El Caminito del Rey.

The Caminito del Rey has been described as the most terrifying - and until recently the most dangerous - bridge in the world and reopened to the public on 28 March 2015.
It is, of course, the Caminito del Rey, located in the Gaitanes ravine, an hour north of Benalmadena.

El Caminito del Rey.

This impressive footbridge, which in some areas overlooks the 100-metre riverbed, had been closed to the public since 2001. The centuries-old trail was in a precarious state and the local authorities decided to close it after a series of fatal accidents. Although officially closed, it remains a favourite attraction for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies looking for the ultimate experience.
The stunning scenery surrounding the Caminito del Rey, the breathtaking views that visitors can admire from its narrow paths and the undeniable value of the area as a tourist attraction have led the local authorities (Junta de Andalucía, Malaga Tourist Office and the municipalities of Álora, Antequera and Ardales) to invest 2.5 million euros for the rehabilitation, refurbishment and repair of the famous path.
This work is now finished and the Caminito is once again ready to welcome visitors and the general public, offering an unforgettable experience to all those who dare to walk along its new wooden path!

Some interesting historical facts about Caminito del Rey

It was built between 1901 and 1905 and the work was done by fishermen! (Yes, you read that right!). These brave workers had to work in dangerous conditions that involved hanging over the gorge attached to the top of the rock wall with a simple rope!
The bridge was ordered by the Sociedad Hidroeléctrica del Chorro, owner of the Saltos del Chorro and Gaitanejo waterfalls.
El Caminito del Rey owes its name to the visit of King Alfonso XIII. On 21 May 1921, the monarch bravely walked the path visiting the region to officially inaugurate the El Chorro dam, today known as Conde de Guadalhorce.

El Caminito del Rey before the refurbishment works.

As mentioned above, the Caminito has been a popular attraction for daredevils looking for an adrenaline-filled experience. After more than 100 years, the path began to show serious signs of deterioration due to falling rocks that damaged its concrete structure and the wear and tear that could be expected after so many years of use.
Before we tell you about the fantastic improvements that have been made to the "new" Caminito, we wanted to share an amazing video made by an intrepid adventurer last year .... In this video, you will understand why it has earned its reputation as the most dangerous path in the world!
Be careful, if you suffer from vertigo, avoid it!

The new Caminito del Rey.

You will be pleased to read that the works carried out at the Caminito consisted of the construction of a new path built just above the old one.
As you can see in the video below, the new path is constructed with wooden panels and special steel bolts anchored into the rock face. Walking along the trail, you will also discover several sections of glass floor and a suspension bridge with stunning views of the riverbed, which meanders 100 metres below.
To give you an idea of what to expect, we've included a video of what the new Caminito now looks like. As you'll see, it's much safer.

Before starting their adventure.

The road is 7.7 km long, of which 4.8 km is the access road and 2.9 km from one end of the suspension footbridge to the other.
There are two possible routes, one from Álora (south) and one from Ardales (north).
If you choose the southern entrance, the route is mainly uphill and takes a little longer (about 5 hours).
Using the north entrance, you will descend most of the way and it will take you less time to complete the route (approximately 4 hours).
El recorrido de 7,7 km es lineal y hay un servicio de transporte que le llevará de vuelta al punto de partida de su ruta una vez que se haya completado. Tickets are available with 30 minute intervals between each ticket. The maximum number of people allowed on each of these sites is 50 people.
No toilets in the camp....
Children must be 8 years of age or older to walk on the Caminito and must be accompanied by an adult.
The bridge will be closed in case of bad weather (rain and strong winds).

Opening dates and times.

El Caminito is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on the following dates: 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
From 1 April to 30 October: from 10am to 5pm - From 1 November to 31 March: from 10am to 2pm.

How to get there

By car we recommend you take the quickest route via Ardales.
From the Western Costa del Sol, follow the direction of Malaga as you enter Malaga, make sure you stay to the left as you have to continue on the E-15/A-7 when the road forks. Follow the signs to Cartama/Almeria and after about 10 km take the A-357 exit towards Cartama.
Stay on this road for about 45 km until you see the village of Ardales on your left. Once in Ardales turn immediately left onto the MA-444 which will take you to El Chorro and Caminito del Rey..
And here we are ....... hoping that this little guide will be useful during your stay in one of our holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol if you want to see the Caminito del Rey.
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