Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Nerja: Walk the Gaitanes Gorge & Return by Bus
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours (total tour); 2–2.5 hours on-trail
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to walk 8 km on uneven surfaces and handle stairs and cliffside boardwalks without assistance
Overview
Walk the vertiginous boardwalk of the Caminito del Rey with pickup from Nerja, Torrox, or Torre del Mar. This guided day trip pairs an air-conditioned coach and timed entry with 2–2.5 hours of spectacular canyon hiking along the Gaitanes Gorge.
Caminito del Rey Day Trip from Nerja: Walk the Gaitanes Gorge & Return by Bus
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The boardwalk appears before the valley opens — a narrow ribbon of wood and steel clinging to the limestone, the river far below daring you to look down. On a bright morning, the air between Nerja and El Chorro smells of sun-warmed rock and eucalyptus; an air-conditioned coach eases into the parking area and guides shepherd guests toward helmets stacked like astronaut caps. The walk begins at Restaurante El Kiosko and, for the next two and a half hours, the Caminito del Rey forces you to move at the pace of the gorge: deliberate, steady, and wide-eyed.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear closed, grippy shoes
Closed-toe footwear with good traction and ankle support is mandatory and will make the metal walkways far more secure.
Bring extra water
A single bottle is provided, but the exposed walk can be hot — carry an extra 0.5–1L in a small daypack.
Secure your camera
Use a wrist or neck strap; you’ll be stopped at viewpoints but you won’t be allowed to climb off the path for a better shot.
Plan for height exposure
If you’re prone to vertigo, consider skipping — sections hang hundreds of meters above the river and are unavoidably open.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vulture
- Peregrine falcon
History
Originally built in the early 1900s to provide corridor access for dam and railway workers, the path was rehabilitated and reopened in 2015 after decades of danger and decay.
Conservation
Access is ticketed and capacity-limited to protect the gorge; stay on the designated path, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing nesting raptors.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nerja
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
Mandatory for stability on metal walkways and rocky approaches.
Sun hat & sunscreen
The canyon is exposed and sun can be intense during summer and shoulder seasons.
summer specific
Light daypack with extra water and snacks
Holds extra fluids, ID, and a light layer; keeps hands free during the walk.
Photo strap or small camera bag
Keeps your camera secure while you move along narrow sections and viewpoints.