It has been already three years since the restoration of the Caminito del Rey. Three years of success and international recognition. This spot, which was one of the world’s most dangerous hikes, has nowadays become one of the most visited touristic places in Spain. Every year, more than 300,000 people hike this incredible trail, built on the walls of the Desfiladero de Gaitanes. Every tourist who has already visited the place ensures that this is an unforgettable experience.
How to reach the Caminito del Rey?
The Caminito del Rey is a hiking trail, built on the walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, next to El Chorro town, and extends further to Ardales, Álora and Antequera. The whole trail is 7.7 km long, a total of 4.8 km-long access ways and 2.9 km-long boardwalks. The amazing boardwalk is attached to the rock inside a canyon, with sections of over 1 metre width, hanging 100 metres high over the river.
The Caminito del Rey, an unforgettable experience
Caminito del Rey is not only becoming popular throughout Spain, but also travel guides and international media are showing interest now in this astonishing engineering work. The experience of being on a hanging platform, attached to canyon walls of up to 100 metres high over the river and the stunning landscape are some of the main attractions of this spot.
History of the Caminito del Rey
Inaugurated in 1905 as an access for the maintenance workers of the Sociedad Hidroeléctrica del Chorro (El Chorro Hydroelectric Society), the name Caminito del Rey (The King’s Path) comes from the fact that the King Alfonso XIII walked along the path in 1921 to go to the inauguration of a swamp, which would boost the activity of this energy business.
Guided visits to the Caminito del Rey
Because of the rising demand, last summer guided visits, in Spanish and English were introduced in order to explain the history and nature of this place. These visits consist of small groups of 25 people with a specialized guide who tells visitors episodes and stories of this place with a radio guide.
Visitors Centre
During the third anniversary of Caminito del Rey, a Visitors Centre will be opening, a building of approximately 500 m2 to receive the tourists. It will have a restaurant, a coffee shop and a terrace with views to the reservoir.
