The Caminito del Rey Malaga is known for its huge views and dramatic walkways, and it absolutely lives up to the stories. This cliff-side route takes around three to four hours and gives you some of the most impressive scenery anywhere in southern Spain.
If you’re staying on the Costa del Sol, it’s one of the most popular inland excursions, and reaching it from Malaga or anywhere along the coast is simple once you know how the transport works.
Introduction to the Caminito del Rey: what it is today
Although the modern route is safe and well managed, the Caminito del Rey (or “King’s Path”) began life as a hydroelectric service track built in the early 1900s. King Alfonso XIII crossed it during a visit in 1921, and the nickname stuck.
What you see now is a fully repaired walkway attached to sheer limestone cliffs. The route mixes forest paths with tunnels and exposed boardwalks fixed directly to the cliff.
The geology alone makes the trip worthwhile. The cliffs rise hundreds of metres, the strata sit almost vertical, and the canyons narrow dramatically in places. You’ll also cross the famous Balcón de Cristal, where the glass floor offers a view straight down to the river.
If you enjoy exploring inland spots along the coast, this pairs neatly with days out like those covered in our guide to the best hiking trails in Malaga. It also fits well with time in Nerja, where the Balcón de Europa (“Balcony of Europe”) gives a completely different sort of height under your feet.
How to get there from Malaga and the Costa del Sol
Most people travel to the Caminito del Rey from Malaga or from elsewhere along the Costa del Sol.
By car
The simplest option is to drive to the Caminito del Rey Reception Centre near Ardales, where you can park before taking the shuttle. Allow at least an hour from Malaga and a bit more from resorts farther down the coast.
If you’re already exploring coastal attractions like the Torrox Lighthouse, it’s a comfortable continuation of a Costa del Sol route that swaps beach space for mountain cliffs.
On public transport
If you prefer public transport, trains run to El Chorro from Malaga Maria Zambrano train station. From there, you’ll use the shuttle to reach the start point. The walk ends near El Chorro anyway, so using the train can feel very efficient.
However you travel, remember the route is one way. The shuttle bus is what links both ends, so factor it in when planning your timings, especially if you’re heading back to Malaga or the Costa del Sol later in the day.
Many visitors look specifically for Caminito del Rey from Malaga or Caminito del Rey from Costa del Sol trips, which often bundle the transport and tickets for ease.
Route and the most impressive spots you’ll hit
The walk begins in Ardales and finishes in El Chorro. Entry checks happen at the north end, where your ticket is scanned and you’re handed a helmet. From here the route builds slowly. A forested approach leads to the first canyon, a tight corridor of limestone where the boardwalk hugs the wall and the river thunders below. You’ll see tafoni formations, old hydroelectric structures, and geological cuts that show just how long the river has been carving this space.
You then enter the calmer centre of the walk, the Valle del Hoyo. This is where people usually relax a little after the intensity of the first canyon. The path here opens out, drops closer to the valley floor and runs alongside stands of pines. Wildlife is easy to spot if you’re patient.
The final canyon is the one everyone talks about. This is where the cliff faces rise sharply, the boardwalk floats high above the void, and the Puente Colgante (rope bridge) swings between two walls. The Balcón de Cristal sits here too, waiting for anyone who wants to test their nerve with a view through the glass platform.
Tickets and opening hours: the essentials you must know
Tickets must be booked online in advance. Entry costs vary by ticket type, €10 for general admission and €18 for guided visits (offered in both Spanish and English).
It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, with closures on Mondays and set festive dates.
Arrive at least thirty minutes before your slot, because reaching the control point requires a walk of up to twenty-five minutes from the nearest parking.
Once the scanner logs your entry, there are no toilets until you reach the exit at El Chorro. You also can’t buy food inside. Plan your snacks and water before you commit to the walkways.
Pets cannot enter, and children must be at least eight years old, with minors always accompanied by an adult carrying ID.
The official website for tickets and further information is: https://www.caminitodelrey.info/
Safety tips and the equipment that genuinely matters
The Caminito del Rey Malaga isn’t a casual wander. The rules are strict for good reason.
- Wear proper footwear that supports your heel. No sandals, no loose shoes, and definitely no heels.
- You’ll need water, around one and a half litres per person, plus simple energy snacks like nuts or fruit.
- Sun protection is crucial in summer.
- If you have vertigo or any heart, respiratory or mobility concerns, think carefully. The walk includes steep sections and high exposure. It also moves in a single flow, so you can’t simply stop midway for a long break.
- The helmets are mandatory. Staff will check them, and they’ll also ask that you keep the route clear for faster walkers when needed.
- Because this is a mountain environment, small rockfalls can happen. Follow instructions as they’re given.
- If the weather turns dangerous, the management team may close the walk altogether.
What to see near the Caminito del Rey once you’ve finished
Ending the route in El Chorro gives you the valley’s reservoir landscape and quiet village atmosphere. If you’re touring the coast, you can pair the walk with beach time at Nerja Beaches or explore inland towns listed in our guide to Pueblos of the Costa del Sol. You might also enjoy the historic angle at the Nerja Museum, or plan a wider itinerary using our tourist map of the Costa del Sol.
The variety around here makes it easy to turn a single walk into a full day out.
Walk the Caminito del Rey, then rest somewhere comfortable
Walking the Caminito del Rey Malaga is one of those experiences that stays with you. The path is dramatic without being inaccessible, and the organisation is straightforward once you understand the timings. If you’re planning your visit from Malaga or exploring the coast, it’s a memorable contrast to the beaches and towns that line the shoreline.
When you’re ready to turn the walk into a proper break, stay with At Home. You’ll find coastal apartments, spacious villas, family bases, and other comfortable stays across the Costa del Sol, all well placed for early starts and slow evenings.
