Hiking Caminito del Rey, Andalucia, Spain

Last year I decided to travel, work remotely, and try to get as much trail running in as I could in new places. I thought it would make me happy and I was correct.

While researching trails in Andalucia, Spain, I found this cool one along the cliff of a canyon outside of Málaga.

I went the first weekend of November 2023.

You buy a ticket for a guided tour that starts at a specific time but can walk ahead of the group and take the trail at a faster pace, if desired, which is what I did.

I rented a car and drove first to Ronda, which I’ll share in another post soon, then to this Caminito.

It was exhilarating walking along the cliff and hearing the rushing water below us. The canyon is beautiful and the trail is well-built.

Tips:

By your ticket well in advance. The spots fill up! I think I got mine a week in advance and there weren’t many tickets left.
Get there with plenty of time to park and figure out where the heck you are. It’s a little confusing.
Parking: essentially, you can park at the North Entrance and take the shuttle from the South Exit after your hike, or you can park in the South and take a shuttle up to the North Entrance to start your hike. I parked near the North entrance on the side of the road and it was free. There was a paid lot available as well.
Arrive exactly on time or early for the time slot you have.
I didn’t get hungry during the hike but afterward, it took awhile to wait for the bus and ride on the bus back to my car and I was glad I brought a back pack with some nuts and dried fruit in it.
Bring water.
The hike is mostly boardwalk, paved, or dirt path—a variety of shoes will work—not just trail shoes.