The Caminito del Rey was once called the most dangerous walkway in the world. Narrow paths clung to cliffs, broken boards creaked underfoot, and thrill-seekers risked their lives for the views. But after a major rehabilitation in 2015, it transformed into one of Spain’s safest and most stunning tourist attractions.
The Dark Past of Caminito del Rey
Years ago, the Caminito del Rey had a grim reputation. Built in the early 1900s, the walkway fell into disrepair by the late 20th century. Adventure lovers flocked to the trail, but several fatal accidents cast a shadow over its beauty.
Local authorities faced a choice: close it forever or bring it back to life. In 2014, they chose transformation.
Find tickets and guided tours to the Caminito del Rey over at Get Your Guide.
Or, see the entry ticket options at Viator here.
The famous death defying video of the Caminito del Rey
This is the famous death defying video BEFORE the rebuilding work was completed and also before some people lost their lives and the authorities closed the path. It is worth a watch especially the bit when he tightrope walks across a large gap with a 100 metres of nothing below him!
Daniel Ahnen, who captured this amazing footage of his walk, tragically lost his life on Arwa Spire in the Indian Himalayas on May 11, 2011, just two and a half years after filming this. He was only 35 years old.
A Remarkable Rehabilitation Story
The Málaga Provincial Council invested €5.5 million to rebuild the trail. Engineers and workers suspended hundreds of meters above the ground constructed new wooden walkways, anchored with steel bolts into solid rock.
Moreover, they added modern safety features:
- Reinforced handrails.
- Continuous monitoring systems.
- Limited daily visitor numbers.
Because of this bold effort, the Caminito del Rey reopened in 2015 — no longer a death trap but a jewel of safe adventure tourism.
Visitors Return in Record Numbers
The transformation didn’t just save the Caminito del Rey — it made it famous:
- In the first year, over 300,000 visitors walked the new path.
- By 2019, nearly 430,000 tourists arrived annually.
- Today, numbers are carefully controlled at about 1,100 per day to protect both visitors and nature.
Because it balances adventure with safety, the Caminito del Rey has become a model for other sites around the world.
Awards and Global Praise
The new Caminito del Rey has also won international recognition:
- Europa Nostra Award for heritage conservation.
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice based on glowing reviews.
- Featured in top travel blogs and magazines as one of the world’s best hiking routes.
These honors confirm what visitors already know — it’s an unforgettable experience done right.
Safety First: What Makes Caminito del Rey Stand Out
Unlike its dangerous past, today’s Caminito del Rey offers:
- Secure pathways with strong materials.
- On-site safety teams and emergency services.
- Timed entry tickets to avoid overcrowding.
Visitors now enjoy breathtaking canyon views, knowing they’re in good hands.
The Caminito del Rey’s journey from deadly path to award-winning attraction is a story of vision, engineering, and care. It shows how smart rehabilitation can turn danger into opportunity, creating a safe and thrilling adventure for all.
Getting tickets and more information about the Caminito del Rey.
Ready to walk Spain’s safest adventure trail? Plan your visit to the Caminito del Rey.
Full instructions on how to get your entry tickets to the Caminito del Rey here.
What to do if no tickets for the Caminito del Rey are available on the official website.
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!
Well done Clive – keep it up!