Caminito del Rey: A Spectacular Walk

At the starting point you immediately see the impressive Gaitanejo power plant and the dam. Electricity was generated by the 2 waterfalls. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII officially opened and travelled the path. Since then it has been called 'Caminito del Rey' or 'King's Path'. From this vantage point you can already enjoy a stunning view of the gorge and the river, as they are situated at a considerable height. In the beginning you walk in a crowd with many people, but this becomes less as the duration of the walk.

The walk comprises three sections. During the first part, you walk past the waterfall at the start of the narrow gorge, with the towering rocks high above you. The route alternates between wooden platforms and a concrete path, while you traverse through the unique landscape.

During the 1920s, this was the only mode of transport to reach the next village, and it was crucial for children to attend school, meet their basic necessities and interact with other villagers. Beneath the wooden decking, one can clearly observe the old path, which was less than a metre wide. There were railings installed in certain areas during that time, but it is evident how dangerous the walk was.

In 1992, the trail was officially closed to prevent fatal accidents. The first part was even dismantled, to prevent adventurers from venturing into it. Despite this, a few brave souls still attempted the route, which ultimately resulted in four deaths.

In 2014, renovation work began on the Caminito del Rey. The trail was widened, and handrails, stairs and anchorages were added to the wall. In 2015, the route was reopened to the public.

In the second part, the gorge widens, and the trail leads through more wooded areas on a flatter path. This section is perfect for taking a break, as it is less windy when the wind blows. Along the way, one can marvel at the train tracks, which traverse through multiple tunnels, and observe a helicopter platform situated somewhere in the middle, named after it during the renovation.

In our opinion, the final part of the walk is the most awe-inspiring. During the third part, one arrives at a narrow section of the gorge, about 100 metres above the river. On this part of the path you even have a piece of walkable glass where you can see the abyss below your feet. After following a winding path, you will arrive at the famous suspension bridge and waterfall. The bridge can sway significantly in the wind, and one can peer through the grid on the bridge's floor to observe the abyss below. The view from this suspension bridge is truly incredible, with the gorge on one side and the river on the other. This image will forever be etched in my mind!