Caminito del Rey of ANTEQUERA
The Small Road of the King
As mentioned in the section on El Chorro, the Caminito del Rey was constructed between 1901 and 1905 by Rafael Benjumea, and opened by King Alfonso XIII.
Caminito means small road, and del Rey is: of the King.
The Caminito del Rey is a series of narrow pathways, tunnels, and hanging bridges, at a height of some 100 meters on the El Chorro gorge face.
The walkway fell into disrepair in the late 20th century and was partially closed for over a decade. It was renowned as the ‘Spain’s most dangerous walkway’ following 5 deaths in 1999 and 2000.
Four years of restoration culminated in it officially re-opening in 2015.
If you have a head for heights, to walk it is a unique and spectacular experience.
Allow around 2 hours for the walk, and take a bottle of water if hiking it in the hot weather.
The Caminito del Rey is not just of interest to hikers and photographers, but to climbers too, seeking to scale the gorge itself, attracted by it’s challenging vertical walls and the general beauty of the setting.
Additionally, the scene is rich in birdlife including: chough, kingfisher, swift, owl, tawny vulture. It is also populated by the wildcat and cabra hispanica.
The gorge itself is three kilometers long, and in some of the sections is less than 10 meters wide and 400 meters in height.
El Chorro
Below the Caminito del Rey, the small El Chorro village harbours the railway line from Antequera, which arrives at a quaint little station opposite the old railway hotel: The Garganta.
El Chorro village has a little supermarket for it’s local population, as well as catering for local campers who often come for the challenge of walking the Caminito del Rey.
To see more of information on El Chorro, click here.
Hang Gliding
As an aside, to the west of El Chorro, in the town of Valle de Abdalajais, there is a hang-gliding school for those seeking ariel views of this beautiful area.
Combined Visit
You might also choose to combine your walk on the Caminito del Rey with a visit to the nearby Ardales Lakes, for a uniquely memorable and full day out.
Tickets for the Caminito del Rey
Tickets are best booked online: www.reservas.caminitodelrey.info
Information is in Spanish and English. Alternatively you can telephone: +34 951 434 215 / +34 902 787 325
Lines are open Monday – Friday from 10:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 18:00.
Box Office
You can also purchase tickets from the box office at the beginning of the walk. The office opens at 09:00.
It has been reported to us that even when on-line bookings are sold out, if you turn up early, you may get tickets from the box office. Obviously this is not guaranteed.
Travel Agencies
You can buy tickets too from some travel agents. This is a trial and error way of getting tickets though.
High Season
At the height of the season it is best to have some flexibility on dates, as the Caminito del Rey is extremely popular.
Alternatively, if you are booking your holiday some way in advance book tickets then, rather than waiting until close to the visit period.
Prices
General ticket: 10€ euros per person.
Guided tour: 18€ euros per person. You can visit with a group of up to 30 people.
For other guided tours visit: www.getyourguide.co.uk
Comment
If you are staying in Antequera, the Caminito del Rey offers one of the most exhilerating experiences to enjoy.
Shuttle Bus
There are two zones for car parking (see the website for information).
The north zone is at the start of the Caminito del Rey. A shuttle bus will therefore collect you at the end of the walk and return you to the north zone.
If you choose to park in the south zone and take the shuttle bus before the walk this is fine.
Cost: At time of publishing the cost is 1.55€ euros.