Almost 30,000 tickets are already on sale to visit the spectacular Caminito del Rey during autumn and winter, the most ideal season in Malaga to enjoy beautiful walks in nature.
One of them is undoubtedly the Caminito del Rey, a spectacular aerial path rehabilitated along the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
It has been converted from one of the most dangerous paths in the world into an attractive route through this beautiful natural setting. And even more so now in autumn when temperatures drop and nature offers spectacular colours and contrasts.
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Recommendations for the Caminito del Rey in autumn and winter
Although you can walk the Caminito del Rey all year round, the less hot months are the most suitable for enjoying this route.
On the other hand, we must take into account that during these months there are greater changes in temperature, more probability of rainfall and fewer hours of light. Let’s see the most important aspects in more detail.
The weather
When purchasing the ticket electronically on the official website of the Caminito del Rey, visitors must also leave their email address. They will be notified of the closure of the trail due to certain weather conditions such as wind or rain.
However, we must also be aware of the weather forecast, as depending on the weather it is advisable to wear the corresponding clothing.
Clothing requirements
It is important to remember that this is not a promenade but forest paths and even a suspension bridge in a 100% natural environment. Therefore, always and regardless of the weather, you should wear suitable footwear that has a good grip.
It is also important to consider a jacket. As we move away from the coast and at a certain height, in autumn and winter the temperature changes quite a bit in the shade and places exposed to the wind.
It is ideal to bring a rainjacket that protects you from the wind and in case of bad weather.
It is convenient to wear a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt and a fleece lined shirt, so we are perfectly equipped and can take off or put on clothes according to the heat or cold we feel.
The rucksack
We are going to the mountain. Although the Caminito del Rey today is a tourist route with all the security, you have to equip yourself with some basic things that you will not find on the trail.
- The most important thing, always: Carry a bottle of water of at least one litre.
- Something to snack on: It can be nuts, or some energy bars, some fruit, since to cover the whole route requires 3 to 4 hours and will have to replenish energy.
- Sun protection is also very important, we can never underestimate the sun in the south, not even in winter and much less in the mountains: So in our rucksack we also carry a sunhat, sunglasses, and a high protection sunscreen.
- If we have thought of going to the mountain with new shoes, there can be very unpleasant abrasions, so some band-aids in the backpack are also a good idea.
Prohibitions
There are a number of prohibitions that must also be taken into account. For example, we are not allowed to carry selfie sticks, crutches, umbrellas, canes and prams. Nor can you bring dogs.
Frequently asked questions about the route
What is the Caminito del Rey like?
The Caminito del Rey is an infrastructure that has been restored to enable you to enjoy active tourism in a spectacular setting.
There are narrow footbridges and even a suspension bridge at more than 100 meters height, which can create a sensation of vertigo.
What physical condition is required to walk the Caminito del Rey?
The forest roads, some climbs and its length require a certain degree of physical effort or skill.
Only children over 8 years of age are allowed to access the site.
Not recommended to enter: Persons who are not properly prepared, who suffers from vertigo or illnesses related to the heart or respiratory system or who is undergoing medical treatment coinciding with the duration of the visit.
How long does it take to walk the Caminito del Rey?
The total length of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 km, which is made up of 4.8 km of forest paths and 2.9 km of aerial path.
The total time to do these 7.7 km is between 3 and 4 hours.
Where does the tour begin?
The route is unidirectional, from the northern access (Ardales) to the south (El Chorro, Alora).
At both points there is a bus service that takes visitors back to their starting point.
What are the opening hours?
The Caminito del Rey is open from Tuesday to Sunday during most of the year and has different opening hours depending on the season.
In winter (25th October to 26th March), the opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 3 pm. The Caminito de Rey is closed on 1st January and 24th, 25th and 31st December.
Remember that you have to buy your ticket online on the official website well in advance.
Everything you need to know to visit the Caminito del Rey
Do you want to know more?
Everything you need to know to visit the Caminito del Rey in our Blog!
How to get to the Caminito del Rey?
From Malaga by car
Car hire Malaga airport is the easiest way to get there. From Malaga city take the A-357 towards MA-444, passing by the municipalities of Cartama, Pizarra, Carratraca and Ardales.
This route is approximately 60 km and it takes 50 minutes by car to get there. In Pizarra you can also take the road to Alora and from there to the train station of El Chorro along the A-343.
This route is slightly longer and it takes a little bit over an hour to get there. The road is narrower with many curves.
By Train
El Chorro station is served daily by seven medium distance trains between Malaga and Seville.
Depending on the type of train, it takes between 39 and 50 minutes from Malaga Maria Zambrano station to El Chorro.
One-way fares also vary depending on the train chosen and are currently between €3.50 and €5.
The shuttle bus service starts at 8:30 am from the south zone, operating with a frequency of 30 minutes until 4:30 pm.
Buy train tickets
You can buy your train ticket at this Renfe link.
360º virtual tour of the Caminito del Rey
You have always wanted to visit the Caminito del Rey, but you haven’t gone yet? You don’t know if this is really your thing or if you have vertigo? There is another option:
Visit the Caminito del Rey virtually from the sofa at home. The tour is available for computers, mobile phones and tablets, in Spanish, English, French and German.
Did you know that…?
The Caminito del Rey has been proposed to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buy tickets
The 2023 ticket prices for the Caminito del Rey are as follows:
- General admission 10€.
- Official guided tour €18. Maximum group of 30 people accompanied by a certified guide. Tours in Spanish and English.
- Shuttle bus 2.5€.
- Parking €2
- Buy your ticket on the official website.
Also of interest: El Chorro, a natural Paradise
Next to the Caminito del Rey are the Guadalhorce, Conde de Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Andalusia.
Popularly, these reservoirs are known as the “Reservoirs of El Chorro”.
In the area you can enjoy a wide range of activities: It is an ideal place to enjoy nature, be it with your camera, hiking, cycling, caving, climbing, swimming or fishing.
Discover El Chorro and all the things you can do there!
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