An exceptional experience of nature – hiking trail “Caminito del Rey”!
After many years of restoration, the impressive “king’s little pathway” has reopened its wooden walkways and stone paths, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge, to the public. It is safely accessible for both children (from 8 years) and adults.
In 1921, King Alfonso XIII crossed the walkway and it became known by its present name. It had fallen into disrepair and was inaccessible for over a decade, but after four years of extensive repairs, in March 2015, we rejoiced to hear about its reopening.
The point of departure is the Restaurant El Kiosko on the dam in Ardales. Caminito del Rey is signposted from there on. It starts with a tunnel (now properly illuminated) and leads through shaded forest paths to a power plant, where you will find the trail’s entrance. Here, you will have to show your admission ticket (as pre-booked via appointment) and a form of identification.
You will receive a white hard hat and a few useful instructions, but then it’s up to yourself! The trail is only about 3 km long with an unrestricted amount of time to complete it. All you will need to bring for the hike is drinking water and good sturdy shoes. To help you catch your breath, there are a few resting areas and water stations.
Never allowed are pets, flip-flops and litter! At the finish line, you’ll have the opportunity to grab refreshments at a kiosk before the (hourly) shuttle bus takes you back to your car (stops at Restaurant El Mirador and El Kiosko).
You can book your appointments for El Caminito del Rey with us!
