How to get to Caminito del Rey in Malaga
Location Caminito del Rey Malaga
This beautiful area, which hoards historical treasures and gorgeous scenery, lies in the middle of the Province of Málaga (about 60 kms. from the Malaga city), and it is surrounded by the Serranía de Ronda and Antequera. It separates the plains Camplillos, Teba and Antequera in the northern part of the province from the Guadalhorce valley and the fields of Cámara in the south.
Different
nations have prospered throughout history at this place, which became
rich in hydraulic structures and electricity sources especially in the
last century. All of them are connected by the humble path called ‘El Caminito del Rey’ that goes along this nature spot - Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, in an unbelievable way.
How far is El Caminito?
The total route of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 km, of which 4.8 km. they are of accesses and 2.9 kms. door to door of the walkways (footbridge - Valle del Hoyo - footbridge).
How long does it take to cover it?
The walkways, due to how dangerous they were until the restoration, are the best known part of the route. The distance between the entrance through the control house and the exit is 2.9 km, divided between 1.5 km of walkways and 1.4 km. forest path or trail. But at these distances we must add between 1.7 and 2.7 km. of path from the north entrance and 2.1 kms. from the south entrance to the control booths. All this means that the estimated time to complete the complete route (section of the door from one walkway to the other, plus forest trails or tracks to get to / from the area) is between 3 and 4 hours. Visitors should keep in mind that to reach the accesses of the walkways they must travel a considerable distance as well as the slopes thereof.
How is the route?
The Caminito del Rey route is linear, not circular, so you must ensure your return to the starting point by your own methods. However, there is a shuttle bus service between the north access (Ardales) and the south (El Chorro, Álora) or vice versa that for a small fee will allow visitors to Caminito del Rey to move to their starting point on the current highway. .
How is the orography of the route?
Basically descending but there are ups and downs. The tour will be done in a single direction, entering the north (Ardales) and leaving the south (Álora).
How to get to the Caminito?
By train or by road.
By rail, RENFE currently offers daily regional trains that stop at El Chorro. Check with RENFE beforehand for times, prices and stations where stops are made before making the trip.
Access to the Caminito by road from Malaga is via the A-357, which is a very good road to the Zalea junction.
From this moment you can:
- continue on this road to Ardales, and take the MA-5403 exit towards M-442 until El Chorro, the latter road that crosses a lush pine forest to the left and right and skirts the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir,
- or continue on the A-343 until the intersection of Pizarra and A-7077 towards Álora-El Chorro.
Once in Alora, the distance to El Chorro is 12 km. by a road that goes up the course of the Guadalhorce river, with a landscape of great beauty, large areas of valley planted with citrus, small hills of olive and almond trees in the highest areas. It is a tacking road but of great scenic beauty as this is changed according to the time of year by the flowering of almond and orange and lemon trees. This route crosses the small districts of Caracuel and Bermejo (where they have catering services, pharmacy, tobacconists and groceries) until reaching the El Chorro neighborhood that offers various services such as: railway station; Shuttle bus stop leading to the North access of El Caminito (entrance); Municipal Tourist Office; Visitor Service Center and car park, not to mention various catering and accommodation establishments.
By rail, RENFE currently offers daily regional trains that stop at El Chorro. Check with RENFE beforehand for times, prices and stations where stops are made before making the trip.
Access to the Caminito by road from Malaga is via the A-357, which is a very good road to the Zalea junction.
From this moment you can:
- continue on this road to Ardales, and take the MA-5403 exit towards M-442 until El Chorro, the latter road that crosses a lush pine forest to the left and right and skirts the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir,
- or continue on the A-343 until the intersection of Pizarra and A-7077 towards Álora-El Chorro.
Once in Alora, the distance to El Chorro is 12 km. by a road that goes up the course of the Guadalhorce river, with a landscape of great beauty, large areas of valley planted with citrus, small hills of olive and almond trees in the highest areas. It is a tacking road but of great scenic beauty as this is changed according to the time of year by the flowering of almond and orange and lemon trees. This route crosses the small districts of Caracuel and Bermejo (where they have catering services, pharmacy, tobacconists and groceries) until reaching the El Chorro neighborhood that offers various services such as: railway station; Shuttle bus stop leading to the North access of El Caminito (entrance); Municipal Tourist Office; Visitor Service Center and car park, not to mention various catering and accommodation establishments.
What is the entry time?
The hours, opening dates and possible changes and modifications thereof will be established by the management company and will be included in the portal where the access tickets to the Caminito del Rey are purchased.
What days does Caminito open?
Every day of the year from Tuesday to Sunday. But check availability on our tours
How long is the visit?
Between 3 and 4 hours.What physical condition is required?
The characteristics of the place (climbs, descents, walkways, stairs ...) make mobility somewhat complicated, so while there is no being an athlete to know the site, it is necessary to take this reality into account. On the Caminito website they have prepared a series of Recommendations that you should read before going, and thus avoid any surprises once you are on the route.Are there causes that allow the Caminito to be closed?
Yes, both weather (rain, excessive wind, etc.) and for works or repairs.Does the entry have insurance?
Yes, each visitor is the beneficiary of a civil liability insurance that will cover any contingency that occurs during the visit from the entrance to the catwalks until their departure, but provided that such contingency has not occurred due to non-compliance with the established rules, or through the sole fault of the visiting person.Is punctuality important?
Yes, visitors with a reservation must arrive at the access area (at the entrance doors to the walkways behind the control booths) at least 30 minutes before the time indicated in the reservation receipt for the visit, to the object to organize the groups.In what sense can you walk the Caminito?
In a single sense (from Ardales to Álora).How to walk the Caminito?
Traffic will always be on the right, a rule that must be observed mainly on the walkways. When two people cross them, maximum precaution must be taken to avoid endangering those who walk next to the gorge.What happens to climbers?
People who want to climb will have free access to the Caminito del Rey facility when they go to practice this sport. For this, when going through the control booths, they must prove that they have civil liability insurance and register and accept the Caminito rules and the conditions established by the Natural Area to carry out said activity.Do you need to be in shape?
El Caminito del Rey is a restored infrastructure and its realization implies an active tourism activity, with a certain degree of physical effort. Therefore it is recommended to be in a minimal form.Transit is discouraged to anyone who does not have adequate physical preparation, suffers from vertigo or diseases related to the heart, respiratory system or who is undergoing medical treatment coinciding with the duration of the visit.
Can you bring any food?
Yes, water or any type of energy drink; chocolates, energy bars, nuts and fruit.Visitors should anticipate a possible lunch (snacks or processed foods), but little else. We must not forget that we are in a Natural Area where there is no fire and there are no litter bins. In addition, once the catwalks are accessed, there are no spaces enabled to prepare food, nor is a stop recommended, as it would interrupt the flow of visits and the passage space is narrow, without exceeding a meter and a half in most of the catwalks. .
Is it recommended to bring something else?
Yes, sunscreen, as well as clothing appropriate to the season in which the tour is carried out and, above all, hiking shoes.Are there litter bins along the route?
No, except at the exit and entrance where the control booths are located. Therefore, any garbage that is generated must be stored until it arrives (papers, food scraps, bottles, cans, etc.).When we are in a Natural Area, precautions must be taken to avoid falls and throw any type of objects, as well as collaborate with the cleaning of the enclosure.
Are toilets available?
No. Currently there are no bathrooms because what has been done is the rehabilitation of an existing infrastructure in a Natural Area. Obviously, different ecological solutions are being worked on to install bathrooms shortly at different points along the route, which are expected to be located in the entrance and exit areas.Are there security personnel on the Caminito?
Yes, at the entrances to the premises and during the visit, the rules and instructions of the Control and Information staff as well as the Security staff must be respected. All the indications required by the Environment Agents or the Civil Guard, in the exercise of their functions, will be mandatory.Are there security personnel on the Caminito?
Yes, at the entrances to the premises and during the visit, the rules and instructions of the Control and Information staff as well as the Security staff must be respected. All the indications required by the Environment Agents or the Civil Guard, in the exercise of their functions, will be mandatory.Is there a danger?
Of course yes. First, because we are in a totally natural environment. Second, because you pass through gorge areas where the visitor is surrounded by mountains, where small rockfalls can occur. Third, because an important part of the route is done at high ground level.In fact, in the signpost of the Caminito located in the Accesses it is mentioned literally that "there is a real risk of death if the instructions and safety signs are not followed scrupulously."
Can I look out to see everything?
It depends what is meant by this. As we have said, part of the route runs more than 100 meters above sea level, it is strictly forbidden to rise above the railing. Nor can anyone be held in any section of the walkways, whatever their age.The reconstruction of the Caminito has been made trying that it has the minimum visual impact, without that supposes to diminish the security. Hence, light and extremely resistant cables and materials have been used in the handrails that protect us from cliffs and meshes.
What happens if it rains or is very windy?
For rainy days or excessive wind, the organization reserves the right to close access, for security reasons.If it rains a little, access will be allowed, but not the use of umbrellas because in many areas of the walkways the space barely exceeds one meter. Therefore, the use of a raincoat or similar will be mandatory.
As for the wind, there will be days when the access will be closed because the wind picks up a lot of speed on the suspension bridge between the gorges on the exit section for Álora. On the days when the Caminito is closed for these reasons, it will be reported on the official website of the Caminito and the telematic platform enabled for the purchase of tickets.
Can you smoke?
Strictly not, just as it is not allowed to light a fire. We must not forget that we are in a Natural Area.Can you take photos or videos?
Yes, but without a tripod or any other element that may hinder the passage of other visitors. Much less, the use of drones or similar devices.Is visiting with animals allowed?
No, access with animals is strictly prohibited for security reasons, including guide dogs. The blind dog harness is an obstacle that can be a danger in case of evacuation for the rest of the visitors, given the narrow passage in many areas of the walkways. The blind can walk the Caminito in the company of another person.Can you carry bulky items?
No. Carrying backpacks, bags or purses or any other bulky transportable material is prohibited for security reasons.What behavior is expected of the visitor?
The normal one that supposes respect for others and for the Natural Area itself, full of protected flora and fauna. Therefore, you cannot shout, nor listen to music at high volume, nor jump or run on the catwalks to avoid accidents.Is there a telephone connection in the Caminito?
Due to the geographical conditions between the gorges, the connection along the Caminito is almost nil, except with the operator Vodafone.Are there wifi points and USB chargers during the tour?
Currently not, but the County Council is working on the ‘infosenderos’ project to install new solar tourist information points that include, in addition to Wi-Fi and USB, night lighting and fire alarms. This project is joint with the Gran Senda de Málaga and the Senda Litoral.The units are geolocated to prevent theft and allow online monitoring and updating, so that both the Provincial Council and the local councils in the area can work remotely.
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