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The Caminito del Rey near Malaga was once labeled as the most dangerous walking trail in the world. This ultra-narrow path along a steep mountain wall was a necessary route that workers had to traverse with true disregard for their lives about 100 years ago. There was no alternative way to transport goods between two reservoirs. The slightest misstep or misjudgment was enough to lead to a 100-meter fall into this relentless gorge.
But times have changed. Now, walking the Caminito del Rey (The King’s Path) is a breathtaking yet safe 3-kilometer hike. This has been made possible by expensive work on the route. Nowadays, hundreds of tourists undertake the hike daily, which has become the main attraction in the area since it reopened in 2014.
The revamped King’s Path is essentially a completely new path situated a meter above the old one. Since the construction of a railway through the valley, the old route had become obsolete. For years, no maintenance was done on the path, causing it to gradually deteriorate and become even more dangerous. During that period, daredevils and climbers ignored a government ban on using the path, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The King’s Path 2.0 is a solid construction with glass floors in several places for even better views of the dizzying depths. A strong anchoring in the mountain wall and modern railings ensure that all modern safety regulations are met. It is even safe enough for children over eight years old (of course, under supervision) to undertake the hike.
Meanwhile, everything that made the hike so breathtakingly beautiful in the past has remained intact, with safety as a significant bonus. Expect constantly changing views of the gorge, the mountain walls, the water, and waterfalls. A sort of total package of nature in all its glory: spectacular squared.
A special moment on the route is when you must cross the narrow hanging bridge from one side of the gorge to the other. So it goes without saying that this hiking excursion is not recommended for people with a fear of heights or mobility issues.
Due to the popularity of the King’s Path, it is absolutely essential to book well in advance. Various organizations offer trips with or without guides. Many, for example, have pickup points in Malaga, Granada, Torremolinos, and Fuengirola. And it is certainly worthwhile to check the Caminito del Rey website for the rules associated with the hike. You should keep in mind that the total hike is 8 kilometers long, with 3 kilometers on the King’s Path. The entire journey will take about 3 to 4 hours.
