Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey is a 7.7-kilometre mountain walk through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge in the province of Málaga in Andalusia. Originally constructed between 1901 and 1905 as a maintenance path for workers servicing hydroelectric power plants at either end of the gorge, it fell into disrepair through the 20th century and became widely known as one of Europe's most dangerous unsupported walks. A comprehensive restoration completed in 2015 transformed it into Andalusia's most visited outdoor attraction. The route is linear, beginning at the northern entrance near Ardales village and concluding approximately 4 to 5 hours later at the southern exit near El Chorro. The path follows the original workers' route — traversing open countryside, two enclosed gorge passages, a reservoir dam crossing, and a final open gorge section. The boardwalk sections are attached directly to the vertical faces of the gorge walls at heights of up to 100 metres above the Guadalhorce river. At the narrowest passages the walls close to within a few metres on both sides and the boardwalk feels suspended in space. The geological formations throughout the route are exceptional — stratified Jurassic limestone with visible folding, crack systems, and fossil-bearing exposures. Ibex are commonly seen on the upper cliff faces; peregrine falcons and eagle owls nest in the gorge walls. The walk is rated moderate difficulty, appropriate for most adults with average fitness. Helmets are mandatory and provided at the northern entrance. The route is one-way only and walkers must arrange return transport independently or use the official shuttle bus connecting the northern and southern access points.