Caminito del Rey
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Spain, the Caminito del Rey proudly claims its place as one of the most breathtaking walkways in the world. Etched along the steep walls of the El Chorro gorge, this pathway, once known for its perilous condition, has been revived into a secure and exhilarating adventure for visitors from across the globe.
Originally constructed between 1901 and 1905, the Caminito del Rey, or "The King's Little Pathway," was intended to provide workers at the hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls with a means to cross between them. It gained its regal name after King Alfonso XIII traversed the walkway for the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce dam in 1921.
For years, the path fell into disrepair, with its crumbling walkways and missing sections adding to its notoriety as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. However, a comprehensive restoration project, completed in 2015, has transformed the trail into a safe and accessible route while retaining the thrill of its vertiginous heights and stunning vistas.
The Caminito del Rey spans approximately 7.7 kilometers, with the boardwalk itself stretching over 3 kilometers, clinging to the rock face and occasionally leading into tunnels carved directly into the gorge. As visitors traverse this suspended path, they are treated to awe-inspiring views of the canyon below and the surrounding natural beauty of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park.
Andalusia