Safety Rules on the Caminito del Rey: How to Stay Safe in the Gorge

Safe – but not without rules

The Caminito del Rey has been a safe trail since the 2015 restoration. No technical climbing, no unsecured paths, no scree. And yet: ignoring the rules puts oneself and others at risk. The trail runs through a protected natural area (Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes) – the regulations are not optional.

View of El Chorro
View of El Chorro

Mandatory rules – no exceptions

Wearing the helmet

The helmet is absolutely mandatory on the entire route. It is provided free at the entrance and must not be removed – including for photos. Anyone found without a helmet will be turned back.

Reason: rockfall. The walls of the Desfiladero are partially weathered. Small stones can detach – particularly after rain or frost.

Sturdy footwear

Sandals, flip-flops and smooth-soled shoes are prohibited. Anyone arriving at the entrance with unsuitable footwear will not be admitted. No exceptions, regardless of ticket status.

Stay on the marked path

Leaving the marked trail is prohibited throughout the protected area. No shortcuts, no side trips, no climbing on the rock faces.

No turning back

The trail is strictly one-directional. Once on the route, it must be completed. Turning back is not permitted for safety reasons – the narrow walkways do not allow two-way traffic.

Prohibitions within the protected area

  • Drones are prohibited
  • Smoking on the trail is prohibited
  • Pets are not permitted
  • Littering is prohibited – Leave No Trace

Weather conditions

In heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong wind, the route closes at short notice. Wooden walkways become slippery when wet, and lightning strikes inside the gorge are a real risk. Current closures are communicated on caminitodelrey.info.

Recommendation: Check the weather forecast for the Málaga region the day before. Brief summer thunderstorms are possible; in winter, frost can ice the walkways.

Fear of heights: an honest assessment

The Caminito del Rey is not a via ferrata, but it is exposed. The walkways hang directly on the cliff face, and the view downward can be unsettling.

  • Mild vertigo: Manageable. Look straight ahead, use the railings, walk at one’s own pace.
  • Severe vertigo: The trail is not suitable. There is no exit midway, no turning back. Anyone who panics on the walkways becomes a danger to themselves and others.

Safety rules for children

  • Children under 8 years are not permitted on the route
  • Children aged 8–14 require proof of age at the entrance
  • Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Children must be at least 1.30 m tall

Emergencies on the route

Rescue points with numbered markers are located throughout the route. In an emergency, give this number to emergency services: 112 (European emergency number). Mobile reception inside the gorge is intermittent – make sure the emergency number is known before setting off.

Buying Tickets

Tickets can be purchased via the official website at caminitodelrey.info or through tour operators such as GetYourGuide.com – advance booking is strongly recommended, especially from March to October. Daily places are limited.