The Caminito del Rey Skywalk near Málaga

Caminito del Rey: Once known as the "Path of Death," today it's a leisurely hike

Starting point

There are several places where you can start the Caminito del Rey. At the main parking lot near the reception and information center (it was closed at the end of March), but there are attendants and the fee is 2 Euros. You can purchase tickets in advance online. Buying tickets in advance is actually the only option—they sell out many days in advance (at least 14 days), and tickets weren’t even available for purchase on-site.

Another option is to park closer to the entrance in the lots marked P1 (Parking Ardales) and P2 (Kiosk). However, there is also a bus that runs from the first parking lot near the information center, which will easily take you to the main trailhead (this bus is not included in the online ticket, and you must pay 4 euros per person in cash).
 

Description of the hike

For 4 euros per person, we took a bus from the main parking lot near the reception desk to the starting point of the Caminito del Rey trail. From this stop, marked as “Kiosk,” we walk along the road for about 200 meters to the entrance tunnel. This leads us onto a standard paved path.

We walk comfortably along this path, slightly downhill for about 1.5 km, to the main entrance and checkpoint. Here, we split into groups based on whether we purchased a ticket with a guide or without a guide. You cannot access the trail without a ticket. Tickets cannot be purchased on-site but only online, at least one month in advance. The guided tour lasts 2.5 hours, as the guide tells you about the history of the trail and various other points of interest. Although we had paid for the guided tour, we decided to go without a guide to save time (about 1.5 hours for the secured section only).

We were all given helmets and a brief safety briefing—in short, here’s what you need to know:

1. The course is one-way only; you cannot turn back—you must keep moving forward.
2. There are guards in red helmets along the trail who will help if needed.
3. The railing is marked with orange signs in some places, which means there is an increased risk of falling rocks, and you shouldn’t linger there for long.
4. Helmets are removed only at the end of the trail and placed in white crates.

The route itself along the secured paths is completely clear and straightforward—there’s no way to get lost. All sections are very well secured; you walk the entire time on wooden walkways with sturdy steel railings, so you can even safely look over the railing into the depths of the ravine—for those who aren’t afraid of heights. 

The trail itself has three sections—the first along a secured path, a sort of preview of what’s to come at the end :). The middle section follows a wide paved path, where you can rest and have a snack from your own supplies at several spots. The third section of the route is again high up on secured footbridges, ending with a steel bridge. Beyond it, we could already see that another steel bridge is under construction, much longer—it will likely open next year, in 2027.
 

Difficulty

This is a very simple and easy hike that even 8-year-old children can manage. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted on the trail — and they really do check at the entrance; you must prove the child’s age with an ID card or passport. This restriction is in place because roughly half of the trail runs along wooden or metal suspension walkways, though they are very well secured. Through them, you can sometimes see a 100-meter drop below you. This is what makes the Caminito del Rey (Path of Death) famous.

So the only real restriction might be a severe fear of heights. However, even then, you can walk right next to the rock face and avoid looking down (except for the final aerial ladder :)). The official website also warns of falling rocks, which is why you’re given a mandatory helmet at the start of the trail, but I didn’t see a single rock fall.
 

Water availability

It’s a good idea to bring 1 liter of water per person for the hike, especially on summer days, but also in the spring when we went. You can buy water either at the kiosk at the start of the trail or at the end at several bars and restaurants that will be waiting for you there. There are no food or drink options along the trail itself. There are springs along the way, but the water isn’t drinkable.
 

Danger

There is a risk of falling rocks along the route, which is why you are required to wear a helmet at the start of the hike. I didn’t see a single rock fall during the entire hike — the helmet is more of a precaution. Otherwise, the trail is very well secured, and it’s practically impossible to accidentally fall into the deep ravines along the way. The very fact that the trail is officially approved for children as young as eight years old is proof that it is not a difficult route. Perhaps only people with a fear of heights should consider whether they want to put themselves through this. The views into the deep gorges are truly breathtaking.
 

Food

You must bring your own snacks and drinks for the hike. There are no opportunities to restock on water or food along the trail. In the summer, we recommend at least 1 liter of water per person. You can restock your supplies at both the start and end of the trail, where there are always restaurants (usually crowded).
 

Attractions

A Bit of History

The original trail was not built for tourists, but for purely practical reasons. In the early 20th century, the Chorro Hydroelectric Society needed to connect two hydroelectric power plants near the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. The path was used by workers to transport materials, maintain the canals, and monitor water levels.

It earned its name, “The King’s Path” (Caminito del Rey), thanks to a visit by King Alfonso XIII of Spain. In 1921, he attended the grand opening of the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam. The king personally walked the entire dangerous route, which so fascinated the people that the path came to be known as Caminito del Rey.

As the decades passed, the trail’s technical significance declined and maintenance came to a complete halt. The concrete slabs began to crumble, the iron girders rusted, and in many sections the path disappeared entirely, leaving only narrow steel crossbeams suspended over a deep chasm. Despite its dilapidated condition (or perhaps because of it), the trail began to attract daredevils and climbers from around the world. 

Several fatal accidents occurred here in 1999 and 2000. After five people died, the Spanish government demolished both entrances to the trail and imposed fines of up to €6,000 for entry.

After years of planning and an investment of over 5 million euros, a brand-new, safe trail was opened in March 2015. The modern, secured wooden walkway is anchored directly into the rock, just a few meters above the remains of the original “deadly” path (which you can still see below you as a reminder). The number of visitors is strictly limited—entry is only available through online purchase on the official website https://www.caminitodelrey.info/