Hiking El Caminito del Rey: Walk the Sky-High Gorge of El Chorro
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic fitness who can walk 2–4 hours at a steady pace and are comfortable with exposure.
Overview
Walk a steel-and-boardway clinging to 100-meter cliffs above a river that carved a gorge through limestone. El Caminito del Rey is both a piece of industrial history and a precise, adrenaline-tinged hike — one that rewards planning and respect for exposure.
Hiking El Caminito del Rey: Walk the Sky-High Gorge of El Chorro
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You step off the minibus at the Guadalhorce reservoir and the canyon takes the conversation out of you. The path threads along an almost vertical limestone wall, a narrow ribbon of boardwalk and steel clinging to the face of the Gaitanes Gorge. Wind carves the air into cold, bright slices; the river below glints jade and dares you to look down. Your guide checks helmets and points out the original 1921 stonework, then leads the group onto the walkway — an exposed, human-made ledge that suddenly feels as old as the mountain itself.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early
Tickets and guided time slots sell out quickly—reserve at least a few weeks ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good tread; the path is stable but can be slippery after rain.
Bring at least 1L of water
The canyon sun can be strong and the walk, while not long, has limited shade; hydrate before and during the route.
Mind the exposure
If you’re uncomfortable with heights or open ledges, consider a different activity—this walk is fenced but very high above the gorge.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vulture
- Eurasian jay
History
Constructed in the early 1900s to serve local dam works and visited by King Alfonso XIII in 1921, the path links industrial heritage with dramatic Andalusian geology.
Conservation
Controlled access and visitor limits reduce erosion and disturbance; stick to marked paths and avoid dropping litter to protect rare canyon scrub and nesting birds.
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Adventure Hotspots in Málaga
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide grip on metal walkways and uneven approaches.
1–2L water bottle or hydration bladder
Keeps you hydrated in the sun-exposed canyon.
summer specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Essential for protection on open stretches of the path.
spring|summer|fall|null specific
Light wind/rain shell
Useful against sudden canyon gusts or showers.
spring|fall|winter specific