Since its reopening in 2015, the Caminito del Rey has become one of Spain’s most successful tourism revitalization projects. According to the detailed report “Caminito del Rey. Análisis y evolución del entorno 2015–2024. 10 años juntos“, published by Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol, this cliffside walkway has not only attracted millions of visitors but also triggered a profound socioeconomic transformation across six surrounding municipalities.
This article offers an English-language adaptation of the original Spanish study, summarizing the key developments over the past decade—from surging visitor numbers and economic gains to shifting tourist profiles and the wider regional transformation sparked by the Caminito del Rey.
Visitor Numbers Show Sustained Growth
Over 3 Million Visitors in 10 Years
Since its official reopening on March 28, 2015, the Caminito del Rey has welcomed over 2.9 million visitors. Including the estimated 140,000 additional visitors who came to the area but didn’t walk the trail (due to mobility, vertigo, or physical limitations), the total number surpasses 3 million.
Annual visitation highlights:
- 2015: 304,000 visitors
- 2019: 328,400 visitors
- 2024: 329,560 visitors
Tourist demand has remained strong throughout the year with low seasonality. Only minor dips occur between November and February, mostly due to occasional rain-related closures.
Accommodation Sector Booms Across the Region
325% Increase in Lodging Establishments
The area around Caminito del Rey—known as the “Entorno”—includes Ardales, Álora, Antequera, Carratraca, Campillos, and Valle de Abdalajís. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of accommodation establishments here surged from 210 to 893, marking a 325% increase.
Total beds available (plazas) grew from 4,204 to 8,160, an increase of 94.6% (+3,956 plazas).
2024 Accommodation Breakdown:
- Rural accommodations: 495 establishments, 3,278 plazas (40.2%)
- Tourist homes: 339 establishments, 1,898 plazas (23.3%)
- Hotels: 26 hotels, 1,681 plazas (20.6%)
- Hostels/Guesthouses: 20, with 461 plazas (5.6%)
- Campsites: 1 site, 500 plazas (6.1%)
- Tourist apartments: 12 properties, 342 plazas (4.2%)
Top municipalities by bed count (2024):
- Antequera: 45% (3,711 plazas) – mostly hotels and tourist homes
- Álora: 37% (2,250 plazas) – 65% rural accommodations
- Ardales: 15% (1,229 plazas) – boosted by campsite capacity
- Valle de Abdalajís: 5% (386 plazas) – 216% growth since 2015
- Carratraca: 4% (361 plazas) – mostly rural stays
- Campillos: 3% (223 plazas)
Who Visits Caminito del Rey?
Diverse and International Visitor Base
- 52% of visitors are from outside Spain
- 24% are Spaniards from outside Andalusia
- 14% come from Málaga province
- 6% are Andalusians from other provinces
- 5% live within the “Entorno”
Top international markets:
United Kingdom (11%), France (8.3%), Germany (5.6%), followed by Ireland, Italy, Belgium, and Nordic countries.
Main Spanish markets:
Madrid, Castilla León, Valencia, Catalonia, Seville, and Granada.
Mostly Day-Trippers—but Some Stay Longer
- 78% are day-trippers (excursionists)
- 22% stay overnight in the area
Where do they stay?
- 60% of excursionists base themselves in Málaga City
- 38% choose the Costa del Sol
- Overnight tourists favor Antequera, Ardales, and Álora
Average stay: 3.1 days
Most common lodging: tourist apartments or rented accommodations (36%), followed by 3-star hotels (21%)
Visitor Profile Highlights
- 72% are employed; 16% are retired
- 54% are women
- Average age: 45
- Top age groups: 40–49 (29%), 30–39 (21%), 50–59 (20%)
Pre-Visit Planning and On-Site Behavior
- 65% used the official Caminito del Rey website for planning
- 64% booked via Diputación de Málaga’s website
- 45% arrived by bus, 31% by private car
- 59% traveled as couples, 21% with friends, 19% with family
Top activities:
- Visiting nearby historical and scenic spots (96%)
- Exploring local towns and cultural sites (59%)
Average daily spending: €91.22 per visitor
Economic Impact of Caminito del Rey
€64.1 Million in Total Production (2024)
Using a Leontief input-output model, the 2024 economic impact of tourism linked to Caminito del Rey is estimated as follows:
- Total tourist expenditure: €45.8 million (346,038 visitors × €91.22/day × 1.45 days)
- Total production: €64.1 million
- Gross Value Added (GVA): €32.1 million
- Direct: €16.7 million
- Indirect/induced: €15.4 million
- Jobs supported: 685 full-time equivalents (398 direct, 287 indirect/induced)
Most impacted sectors:
- Accommodation and food: 30.5%
- Transport: 14.7%
- Commerce: 10%
- Cultural and recreational activities: 8.4%
- Travel agencies: 6.9%
Regional Development Indicators (2015–2024)
The surrounding municipalities have seen notable socioeconomic improvements:
- +325% increase in lodging establishments
- +94% more accommodation plazas
- +1.2% population growth (+840 people)
- +24% increase in businesses (+922)
- +15.6% more Social Security affiliates (+3,991)
- -11 percentage points in unemployment rate
- +16.2% in average gross income (+€3,214)
- +15.3% increase in municipal budgeted income (+€10.6 million)
- +23.1% more IRPF tax declarations (+5,981)
Excellence in Management and Future Strategy
A Model for Sustainable, Safe, and Inclusive Tourism
The Caminito del Rey’s success is not just in numbers. It’s also a story of strategic, well-managed tourism built on four pillars:
1. Personnel
- Stable workforce
- Local employment focus
- 41 direct employees, 31 in complementary services
- 83 accredited guides
2. Risk Management
- World-class safety system launched in 2022
- Continuous staff training (first aid, fire, hydrology)
- Integration with REJA (Andalusian Emergency Network)
3. Sustainability
- Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 12)
- Certified under the “Sustainable Heritage Tourism Management System”
- Focus on community wealth, heritage protection, and image enhancement
4. UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Led by Diputación de Málaga, the campaign promotes Caminito del Rey as part of Spain’s Industrial Hydroelectric Heritage.
Key assets:
- Geological marvel: Desfiladero de los Gaitanes
- Historical depth: From Paleolithic to modern (Ardales Cave, Bobastro, Aguilillas Necropolis)
- Industrial legacy: Dams, aqueducts, and the Bobadilla-Málaga railway
Supported by over 21,200 individuals and organizations, the candidacy is a unifying regional effort for global recognition.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The past decade has transformed Caminito del Rey from a daring trail to a world-class tourism engine. With over 3 million visitors, tens of millions in economic impact, and clear indicators of regional growth, the project has proven that sustainable tourism can drive long-term prosperity.
As the region looks ahead—with stronger sustainability targets, an ambitious UNESCO candidacy, and evolving visitor needs—the path forward is as bold as the walkway itself.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!