Illustrative artwork — an impression of Caminito del Rey — El Chorro, not a literal photograph.
The Caminito del Rey is a restored boardwalk bolted to the cliff face above the Gaitanes Gorge near El Chorro in Andalusia, Spain, on a route once notorious as one of the world's most dangerous paths and now a controlled, one-way walk. It's a single day out rather than a multi-day trek, so there's no trailside camping to plan around — the real question is simply where to base yourself the night before your timed entry slot.
Why hike here
What stays with hikers here is the scale of the gorge itself: a walkway pinned to sheer rock with the river running far below, following the cliff line into a canyon that narrows and opens again as you go. Because it's walked in one direction only, the views keep unfolding ahead rather than repeating behind you, and the contrast between the old, crumbling original path still visible in places and the sturdy new boardwalk underfoot is a constant reminder of how dangerous this stretch of gorge used to be. Spring and fall bring cooler air and clearer light for the walk; summer heat builds fast against the rock walls, which is part of why the route is best saved for the shoulder seasons.
Getting there
Málaga is the gateway, with an international airport and rail connections that make it the natural base for reaching El Chorro. From Málaga, a regional train runs out toward El Chorro, and from the station it's a short local transfer to the trail's starting point. Because entry is by timed ticket, it's worth building your travel day around your booked slot rather than the other way around, and building in a buffer in case of delays.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: Rural hotels, guesthouses and rentals near the gorge
Hikers who want to be close to the entrance for their timed slot.
A handy base for making your ticketed entry time.
Nearby-village lodgingFor example: Hotels and rentals in Málaga, an easy train ride away
Travelers pairing the walk with a coastal city stay.
Trains run from Málaga toward El Chorro.
Nearby-city lodgingPermits & rules
The Caminito del Rey is a controlled, one-way walkway that requires a timed-entry ticket booked in advance; hard hats are provided and there is no camping. Tickets sell out, and the walkway closes in high winds.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Do I need to book my Caminito del Rey ticket in advance?
Yes. Entry is controlled and timed, and tickets for popular dates sell out well ahead of time, especially in spring and fall. Book directly through the official channel as soon as your travel dates are set rather than assuming you can turn up and walk on. A hard hat is provided as part of your entry and must be worn on the boardwalk.
Can I camp along the trail or stay overnight partway through?
No. There's no camping on the Caminito del Rey, and the walk is designed as a single, one-way day route rather than an overnight trek. Plan to sleep either in the villages near the gorge — El Chorro, Álora, or Ardales — or in Málaga, and travel out to your timed entry point on the day itself.
When is the best time of year to walk it?
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable, with milder temperatures for a walk that offers little shade against the gorge walls. Summer heat can be intense. Whenever you go, check conditions beforehand, since the walkway closes in high winds for safety, and a canceled slot is far better than a rebooking headache.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.