Hiking Around Malaga Spain: El Caminito del Rey Hike
Spain is an excellent country for hiking, but for us, the Caminito Del Rey hike stands out against all the others as an impressive feat! Boasting amazing scenery, thrilling heights, and captivating history, it’s a must for fearless adventurers.
This almost 8-kilometre path near Malaga (Andalusia) was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Today the entire route has been restored and one thing hasn’t changed: the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 meters up on a sheer cliff face. The views are unforgettable.
SOUTH OF SPAIN AND MALAGA
Malaga, and Southern Spain in general, is somehow the gift that keeps on giving. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas, this city on Spain’s Costa del Sol also gives us a lot of sunny days. It is also home to historic cathedrals and castles, delicious tapas and a vibrant party scene.
Hiking around Malaga
Malaga is one of the top places to go hiking in Andalucia with mountains overlooking the never-ending coastline, jaw-dropping canyons, and a curious wildlife. There are endless hiking trails that range from easy to difficult and that are breathtaking and fun.
There are so many remarkable hikes in Malaga that it’s hard to choose which ones to do. From peaks to ravines, rivers, and coastal hikes, this province is home to the best hikes in Andalusia.
BEST HIKING TRAILS NEAR MALAGA IN SPAIN
Here the whole family can enjoy the most challenging top trails, because Malaga is a paradise both for experienced as for amateur hikers.
According to Visit Southern Spain, these are Top Best Hiking Trails near Malaga:
EL CAMINITO DEL REY HIKE TOURS
The Caminito del Rey hike is the most popular hike in Spain. If you feel the need to get out of town and stretch your legs, the King’s Path (that’s how it is called in English) is guaranteed to fill your memories with incredible views and lots of adrenaline.
El Caminito del Rey gives your adrenalin level a kick!
Live an unforgettable experience with El Caminito del Rey Tour from Malaga!
Accompanied by an expert guide, you will take a tour through this natural landscape, you will learn about the curiosities of this incredible route and admire the magnificent views of the surroundings.
WHERE IS EL CAMINITO DEL REY?
El Caminito del Rey from Spain is a walking pathway along the towering and steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, in the Malaga province of Spain.
Throughout the hike, you will come across views of Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes, a gorge with 700-meter-high (that’s 2,297 feet) walls.
Is The Caminito Del Rey Dangerous?
Though it was nicknamed the most dangerous hike in the world back in the 1990s, its safety measures have been reinforced with the renovations made in 2015.
The walkway was reopened for the public, with reinforced railings with iron mesh, safety helmets, and guidelines for visitors to enjoy the hike. Nowadays only 1100 visitors are allowed per day, and they are required to book their visit in advance.
This route is around 7km long and the terrain is made up of pathways through forest and woodland. But great part of the route is on a very secure wooden platform firmly attached to the steep sides of the El Chorro gorge in the valley of Malaga.
THE CAMINITO DEL REY DIFFICULTY
At a total length of 7.7 km (4.8 miles), the Caminito Del Rey isn’t overly long. However, this is a hike that is well worth taking your time with. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and it’d be a huge pity to not stop and take it all in.
The path walks are located in an incredible place where you may feel an adrenaline rush, but the trail itself is easy. It’s perfectly possible for anyone who doesn’t have mobility issues and can walk about 8 km. Children with less than 8 years old cannot enter the trail. Also, if you are afraid of heights, you might feel a bit freaked out.
The trail spans about five miles and takes the average person about three hours to complete. Since it is a linear trail, there are no blazes marking the way or multiple routes. It’s one straight shot through the gorge from one end to the other.
The time it takes to complete depends on how comfortable you are with being suspended in the air at such a great height, following a floating boardwalk from start to finish.
LET’S HIT THE CAMINITO DEL REY!
A spectacular route
The Caminito del Rey route is spectacular from beginning to end, running through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley. It crosses the landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, an abyss carved out by the river Guadalhorce, with walls of 700 metres high.
A wide variety of fauna and flora
The area is inhabited by a wide variety of plant and animal species. With a little luck, you can see highland birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, and mammals such as wild boar. Have you booked your tickets yet?
