In Málaga province, in the Gaitanes Gorge: you enter at Ardales (north) and exit at El Chorro, in Álora (south), about 59 km from Málaga city. Don't confuse it with the "caminito del rey valenciano", a different trail in Relleu (Alicante) — this guide covers the original Caminito del Rey in Málaga.
Entry is controlled with timed slots and a mandatory ticket — there is no walking in without a booking. For last-minute visits, your best bet are the operator-run visits with the ticket included: they hold their own allocations and often have spots when the official site is sold out, even same-week.
The official general ticket is €10 and the official guided visit €18. The shuttle bus between the two ends costs €2.50 and parking €2. If the official site is sold out, there are alternatives with the ticket included from €32.
It depends on the date: the official site releases tickets in batches and weekend/spring dates go fast. Practical rule: if your date shows availability, buy it on the spot. If it's already sold out, see the plan B.
Children under 8 cannot enter (official rule). Ages 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult and carry ID to prove their age.
Between 3 and 4 hours. It's about 8 linear km, one-way (Ardales to Álora): 4.8 km of access paths and 2.9 km of gorge boardwalks. Full detail in the route.
No: it's linear and one-way, north (Ardales) to south (El Chorro, Álora). A shuttle bus (€2.50) links the two ends so you can get back. How to plan it, in getting there.
Yes — there's a dedicated station: "El Chorro-Caminito del Rey", at the southern end, served by Renfe (proximity and regional services from Málaga). Check times at renfe.com and match them to your entry slot.
Light rain is fine but umbrellas are banned: bring a raincoat. With heavy rain or strong wind the organisers may close access for safety; exchanges for another date are then handled on the official website, subject to availability.
Comfortable shoes without heels (flip-flops banned), water and sun protection. Large backpacks, bags and bulky items are banned; so are poles (even hiking poles) and pets.
Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays except select dates). Closed 24, 25 & 31 December and 1 January. Entry runs from 9:00 to mid-afternoon depending on season, with slots every 10 minutes.
Yes: the organisers require you at the entrance 30 minutes before your slot. If arriving by car or train, add the shuttle bus time to the northern entrance.
The modern boardwalks (fully rebuilt) have continuous railings and entry is regulated in 10-minute slots. It IS a heights experience above the gorge — that's the point — but it's done routinely by anyone aged 8+. If vertigo worries you, the guided visit (€32) adds reassurance.
Yes, the general ticket (€10) is self-guided. The official guided visit (€18) or the operator-guided one with ticket included (€32) add explanation and logistics — and tend to be the way in when everything else is sold out.