Caminito del Rey

This vertigo-inducing walkway clings to the cliffs of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, once considered one of the world's most dangerous hikes. Now fully restored, it offers a thrilling and scenic trek above the Guadalhorce River.

Things to do

• Walk the boardwalk above El Chorro gorge — Traverse the narrow reconstructed walkway bolted 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River for breathtaking views.
• Cross the glass-bottomed viewpoint — Stop at the see-through platform section for a heart-stopping look straight down into the canyon.
• Admire the Gaitanes Gorge — Take in the dramatic limestone walls carved by centuries of river erosion through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
• Cross the hanging suspension bridge — Walk across the swaying steel bridge that spans the gorge near the trail's most dramatic point.
• Visit the Conde del Guadalhorce Reservoir — See the turquoise dam waters at the trail's starting point, a peaceful contrast to the vertigo-inducing walkway ahead.
• Explore the old King's Path ruins — Spot remnants of the original 1901 concrete path built for hydroelectric plant workers, now running alongside the new structure.
• Photograph the Guadalhorce River below — Capture the winding turquoise river far beneath the walkway as it cuts through the gorge.
• Finish at El Chorro train station area — End your trek near this small rural station, a hub for hikers and climbers exploring the surrounding countryside.

Food to try

• Porra antequerana — A thick, chilled tomato and bread soup similar to salmorejo, popular in the nearby town of Antequera.
• Migas malagueñas — Fried breadcrumbs cooked with garlic, peppers, and chorizo, a hearty dish typical of rural Málaga province.
• Ensalada de pipirrana — A refreshing chopped salad of tomato, pepper, onion, and tuna often served at local venta restaurants near El Chorro.
• Grilled river trout — Freshly caught trout from nearby streams, simply grilled and seasoned, offered at rustic eateries in the area.
• Local olive oil tasting — Sample robust Andalusian olive oils produced from groves surrounding the Guadalhorce valley.
• Vino de Málaga — Try this sweet fortified wine from the region as a traditional after-hike treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Book tickets well in advance — Entry is timed and capacity-limited, so reserve your slot online days or weeks ahead, especially in high season.
• Wear proper footwear and bring water — The trail involves uneven surfaces and heights, so sturdy shoes and hydration are essential despite handrails and safety nets.
• Respect one-way trail rules — The route is strictly one-directional with no turning back, so plan restroom and photo stops accordingly.
• Arrange transport between entrance and exit points — Since the trail starts and ends in different locations, use the official shuttle bus service to return to your vehicle or the station.