Caminito del Rey . North Access — Attraction in Ardales

First, let me say that this is a very popular and amazing hike and you MUST buy tickets online in advance for access to the trail. We saw several hikers turned away that did not buy tickets in advance.

Second, the website is not very good in terms of explaining how to do the hike, how to find the reception area, how to access the trail or where to park, or what to expect. The blogs that I read were not that helpful, either. The visitors center was not open when we arrived there, so don’t count on that!! We were able to purchase our trail tickets online, but never were able to buy bus tickets for the return (the link does not work!), so be sure to have some cash with you (2.50 Euros each) for the return bus trip. Now… on with some useful information.

The reception area is a little hard to find, but worth it! We booked a guided tour and we were not disappointed. You can easily do the hike on your own without a guide, but you still need advance tickets. It is probably one of the most amazing hikes that we have ever done on this planet, and not one to be missed! The total hike only took about 2 hours for us, and was not strenuous.

We parked in a small parking lot adjacent to the tunnel entrance to the trail, which is noted on Google maps. (Type in “Parking Ardales Caminito del Rey”). Then, it was about 100 yards walk from the parking area to the tunnel access to the trail that leads to the reception center. Parking costs 5 Euros. There is plenty of free parking along the road where the access tunnel is located, and many people chose that option, but it is a busy trail and the parking options fill up quickly. Plan to arrive early or you may have issues finding a place to park. Parking is available at the visitors center, but there is no definite schedule for bus pickups from there to take you to the entrance to the trail. Also, we arrived at about 9 o’clock in the morning and the visitors center was not open yet. (??) It’s best to park closer to the entrance of the trail, if you can. We had printed tickets that we bought online, and we were placed with our guide and given helmets for the hike. The hike is a once in a lifetime experience, and is fairly easy, as you are on well developed walkways with plenty of cables to grab and fencing along the edges for safety. The views along the trail are expansive. Expect to take a lot of photos! At the end of the trail, there are several small food stands where you can get snacks or a beer, etc. There are restrooms at the start and end of the trail, but nothing along the trail.

After a snack or a drink, you will walk another 200 yards or so up the hill to catch the shuttle bus back to the parking area and entrance to the trail. The bus is 2.50 Euros each, and you MUST pay cash! They say that you can buy bus tickets online, but don’t count on that. (Some hikers had bus tickets that I believe they purchased at the visitors center. Don’t count on that being open, though) Just have the cash ready to pay the bus driver at the end. It’s a great experience that I would definitely recommend when you are in the area!! Check it off...

Absolutely worth the trip! You can get there by train or bus from Malaga, but there are only a handful of connections per day, so make sure to check those before you book a time slot for the caminito del rey. Definitely book tickets for the trail in advance! The lanzaderas or transfer shuttles (large busses) will take you from either the train station or one of the official parking areas to the starting point of the trail. The hike itself consists of 3 stages: 1. 20-30min walk to the scenic part — 2. famous scenic part (can take anything between 45min-3h depending on your pace, fitness and breaks; this part took us 1h but we‘re fit adults in their mid 20s) — 3. walk back to the train station/shuttle bus/parking lot (20-30min). Important: Only at the beginning of the famous scenic trail are tickets checked and you‘re expected to check in with staff there 30 minutes ahead of your booked time slot (Plan ahead! The transfer shuttles leave +/- every 20-30min and take about 20min from the train station “Caminito del Rey - El Chorro“ to the third stop (which is the beginning of the hike) and then it‘s the 20-30min walk to get to the point where tickets are checked). There‘s vending machines and restrooms at the beginning of the hike and right before the scenic part of the trail. After finishing the scenic part and only 400m from the train station, there‘s a bunch of kiosks and market stalls selling all kinds of foods and drinks and more restrooms. There‘s also plenty of seating in a large shades area. If I remember correctly, most vending machines and market stalls accepted debit and credit cards, but I‘d bring some cash to be safe. We had no issues getting there on public transportation from Malaga (if you take a bus connection, bring cash because their contactless payments often don‘t work), but I‘d definitely recommend you check your options in advance to avoid waiting for a bus/train. Useful information: This hike is very easy and mostly flat or downhill, so you won‘t need advanced hiking skills or excellent physical fitness. Just bring good shoes, water and sun protection. However, there‘s a couple of very narrow stairs on the scenic part of the trail that can be slippery and require some surefootedness. Bit obvious but: DON‘T do this trail if you struggle with vertigo. Oh, and we also talked to a bunch of people who took the guided tour (we just had regular hiking tickets) and some of them found it underwhelming, has issues with understanding their guides and found the long waits on trail annoying.

The caminito del rey is an incredible experience and...

In the heart of Spain, nestled near the charming town of Ardales, lies the remarkable Caminito del Rey, a place where nature unfurls its dramatic canvas. Having been entranced by its allure twice now, I can vouch for the enduring charm that this majestic walkway holds. It's a realm where the grandeur of nature beckons the soul to return, time and again.

Embarking on this trail, with modern safety enhancements yet retaining its rugged charisma, is an invitation to the adventurous and the curious to traverse the core of Gaitanes Gorge. As you tread the boardwalk, suspended over dizzying depths, a blend of exhilaration and reverence envelops you. Every step forward unfolds a new vista of unspoilt natural beauty, be it the towering cliffs cradling the path, or the tranquil Guadalhorce River flowing beneath.

The 7-kilometre journey, with its heart being the 3-kilometre boardwalk, is more than a hike; it's a voyage through time. The canyon echoes with whispers of history, narrating tales of valiant workers who once tread the original path to maintain the hydroelectric facilities. The juxtaposition of ancient rocks against the refurbished path serves as a splendid metaphor for the harmony of history and modernity.

My second visit bore testimony to the enduring spell of Caminito del Rey. The spectacle of nature’s prowess was no less astonishing; if anything, the familiarity bred a deeper appreciation. Sharing this expedition with others only heightened the joy, as witnessing their awe and excitement mirrored my own sentiments from my first venture.

The meticulous restoration ensures a reassuring safety, allowing you to immerse fully in the experience sans any fret. The well-kept pathways, informative signages, and the courteous staff contribute to making the expedition smooth and memorable.

Caminito del Rey transcends being merely a trail; it's a celebration of nature, history, and the indomitable human spirit. It's a world where every element conspires to leave you in a state of wonder. As I exited the trail, the echo of the gorge seemed to whisper a promise of new discoveries upon return. And return I shall, with more companions to partake in the marvel that is Caminito del Rey. This place has etched itself onto my soul, and I am keen to once more tread the King's Little Pathway, with the sky overhead, the river below, and the mystique of nature...