7.7 Kilometres. 400 Metres Deep. Spain’s Most Spectacular Trail.
The Caminito del Rey threads its way through 7.7 kilometres of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes – one of the deepest and narrowest gorges in all of Andalusia. Hikers walk a narrow boardwalk suspended up to 400 metres above the river, past sheer rock faces and above emerald reservoirs. It’s no wonder this path was once dubbed the most dangerous walk in the world.
Today, following an extensive restoration, the route is fully accessible again – safe, well-signposted and as breathtaking as ever. The trail starts either at Ardales (Northern entrance) or Álora (Southern entrance) and typically takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. This section covers everything you need to know about the route, the map, the stages and the trail layout – before you take your first step.
Caminito del Rey – The Complete Route Description
Stand on the wooden walkways of the Caminito del Rey – 400 metres of air beneath your feet, sheer limestone walls rising on either side, the Guadalhorce river a silver ribbon far below – and one thing becomes clear immediately: this is not an ordinary hike. This is Andalusia at its most dramatic, most beautiful, most wild.
The Walkways – 3 km Above the Abyss
Around 3 of the total 7.7 kilometres of the Caminito del Rey run along wooden pasarelas – walkways drilled directly into the vertical limestone walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. They are 1.2 metres wide, secured with steel railings, and completely rebuilt during the 2015 restoration. Safe, stable, certified.