The Caminito del Rey is one of the most dramatic walks in Europe — 7.7 kilometres of boardwalk pinned to the face of a limestone gorge, in places just 50 centimetres wide with a 100-metre drop to the river below. It was restored and reopened in 2015 and now gets over 400,000 visitors a year. Tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer. Here's everything you need to know to book, plan the logistics and get the most from the day.
Ticket Types and Prices
There are two ways to visit: self-guided access or a guided tour. Both include a mandatory helmet, which is collected at the entrance booth. Children under 8 are not permitted on the trail.
| Ticket Type | Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Self-guided access | €10 | Timed entry slot, helmet, access to full trail |
| Guided tour (group) | €18–22 | Access + official guide + shuttle from Ardales |
| Guided tour (private) | €60–90 | Private guide, flexible timing, includes transport |
| Children 8–12 | €10 | Same as adult — must be accompanied by an adult |
A €1.50 online booking fee applies to all tickets purchased through the official website. The total for two self-guided visitors is €23 — one of the best-value experiences in Andalucía.
How to Book — Step by Step
The official booking system opens slots 60 days in advance. Entry is in timed batches (typically 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 etc. in summer). Once your slot is confirmed, you must arrive within 15 minutes of your start time or your entry may be forfeited.
- Go to caminitodelrey.info and click "Buy Tickets"
- Select your date and preferred start time (earlier is cooler and less crowded)
- Choose self-guided or guided tour
- Enter visitor details — names and ID/passport numbers are required
- Pay by card. You'll receive a QR code by email — print it or save it to your phone
Alternatively, book through GetYourGuide — they hold a small allocation of guided tour tickets that can be easier to secure when the official site shows "sold out".
🥾Getting There: Car vs Train
By Car (60km from Málaga — 50 minutes)
Take the A-357 from Málaga towards Antequera, then exit at El Chorro / Álora. The trail's northern entrance (Ardales / Camping El Chorro) has a car park — arrive before 08:30 in summer to get a space. The trail is one-way (north to south), so you'll need to arrange transport back to your car. Most visitors take the shuttle bus from the southern exit back to the northern car park — it costs around €2–3 and runs when the trail is open.
- Northern car park (trail start): GPS: 36.9330° N, 4.7680° W
- Southern exit (El Chorro village): GPS: 36.9195° N, 4.7510° W
- Shuttle bus: runs between exits, ~€2–3, check availability at the entrance
- Toll: AP-7 optional toll saves 15 min from Málaga
By Train — No Car Needed
The train is genuinely viable and we recommend it if you're based in Málaga, Fuengirola or anywhere along the Cercanías line. Take the C2 Cercanías train from Málaga María Zambrano station to El Chorro (roughly 1 hour, around €5–7 each way). Trains run a few times a day — check the RENFE website or app for exact times, as the schedule is limited.
From El Chorro station it's a 45-minute walk to the southern trail entrance — flat, well-signposted, and along a scenic reservoir path. Some guided tours include a coach transfer from Málaga which removes all logistics. If you're doing self-guided by train, plan your train times in advance and allow extra time for the walk from the station.
What to Expect on the Day
Arrive at the entrance booth 10–15 minutes before your slot. You'll collect your helmet here (mandatory, included in the ticket price) and leave bags if needed — there's a small locker area. Security bags worn across the chest are not permitted on the narrow boardwalk sections.
The route goes from north to south: 2.3km of access path through the valley, then the dramatic 1.7km elevated boardwalk through the gorge, then 3.7km along the canyon floor. The boardwalk section is the highlight — fixed to the cliff face with a handrail on one side, drop to the river on the other. Some sections are genuinely exposed. If you have serious vertigo, go slowly and stay focused — most people are fine but the heights are real.
- Total distance: 7.7km (one-way)
- Duration: 3–4 hours at a comfortable pace
- Difficulty: Easy — flat trail, no climbing, no special fitness required
- Helmet: Mandatory, provided free at the entrance
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- What to bring: Water (at least 1.5L), sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, light jacket
- What not to bring: Large backpacks (no rucksacks wider than shoulders on boardwalk)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) is ideal — wildflowers in the gorge, mild temperatures (18–24°C), and manageable crowds outside Easter week. Autumn (September–November) is excellent for the same reasons. Summer works but the gorge can reach 38°C by midday — start as early as your slot allows and carry more water than you think you need. Winter (December–February) can see the trail closed after heavy rain.
| Season | Temp | Crowds | Ticket Availability | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 18–25°C | Moderate | 2–3 weeks out | ⭐ Best |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 30–38°C | High | 4–6 weeks out | Doable, book early |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 20–28°C | Low–Moderate | 1–2 weeks out | ⭐ Best |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 12–18°C | Very low | Days out | Check for closures |
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