Caminito del Rey from Seville – Guide and Tickets

Tourist Information for Visiting Caminito del Rey from Seville

The Caminito del Rey is a famous hike and tourist attraction located in Malaga, however it is also a popular day trip from Seville.

The trail runs along steep cliffs and offers breathtaking views, so it’s a must-see if you love nature, adventure and great views. The hike itself is about 7.7 km long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete, including stops for photos and enjoying the scenery.

Caminito del Rey Ticket Information and Guided Tours

From Seville: Caminito del Rey Full-Day Hike

If you’re currently in Seville, the best option to visit the Caminito del Rey is through an organised tour. This way you save the hassle of finding a car to rent, sorting parking and the general faff that comes with planning a trip like this as a tourist. The guided tour is excellent value for money and ensures that you don’t miss a thing (I noticed way more the second time I visited with a an actual tour guide pointing things out!)

The tour incudes entry tickets as well as pick-up/drop-off from Seville.

As part of the tour you’ll hike through the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes gorge and walk along a footbridge and pathway clinging to the cliff, hanging about 328 feet (100 meters) over El Chorro Gorge.

You’ll leave Seville in the morning for a 2-hour minivan ride that takes you to the start of the El Caminito del Rey trail near the town of Ardales.

You will then reach the famous wooden boardwalks and spend your time wandering through the impressive Los Gaitanes Gorge. Take in the awe-inspiring views and get up close with the rocky landscape and the Guadalhorce River below. The views really are breathtaking and you can get some stunning photographs!

After 2 to 3 hours of trekking and magnificent views, you’ll end up near the town of El Chorro. From there, you’ll take a bus back to the starting point and a have a chance to explore the local town.

You’ll then wrap up your adventure and head back to Seville as the evening rolls in, marking the end of an amazing 10 hour tour!

Overview and History of Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey, often referred to as ‘The King’s Little Pathway’ was originally built between 1901 and 1905 and primarily used as a way for workers to move between two hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls.

In the early days, the pathway was made from concrete and held up by iron rails. The pathway wasn’t the safest, and became known as one of the most dangerous walks in the world.

The trail got its royal name in 1921 when King Alfonso XIII of Spain walked along it for the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam. After that, it became known as the Caminito del Rey.

Over the years, the pathway started falling apart. It got so bad that they had to close it down in 2000 for safety reasons. Several people had died while trying to cross the more damaged sections.

Between 2011 and 2015, the trail went through a large makeover to make it safer for visitors. They spent about 9 million euros fixing it up. Now it’s secure and has all sorts of safety features, but it still offers some incredible views and despite being 100% safe the sense of adventure is still there.

How To Get To Caminito del Rey From Seville

If you want to visit Caminito del Rey from Seville without joining a tour, you can definitely do it yourself. First, make your way to Seville’s main train station and take a train to El Chorro. The train ride is around 3 hours, so it’s good to start early. Before you go, don’t forget to book your entrance ticket for the Caminito del Rey in advance, as they can sell out.

Once you arrive at El Chorro, there’s a shuttle bus that will take you to the trail’s start. Try to time it so that you catch the bus that syncs with your ticket’s entry time for the trail. The hike itself is about 7 kilometers long and will take you 2 to 3 hours to complete. It’s a one-way hike, so you’ll end up near where you started in El Chorro.

After your hike, catch the shuttle bus back to the El Chorro train station. If you have time before your return train, there are some local restaurants where you can grab lunch or a quick bite. Then just hop on the train back to Seville.

Make sure you’re prepared for a long day. Carry enough water, some snacks, and wear comfortable walking shoes.