El Caminito Del Rey

There’s something extraordinary about walking the Caminito del Rey in autumn. As the summer crowds fade and the Andalusian sun softens, the dramatic cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge take on a golden hue. The air is crisp, the light is low, and the silence is deeper — making this iconic hike feel even more intimate.

Where Spain has literally 1000s of spectacular walks, we had the Caminito del rey, once known as the "world's most dangerous walkway", for a long time on our bucket list of things to do.

In autumn, the landscape shifts: the trees along the river turn amber, the shadows stretch longer, and the gorge feels like a cathedral carved by time. The 7.7km route is now a safe and spectacular trail that clings to the limestone walls high above the Guadalhorce River. 

First things first.

Planning your visit:

Planning your visit is important as you need to book ahead. Although autumn is quieter, tickets still sell out on weekends and even during the week.

Getting there:

a) By train: 

From Malaga: Take the Cercanias C2 line to El Chorro station. The journey takes about 40 minutes and offers scenic views of the Andalucian countryside. From El Chorro station, it's a short shuttle ride to the northern entrance of the trail.

b) By Car

Drive from Malaga via the A-357 and MA-5403 roads (Approx 1 hour)
Park at either the Ardales (north access) or El Chorro (south access) car parks. Shuttle buses connect both ends of the trail. We parked at the Ardales car park which is large and is serviced by a regurlar bus service.

c) By tour or shuttle:

Several companies offer guided day trips from Malaga, Ronda, Seville,...

What makes an autumn hike here so special isn’t just the scenery — it’s the atmosphere. The cooler temperatures are perfect for walking, and the soft light makes the rock formations glow. Vultures glide overhead, and the sound of water echoes through the canyon like a whisper.


After stepping off the shuttle bus, you’ll enter a narrow tunnel that opens into the stunning Guadalhorce Valley — a dramatic prelude to the adventure ahead. From here, it’s a 2.7km forest walk through pine-scented paths and rocky terrain, leading you to the Gaitanejo entrance gate, the official start of the Caminito del Rey. At the gate, your ticket is scanned, and you’ll be given a helmet — a safety requirement for the cliffside walkways ahead. This approach hike is scenic and peaceful, but it does take time, so be sure to arrive early and allow plenty of time to reach the entrance before your scheduled slot. Rushing through this part would mean missing out on the quiet beauty that sets the tone for the rest of the trail.

Once you pass through the Gaitanejo entrance gate, the adventure truly begins. Facilities here are minimal - just a few restrooms and a small kiosk - so it's wise to bring your own water and snacks before setting off. From this point, the Caminito del Rey becomes a one-way trail, winding through some of the most dramatic scenery in Andalusia. You'll traverse towering limestone cliffs, cross narrow boardwalks suspended high above the river, and brave the iconic suspension bridge near the end - all while soaking in the stunning scenery. Crossing the suspension bridge near the end of the trail, I paused to take it all in: the rustling leaves, the golden cliffs, and the stillness that only autumn brings.