El Caminito del Rey, The King's Path, is an adventurous hiking trail that runs from Alora in Málaga to Campillos through the El Chorro gorge. Located in a unique natural environment, the trail extends between two gorges, canyons and a large valley. It can and may only be done from the north side to the south side.
Distance: 6.2 km.
Time: 2h30.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Linear.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: No.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Not allowed.
Height gain: 278 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: Yes.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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The King's Path.
The path itself is now easily and safely passable (sometimes up and down stairs), but traces of the original path are still visible. You need to buy a ticket to walk here. Monthly, a limited number of tickets are for sale on the official site of the Caminito del Rey - Diputación de Málaga, but travel agencies buy them in advance so that you either have to be very quick to buy a ticket online, or book a ticket at an travel agency.
POI 1 - Caminito del Rey.
In 1901, the need arose for a path to transport materials between Choro Valley and Gaitanejo Falls, for the construction and maintenance of the hydraulic power stations on both sides of the falls. After four years of work, the trail was opened in 1905. In 1921, Alfons XIII of Spain used the trail to open the Conde del Guadalhorce dam, after which the trail became known under its current name el Caminito del Rey: the King's Path. In the 20th century, the trail fell into disrepair, leaving many parts in a dangerous state. There were hardly any railings at all, and in some places the path consisted of only a narrow metal and beam.
In 1992, the trail was officially closed. To prevent people from still entering the path, the first part of the path was demolished. Despite this, adventurers still managed to find their way to the trail. A total of four people died in two accidents in 1999 and 2000, and in February 2010, a 24-year-old Swiss mountaineer died after a fall.
Restoration works started in 2014 and the trail was reopened in March 2015. The renovation works mainly consisted of renewing the walkway with railings, repairing the bridge and deeply anchoring steel bolts in the rocks for the safety lines, with the help of helicopters and alpinists. The path is designed by architect Luis Machuca.
More information:
www.caminitodelrey.info
