The Caminito del Rey, a hiking trail once considered the most dangerous in the world, has been restored and is now a safe, popular destination. The 8km (5-mile) elevated walkway is carved into the walls of a dramatic gorge in El Chorro, Malaga province, southern Spain, and sits 100 metres above the gorge floor at its most dramatic points.
From perilous to popular
For years, the route was regarded as the world's most treacherous, with crumbling bridges and deteriorating pathways making it a genuine danger. Following an extensive restoration project, the trail has been brought back to life and is now a well-maintained and hugely popular destination for thrill-seekers.
Hiker Conor Carter captured the experience on TikTok, saying: "This was once known as 'the world's most dangerous hike'. Welcome to El Caminito del Rey, Málaga, Spain. It's one of the most breathtaking walks I've ever done! Suspended 100 metres above a dramatic gorge, this iconic trail takes you along narrow boardwalks carved into the cliffside before crossing an incredible suspension bridge."
A spectacular route through nature
Spain's official tourism website describes the trail as a "unique experience", highlighting the remarkable feat of engineering involved in constructing footbridges directly into the gorge walls. The website adds: "The Caminito del Rey walk is spectacular from start to finish, as it winds its way through gorges, canyons and a vast valley. Wander through the landscapes of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Nature Reserve, a gorge carved out by the River Guadalhorce, with walls reaching depths of 700 metres."
The surrounding nature reserve is teeming with wildlife, and lucky visitors may spot Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures or golden eagles wheeling high above the gorge. Down below, wild boar and mountain goats are known to roam the rocky landscape.
Practical information for visitors
The walkway's history stretches back to the early 20th century, when it was originally built to allow workers to move materials between the Gaitanejo and El Chorro waterfalls in support of a nearby hydroelectric power station. These days it serves a more scenic purpose. The route runs in a single direction only, following a gentle downhill descent from north to south.
Walkers should set aside around three to four hours to complete the trail. A shuttle bus service runs at the end of the route to return visitors to the car park. Tickets must be booked ahead of time and cannot be purchased on the trail itself. They are available online via the official website or in person at the northern entrance.
Standard admission is priced at €10, while a guided tour - offered in both Spanish and English - costs €18. The shuttle bus fare is €2.50, and parking nearby is available for €2. Children under the age of eight are not permitted on the trail. Those aged eight and over may be asked to produce identification to confirm their age upon arrival.
