In the rugged landscape of El Chorro, near Ardales in Málaga, Spain, you’ll find one of the most exciting walkways in the world: El Caminito del Rey, or “The King’s Little Path.”
This stunning route clings to the steep walls of a narrow gorge.
It offers breathtaking views that draw thrill-seekers and adventure lovers.
El Caminito del Rey: A Historic Pathway
El Caminito del Rey was originally constructed between 1901 and 1905 to provide workers at the hydroelectric power plants located at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls.
The walkway was designed to facilitate the transport of materials and ensure easy inspection and maintenance of the channel.
It got its royal moniker after King Alfonso XIII crossed it in 1921 to open the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam.
The name “El Caminito del Rey” or “The King’s Little Path” stuck, and it soon became a renowned landmark.
Architecture Of The Pathway
The walkway is just 1 meter (3 feet) wide and soars over 100 meters (330 feet) above the river below.
It was originally constructed from concrete and supported by steel rails embedded into the rock face.
Its purpose was both functional and symbolic, serving as a crucial component of the region’s industrial infrastructure while offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
The Walkway Fell Into Poor Condition
By the late 20th century, El Caminito del Rey had fallen into severe disrepair.
The original concrete path had deteriorated, leaving large sections with open-air gaps bridged only by narrow steel beams or other precarious supports.
The absence of safety barriers and the increasing wear on the structure led to a series of tragic accidents.
Between 1999 and 2000, five people lost their lives on the walkway, prompting its closure.
Despite the risks, some people still tried to climb the gorge, leading to more fatalities.
The walkway’s reputation as the “world’s most dangerous walkway” was solidified.
Eventually, the walkway was closed for safety reasons.
Revival and Restoration
In 2011, the regional government of Andalusia and the local government of Málaga embarked on a comprehensive restoration project to preserve El Caminito del Rey.
The renovation costs €9 million.
After three years of meticulous work, including the installation of a new pathway above the old one, El Caminito del Rey was reopened to the public on March 29, 2015.
The new path, which is 2.9 kilometers long along the gorge’s edge, offers a safer and more accessible experience while keeping many of the original features.
The project also included improvements such as car parking and a museum to enhance the visitor experience.
A Popular Filming Location
El Caminito del Rey’s dramatic scenery has made it a popular filming location.
The 1960 film Scent of Mystery, also known as Holiday in Spain, features a chase scene along the walkway.
The film Von Ryan’s Express (1965) used the area to stand in for the Italian-Swiss border, though filming caused some damage to the cliffs.
More recently, the 2012 Spanish thriller The End included an extended sequence filmed on the Caminito.