Along the rocks, 100 metres above the Guadalhorce river, there is a footbridge called Caminito del Rey. It is one of the biggest attractions in the area and tickets must be purchased well in advance. If you love unique landscapes and are not afraid of heights, this will be a dream trip for you.
How was the Caminito del Rey route created?
The history of the route dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when a company involved in hydroelectric power generation decided to create a path for its employees from El Chorro. The construction of the footbridges took 4 years. Interestingly, it was possible to walk along this route during the day and at night, as lighting was provided.
King Alfonso XIII himself came to the opening, hence the royal name of the trail (Caminito del Rey, or the Royal Path). The footbridge, which had deteriorated over the years, attracted daredevils and adventurers. However, it was very dangerous. It was closed for a while, only to be reopened to visitors in 2015 after renovation.
Footbridge over the abyss
The tour starts near the Conde de Guadalhorce dam. You can reach the trail from Ardales or Álora. The footbridge is one-way, from north to south. The trail is 8 km long and is divided into four sections.
The canyon, through which the Guadalhorce river flows, is sometimes only 10 metres wide and… 700 metres deep. For comparison: the deepest point of the Grand Canyon in Colorado is 1857 metres. Caminito del Rey guarantees beautiful views and an unforgettable experience.
The information centre is located near the El Kiosko restaurant and the bus stop. There is also a campsite and car park in the area. Please note that you cannot drive to the entrance of the gorge itself. It is worth walking to the Luis Morales viewpoint, from which you can admire the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir.
To enter Caminito del Rey, you must buy tickets in advance (preferably before the season), as admission is limited and very popular. Details are available on the website.
The first part of the route is the narrow gorge of El Desfiladero de Gaitanejo (only 10 metres wide). The second part is el Tajo de las Palomas, where you cross the Puente Real (Royal Bridge).
The third part of the trail is called Valle de Hollo. It is a fertile river valley, full of lush vegetation. Many animal species also live here, and there is even a bat reserve. The last part of Caminito del Rey is Avenida Caminito del Rey, along which you can see a hydroelectric power station, an old railway station, a viaduct and railway tunnels.
Remember to bring water, snacks, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. There are no restaurants or toilets along the route. Children over the age of 8 are allowed on the tour. The trail is not accessible for people with physical disabilities and wheelchair users (there are stairs, handrails and narrow passages). It is also not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or fear of heights.
See also:
Whispers of the sea – a walk along the Senda Litoral coastal path
Andalusia with a new attraction. Ronda attracts tourists
Spain’s largest pedestrian suspension bridge to be built
On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the reopening of Caminito del Rey after a thorough modernisation, another major investment is in the pipeline. The provincial government has announced the construction of Spain’s largest suspension bridge for pedestrians. The new 110-metre-long construction, suspended at a height of 50 metres, will be located near the iron railway bridge and the El Chorro tunnel in Álora.
The project will be realised in the coming months and the bridge will most likely be put into operation in November. The investment will cost 1,250,000 euros and will be financed by the local government.
The new suspension bridge will be supported by two main cables, each weighing 4,500 kg, and 1,450 metres of special braided steel cable will be used in its construction. The structure will be made of wood mounted on a metal frame, and the railings will be made of steel, in keeping with the style of the existing Caminito del Rey. The bridge will also have an average gradient of 7.5%.
The construction of this 38-tonne bridge will require complex logistics, including the use of… helicopters to transport and assemble the elements. Despite the construction work, the Caminito del Rey will remain open to tourists. The new construction will become an alternative to the current final route of the trail, making it possible to shorten the hike by almost a kilometre. In addition, new paths will be built at the end of the bridge to make it easier to continue the route.
A new stage in the history of Caminito del Rey
The bridge project was recently officially presented to mayors and representatives of municipalities in the vicinity of Caminito del Rey. The construction was preceded by many preparations, including the creation of an access road and 3D analyses.
The investment is not only a spectacular addition to the attractions of Caminito del Rey, but also a significant step in improving safety and evacuation options along the route. The opening of the bridge will be part of the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the reopening of the trail and the 120th anniversary of its original construction.
The new suspension bridge will undoubtedly attract more tourists and thrill-seekers, strengthening the Caminito del Rey’s position as one of the most exciting tourist routes in Europe.
