El Caminito del Rey: The King’s Path at El Chorro

A bit of history about the Caminito del Rey

El Caminito del Rey, translated into English as the King’s Little Pathway, was originally built as a service route for the hydroelectric power stations at El Chorro and Gaitanejo. It allowed workers to move between the installations, transport materials and carry out essential maintenance and inspections in the steep-sided Gaitanes Gorge.

Construction began in 1901 and was completed in 1905. More than a decade later, on 21 May 1921, King Alfonso XIII visited the area to inaugurate the Conde del Guadalhorce dam. He crossed the existing walkway during the visit, and the route subsequently became known as the Caminito del Rey, or the King’s Little Pathway.

The original walkway was about 1 metre (3.3 ft) wide and ran along the steep walls of the gorge, in places more than 100 metres (330 ft) above the river below. The original route stretched for approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 miles), following the rocky sides of the Gaitanes Gorge.

Disrepair and a climbing mecca

The original walkway was built with a concrete surface resting on steel rails, supported by metal brackets fixed into the rock face. Over the years, a lack of maintenance and exposure to the elements left it in a dangerously deteriorated state. Sections of the concrete flooring collapsed or disappeared altogether, leaving gaps where only the narrow supporting beams remained.

Much of the original handrailing had also vanished. Climbers installed a safety cable along parts of the route, but crossing the walkway remained extremely dangerous.

Despite its condition, the Caminito del Rey became a mecca for climbers and adventurers, attracted by the spectacular gorge and the challenge of traversing one of Europe’s most notorious paths. Videos and photographs of the crumbling walkway helped spread its reputation around the world.

Following fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000, in which four hikers lost their lives, the authorities closed access to the path and demolished sections of the approaches to deter people from entering. Despite these measures, some climbers continued to find ways in, risking their lives on the ruined walkway.

Despite its condition, the Caminito del Rey became a mecca for climbers and adventurers, attracted by the spectacular gorge and the challenge of traversing one of Europe’s most notorious paths. The famous video of the old Caminito del Rey filmed by climber Daniel Ahnen shows just how exposed and dangerous the original walkway had become.

Repairs and opened to the public in 2015

In June 2011, the Andalusian regional government and the provincial and local authorities agreed to fund a major restoration project for the Caminito del Rey. The plans included rebuilding the walkway and improving facilities for visitors, including access and parking. The project was allocated a budget of approximately €9 million, although several years passed before restoration work began in earnest.

Work on the restoration finally started in March 2014. The old, crumbling walkway was replaced with a new structure built along much of the original route, allowing visitors to experience the dramatic setting of the Gaitanes Gorge without having to risk their lives on the ruined path.

The restored Caminito del Rey features wooden walkways, safety railings and viewing points that bring visitors close to the gorge’s sheer rock walls. One of its most striking features is a glass-floor viewing platform suspended high above the gorge, offering a dramatic view of the landscape below.

The official reopening ceremony took place in March 2015. Since then, the Caminito del Rey has become one of the most popular visitor attractions in inland Málaga province, drawing people from across Spain and beyond.

Find out how to reserve your tickets for the Caminito del Rey here: https://caminodelrey.es/the-booking-portal-for-the-caminito-del-rey-how-to-buy-an-entrance-ticket/

Nomination for the UNESCO world heritage list

The Caminito del Rey and its surrounding area have been proposed for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The candidacy brings together seven landmarks within a radius of less than 20 kilometres, highlighting the area’s exceptional combination of natural landscapes, prehistoric remains and industrial heritage.

The proposed landmarks include the spectacular Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park, the El Chorro, Conde del Guadalhorce and Gaitanejo dams, the hydroelectric installations and railway heritage of El Chorro, the prehistoric Ardales Cave, the Las Aguilillas Necropolis and the remarkable Mozarabic cave church at Bobastro.

Together, these sites tell a story of human activity in the area stretching back to prehistoric times. They also illustrate how the dramatic landscape of the Gaitanes Gorge has shaped settlement, transport and industrial development over the centuries.

The candidacy recognises that the Caminito del Rey is more than a spectacular walkway: it forms part of a wider landscape with significant natural, archaeological and industrial heritage. However, inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List requires a formal nomination and assessment, and the Caminito del Rey has not yet been inscribed on the list.

Guided tours and activities at the Caminito del Rey

Want to experience the Caminito del Rey for yourself? Explore these guided tours and activities to find an experience that suits your visit. Options include organised visits to the famous walkway and ways to explore this remarkable corner of Málaga province.

Nearest hotel Accommodation to the Caminito del Rey

If you’re planning to spend more time exploring the area, there are several accommodation options close to the Caminito del Rey. Two particularly convenient choices are in El Chorro and beside the Guadalhorce reservoirs.

El Chorro: Hotel La Garganta is a popular base near the Caminito, with views across the surrounding landscape.

Guadalhorce reservoirs: Posada del Conde offers another option close to the reservoirs and within easy driving distance of the walkway.

Hotels – Guest houses and cottages to rent close to the Caminito del Rey

Rural accommodation – Apartments – Bed and Breakfast close to the Caminito del Rey

Frequently Asked Questions: El Caminito del Rey – The King’s Path at El Chorro