Caminito Del Rey Review: Is It Worth The Walk?

Okay, so you’ve likely been hearing whispers about this Caminito Del Rey over in Malaga, Spain, maybe you are seeing amazing photos floating around the internet, or maybe some of your travel buddies will not stop telling you that you should add this place to your list, that place you see on some “to-do-someday” kind of note you have laying somewhere at home. That famed “King’s Little Pathway” is getting all the hype, so really, what’s it all about? More importantly, is dedicating almost an entire day worth your precious vacation time? As someone who went and saw it, got the t-shirt and nearly lost a hat off the cliffs there, allow me to, at the very least, help give you enough info so that you yourself will have a pretty solid answer.

What in the world is the Caminito Del Rey?

As a matter of fact, a thing that a lot of folks do not seem to grasp, is that this is way more than some kind of pretty stroll. Back at the start of the 1900s, this walkway was actually created so that folk that were working at a pair of hydro-electric plants might be able to go from one to the other so that they could, actually, move stuff. It gets the name from King Alfonso XIII when he came along for the official opening of a close by dam. Eventually, after many years of being mostly forgotten, along with deteriorating rather heavily, the path became famous once again, yet for the exact wrong reasons – people would have accidents on the old route, you know, there were just wrecks all over the place! I am talking, basically, no guard rails combined with significant decay, so you could argue, too, that it was really dangerous. It went through this complete face lift and was open again to tourists in 2015. You may be wondering what it’s like now? Well, picture this: Secure walkways hugging steep cliffs. But very cool views and some serious thrills remain.

Okay, so how to get there from Malaga.

Malaga will more than likely be your jumping-off location if you want to tackle the Caminito, so you have like a trio of choices when it comes to heading there: rent your very own automobile, go on the train or take a tour that’s already planned for you. Renting your very own car is quite convenient. It offers the greatest level of flexibility, giving you that chance to actually show up anytime you like, along with perhaps visiting a handful of smaller surrounding locations while you’re in that vicinity, too. Be aware though, is that you’re likely going to have to plan where to park, and remember too that you are going to have to drive on some fairly narrow roads. The train ride will be like a bit budget-friendly, so the trip to El Chorro from Malaga is fairly easy and super scenic. Once at El Chorro train station, one needs to get on a shuttle bus, which is literally what carries you to the starting spot of the Caminito. So what you should know is that public transportation can certainly require tighter scheduling, that sometimes you might have to be more strict on keeping to some very tight timelines. So, also, guided tours are really the “relax and do not have to stress about things” choice. The tour typically tackles transport straight from Malaga, those Caminito tickets you want, and a guide that really knows what’s what will give you all that inside information. It can be like a much more expensive option, that said it completely removes any of the organizational problems.

What do you need to know when booking those tickets?

Is that you definitely need tickets. Definitely buy the tickets well before hand. Tickets will sell out really quickly. The official website for the Caminito del Rey is literally your very first point of contact; actually, this is the one area that will give you official tickets the actual real cost. Watch those dates. Double check, I would say triple check, so the date and the time are proper before you finally click that purchase button. There’s a couple of tour firms which have permission to sell tickets too, in other words in case you want that all in one bundle. When booking, consider that the period of day can effect your trip; it could be warmer during midday and those morning walks may just be more calm regarding the temperatures and the crowds. Seriously, know the guidelines and rules; stuff like age limits (kids should be at the minimum eight years), what you are and are not able to carry, so those are literally enforced for safety’s sake.

Just what must you carry with you?

First thing? Some comfy walking shoes, obviously. You are very likely going to be doing a heap of walking. Then, take sun screen; there isn’t much shelter, and the sun can really be pretty powerful, specifically during the hotter part of that season. Take enough water. Yes you definitely ought to pack your own refreshments and hydration. Actually there really aren’t any chances to replenish throughout the actual walk itself, especially should you find yourself going through it in those hotter days of summer. Basically, do not forget treats, so that a little something will certainly assist in maintaining those energy levels in check. And lastly, definitely, the Camera. Those spectacular scenes merit a bunch of snapshots, yet remember to often stay mindful of your own surroundings. This isn’t only about documenting those occasions, really about soaking up all those amazing sights.

What to realistically expect during the walk.

Alright, you are beginning at one entrance. Everyone travels this in the same direction; so there isn’t a choice as it were to do a round trip. So first you should definitely plan for a little bit of a hike in order to get to the entry to those actual gorge segment. That walk on its own can vary dependent upon what entry point you end up selecting, which adds between like 30 mins to basically one hour on your entire amount of travel time. Along that walkway, so at least pay attention to where those rails are. Basically it’s rather safe currently. Nevertheless that altitude will have your attention. The whole path is basically amazing, yet that hanging bridge portion could make your heart very race. It’s entirely secure, that being said staring directly downward could prove a bit… well nerve-wracking for many, you know? At that conclusion, there is usually a bus which could carry folk back towards the departure zones (do remember to double check these shuttle bus schedules). One thing that is kinda good to learn: Facilities along the actual path, especially toilets, are infrequent. Use them as soon as you discover them, and just keep that in mind as you prep.

When’s the best period to pay a visit?

Arguably those spring and autumn months end up being actually the greatest moments to travel that Caminito. The climate conditions end up being rather enjoyable. You aren’t gonna be up there basically sweltering as that sun bakes directly on you. Additionally you may see a handful of less crowds in comparison to that summer high season. Yet even if summer’s your sole option, those first hours for the day or those after ones could make your whole trip far more bearable. That off-peak schedule has, possibly, several benefits; you can basically experience a far quieter, more individual trip.

What is there to do in the general vicinity?

You could argue that region has plenty to provide in addition to simply the Caminito alone, right? El Chorro will be this small community. This area is extremely common amongst mountain climbers and the surrounding landscape is really extremely impressive. Actually take some time basically walking round, potentially sitting somewhere basically trying some nearby foods. Those lakes over at Ardales actually offer fantastic location when it comes to calming, potentially going for some swim after your trek. So, actually, deliver your swimming gear. The Torcal de Antequera is literally this unique organic park filled with peculiar rock formations. It’s actually really worth one of those half-day adventures in case you enjoy some thing totally different. Should you will be that form of history nerd, that Antequera Dolmens could provide you with a quick gander to one of the more ancient structures found in this country. Really take the chance to research all those surrounding villages for a genuine glimpse straight into local living. These are, too, commonly far cheaper than Malaga, must you be thinking about picking up several keepsakes.

So, really, will that Caminito Del Rey seriously deserve it?

When you appreciate scenery that is spectacular, actually enjoy a touch of walking plus literally possess a minor appreciation for past, so really, yeah. That sensation for going along those cliffs is actually distinct, along with those vistas tend to be unparalleled. Although, when heights frighten you, or possibly in case you are seeking out anything super-easy, it might not just become this beverage of tea. Consider this being the full adventure; this is not merely regarding those pathways. That entire organizing, driving, all those encompassing places, all these pieces could, actually, make that entire outing worth all your while. Only make certain to test that climate, book well in advance, plus literally prepare yourself to get those cams set for various exceptional photographs. I will bet your pals are becoming, just extremely envious, actually!

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