Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey clings to the sheer walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, where the Guadalhorce river squeezes through limestone narrows: built in the early 1900s as a service path for hydroelectric workers and named for King Alfonso XIII's 1921 visit, it crumbled across the century into the infamous 'world's most dangerous path' before a full rebuild reopened it in 2015. Today's route runs about 7.7 kilometres one way, its new timber boardwalks pinned roughly 100 metres above the river, with a glass balcony over the void, a swaying suspension bridge across the gorge's throat and griffon vultures riding the thermals at eye level. The old ruined walkway still hangs below the new one in places - a vertigo footnote to how far the restoration came - and the whole walk is gasp-per-minute scenery rather than athletic challenge.

Highlights

• The pinned boardwalks - timber walkways bolted to sheer limestone.
• The hanging bridge - the swaying crossing high over the narrows.
• The glass balcony - a see-through step over 100 metres of air.
• The vultures - griffons wheeling the gorge at eye level.

When to go

Spring and autumn offer the best temperatures on a route with little shade; summer slots sell out and swelter. The path closes in high wind or heavy rain - build a weather margin into your plans.

Practical notes

Tickets are timed, limited and vanish weeks ahead in season - book early or pay a tour premium. The walk is one-way and linear, so allow for the shuttle bus back, and note there are no toilets or water points on the route. It is safe and fenced, but genuine vertigo sufferers will still find the drops confronting.

Nearby

El Chorro's climbing country, the Guadalhorce reservoirs and Malaga city.

Key facts