Introduction

If you're looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature, Caminito del Rey is the perfect destination. Easily accessible from Málaga, it offers a variety of activities suitable for everyone, including:

  • Walking the Caminito del Rey trail
  • Rock climbing
  • Mountain biking
  • Swimming in the nearby lake
Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey Tickets

Buying Tickets for the Trail

Important: The best option is to purchase your ticket in advance through the official website: Buy Tickets.

If tickets are sold out online, you have two alternatives:

  1. Buy at the entrance
    This worked for us! We managed to purchase a guided ticket, which is slightly more expensive than the unguided option. However, availability isn’t guaranteed, so this method comes with some risk.
  2. Third-party websites:
    Tickets from third-party sellers are usually double the price, so this is a less budget-friendly option.

Getting There

By public transport, take the train to El Chorro, where the exit of the Caminito trail is located. From there, you can continue with activities like hiking or mountain biking.

If you plan to walk the trail, take the shuttle bus from El Chorro to the upper entrance of Caminito del Rey. The trail ends back at El Chorro, where you can catch the bus or train back to Málaga.

Summary:

Going there: Málaga → Buy ticket → Train to El Chorro (limited frequency) → Shuttle to the upper entrance (free).
Coming back: Finish the trail at the lower gate → Train to Málaga.

Caminito del Rey Trail

Important Notes

  1. The shuttle bus prioritizes third-party tour groups, and remaining seats are allocated to others. This can cause delays, so plan accordingly.
  2. Trains to El Chorro are infrequent, so try to catch the earliest one. Fortunately, trains returning to Málaga run more frequently.
  3. A combo ticket for both the train and trail was previously available, but this option has been discontinued.

The Trail

The trail is stunning and relatively easy to walk. It takes about 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Be prepared for windy conditions, as gusts can occasionally blow loose items away.

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes (mandatory – no sandals allowed)
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen

What to Avoid

  • Overdressing (dress in layers for comfort)
  • Overpacking (keep it light)
  • Wearing sandals (you’ll be denied entry)
  • Failing to book in advance
  • Choosing an early entry time without checking the train schedule
  • Dropping your phone or other belongings (be cautious on windy sections)