn't accessible by car, so plan for a scenic 1.5km walk (around 20 minutes) through tunnels and a dusty trail. Signage will guide you the way.
  • One-way journey: Remember, the Caminito del Rey is a one-way loop. You'll start at the North Access and finish at the South Exit, where a convenient shuttle bus awaits to take you back. Don't worry about missing the start by arriving early - aim for 15-30 minutes before your designated ticket time.
Caminito Del Rey

The dining facilities are not available on the pathway, but you might find local restaurants in nearby towns to indulge in some local cuisine.

  • El Kiosko: Try traditional Malagan dishes and tapas without any fuss, located just 2.4 kilometers from the Caminito del rey north access. Here, you'll find a cozy spot with a colorful terrace that provides a pleasant view of the lake. 
  • El Mirador: Situated just 1.9 kilometers from Caminito Del Rey, El Mirador is a charming eatery that lives up to its name by offering captivating vistas and a tempting menu of homemade delights. Try local favorites like ajoblanco, gazpachuelo, migas, or cardoon salad. 
Caminito Del Rey

Budget: Hostal La Posada del Conde | Hostal Valle Del Sol | Hostal Vista a la Sierra

Mid Range: Hotel La Posada del Conde | Hostal Vista a la Sierra | Hostal Caminito Del Rey 

Luxury: Convento de la Magdalena | Hotel Fuente del Sol | Parador de Antequera

Caminito Del Rey
  • Sillón del Rey: This stone table & chair were dedicated to the opening of the reservoir having been pulled from it.
  • Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Site: This natural spot is where the Caminito del Rey is located. It's a beautiful gorge with cliffs, waterfalls, and a rich variety of plant and animal life. You can hike through the gorge on a variety of trails, or take a boat trip on the Guadalhorce River.
  • Ruins of Bobastro: These are the ruins of a 9th-10th century Mozarabic city that was carved into the cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. The city was abandoned in the 11th century, but the ruins are still impressive and offer stunning views of the gorge. You can reach the ruins by hiking from the Caminito del Rey or by car.
  • El Chorro Reservoir: This is a large reservoir located near the Caminito del Rey. It's a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also several hiking trails around the reservoir, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Caminito del Rey in Malaga

Where is Caminito del Rey?

Caminito del Rey is located in the province of Málaga, between the municipalities of Ardales, Álora, and Antequera.

Can I visit Caminito del Rey?

Yes, visitors can explore Caminito del Rey, which was once known as a dangerous hike but has been revamped in 2015 with safer pathways along the cliffs.

Why should I visit Caminito del Rey?

Visiting Caminito del Rey is truly something special. Imagine walking on pathways attached to a cliff that's 100 meters high! It's not just about the amazing views, but also appreciating how they managed to build such paths in the middle of nature's beauty.

Can I visit Caminito del Rey for free?

No, general admission is priced at €10, and there are other ticket options for guided tours and additional services​.

How do I book tickets to visit Caminito del Rey?

Tickets can be booked through the official reservation platform of Caminito del Rey, where you can choose between general admission, a guided visit, or additional services like shuttle bus and parking reservations​.

How much does it cost to visit Caminito del Rey?

General admission costs €10, an official guided visit is €18, shuttle bus service is €2.5, and parking reservation is €2​.

What is the best time to visit Caminito del Rey?

The ideal times to visit are during the cusp of the peak season: March-May and September-October, when the weather is pleasant and ticket availability is better​​.

What are the Caminito del Rey opening hours?

The opening hours are from 9:00 am to either 15:30 pm or 17:20 pm depending on the season​​.

Can I visit Caminito del Rey in a group?

Yes, you can visit in a group, especially with the official guided visit option which accommodates a maximum of 30 people​.

Can I visit Caminito del Rey with kids?

Children under 8 years old are not allowed. Those over 8 must provide original ID or Family Book for age verification​​.

Is it worth visiting Caminito del Rey?

Absolutely! With its stunning vistas, historical significance, and the adrenaline rush of walking along high cliffside pathways, Caminito del Rey offers a unique and memorable experience​​.