When planning a trip to Malaga, hiking the Caminito Del Rey is a must! Want to know how to get from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey? Keep reading.
I personally had to do a lot of research before going to Caminito Del Rey, and this is a complete guide on how to get there from Malaga, with different options for all budgets.
Whether you prefer the independence of driving or the scenic views you’ll get from the train, we’ll go through all the details you need to know. Let’s get started.
Malaga to Caminito Del Rey: Summary
I understand you may not have the time to go through the whole guide, so here are the best options to get to Caminito Del Rey from Malaga:
BEST OPTION: Join a Malaga Caminito Del Rey Tour
CHEAPEST OPTION: Take the train from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey
CONVENIENT OPTION: Rent a car and drive from Malaga
If you want more details, keep reading the next section. But for now, here are a few key things you’ll want to know if it’s your first time.
Where is Caminito Del Rey?
Caminito del Rey is in Málaga, Spain, running along the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge. It’s about an hour’s drive from Málaga city and was originally built as a service path for hydro plant workers.
Now? It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for stunning views and a bit of an adrenaline rush. You can reach it through Ardales or Álora, and trust me; it’s one of those places that sticks with you.
Is Caminito Del Rey Worth it?
Absolutely. Picture this: a narrow walkway hanging off the side of a cliff, insane views in every direction, and a serious sense of adventure. That’s Caminito del Rey.
And don’t worry, it’s completely safe. The only slightly nerve-wracking part is near the end, where the height kicks in, but I promise—you’ll be fine!
How Far is Malaga from Caminito Del Rey?
Málaga is about 60 km (37 miles) away, so if you’re driving, expect it to take around 1 to 1.5 hours. Taking public transport? You’ll need a bit more patience. A mix of trains and buses can get you there, but it’ll take 2 to 3 hours with transfers and waiting times.
Best Time to Hike Caminito Del Rey
The sweet spot for hiking Caminito del Rey is either spring or fall. The weather’s just right which makes the walk way more enjoyable.
Summer? Brutal heat. The winter months, on the other hand, can be chilly and unpredictable. We did go in late November and we really enjoyed our time. That said, we left early from Malaga and it was quite cold in the morning (it did get warmer later on, and we were really grateful!).
Spring and fall also bring better colors and comfortable temps, making the whole experience even better. Just book your ticket early—this place fills up fast!
Best Caminito Del Rey Tours
How to Get from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey
Now that you have a little more information about the hike, let’s go through all the ways to get to Caminito Del Rey from Malaga – There are 4 options in total, so make sure to read until the end before planning.
Join a Day Tour
Opting for a day tour to Caminito Del Rey is all about ease, convenience, and fun. You get direct access to the stunning paths and views without the fuss of directions or entry logistics.
When joining a day tour, you’ll get to have a local guide with you, who will give you more information, facts, and context about the hike and the trail, and that is a massive plus.
When I did the hike, I drove there and joined a tour and followed the guide along the trail. It didn’t feel rushed nor unpleasant, we had a headset to listen to her stories at all times, and we could even stop many times for photos.
Plus, you’re automatically in good social company, making it a sound choice for both the eager solo traveler and open-minded families. If you don’t want to deal with public transportation or rent your own car, this is definitely the way to go.
Last but not least, this is the most expensive option, but also the best one as entrance fees and transportation are included, you won’t have to deal with the parking lots, and it’s overall very convenient, which is priceless.
Rent a Car and Drive from Malaga
Renting a car for Caminito Del Rey equals freedom, and if you want to have your private time while going there, this is the option for you, especially if you’re on a road trip.
The way there, characterized by classic Spanish rolling hills, stunning landscapes, and views over the quaint southern Spain white villages, is just unbelievably beautiful, and that is worth the trip only.
The road trip from Malaga takes about 1 hour by car, and it’s overall an easy drive.
It’s worth noting that, when you do drive on your own, you’ll have to pick one of the 3 parkings near the trail:
- Parking in Ardales, near the trail entrance
- Parking in Álora near El Chorro Exit
- Parking at the Visitors Reception Centre
I’m not going to lie, the parking situation was the worst part of the trip, as the indications aren’t clear and the shuttle bus stops weren’t clear to me when going back (I do speak Spanish, but still).
I did park in Ardales, which is the first parking lot I listed, but I recommend you go for the Visitors Reception Centre and then take the shuttle bus to the hike, which is more convenient.
The shuttle bus costs 2.50 euros one-way per person, so that’s something to keep in mind when planning the trip.
Want to know more?
Check out the guide about
parking at Caminito Del Rey.
Take the Train to Caminito Del Rey
One cheaper option you have is taking the Renfe train from María Zambrano station in Malaga to El Chorro, which takes only about 40 to 50 minutes and costs only €4.40 per person.
There are 2 morning trains from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey – 08:58 AM and 09:43, arriving at 09:37 and 10:33 respectively.
On the other hand, trains from Caminito Del Rey to Malaga leave at 13:51 and 16:39, and arrive in Malaga at 14:34 and 17:28 respectively, which is fast and convenient.
The El Chorro Station is just minutes away from the shuttle bus stop, so you can easily go and come back – Again, consider the 2.50 euros per person to pay by cash.
Lastly, note that there is no one working at El Chorro train station, and I recommend booking your return tickets in Malaga or online so that you don’t have any issues after the hike.
Take the Bus
The bus from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey is another cheap yet most inconvenient option, since there’s no direct line to the trail.
You’ll have to first take a bus from Malaga to Piscina, which will take about 1 hour, and then take another bus from Piscina to El Chorro, which takes about 30 minutes, and then walk to the trail or take the shuttle bus.
To go back, you just have to take the same route, passing by Piscina.
The price per ticket per bus is about 2€ one way, so 8€ per person in total, and you’ll have to add the shuttle bus cost to the trail too, which makes it 10.50€ in total per person.
Is it worth it? Not really – Take the train or joining a guided tour are much better, convenient options.
Travel Tips for El Caminito Del Rey
Now that you know how to get to Caminito Del Rey from Malaga and back, here are more tips that you should know before going, when preparing your trip to Andalucia.
Where to Buy the Tickets?
You’ve got two ways to grab tickets. Either through GetYourGuide or the official Caminito del Rey website. If you want the easiest and quickest option, GetYourGuide is the way to go. No need to create an account, just book and you’re set.
However, there’s a catch. Tickets on GetYourGuide are limited, so if they sell out, you’ll have to head over to the official website. The only downside is that it requires you to register before buying, which adds an extra step to the process. But if that’s your only option, it’s still worth it to secure your spot.
How Long Does the Hike Take?
Walking Caminito del Rey takes about two hours, but that’s just the actual hiking time. Factor in stops along the way because, let’s be honest, you won’t be able to resist taking a ton of photos. The views are unreal, and the narrow pathways hugging the cliffs make for some of the most dramatic scenery in Spain.
Depending on your pace, it could take closer to two and a half hours if you take your time soaking it all in. It’s not a strenuous hike, but there are a few sections where you might want to stop, take a deep breath, and just appreciate where you are.
Since it’s a one-way route, once you reach the end, you’ll either need to take a shuttle bus back to the starting point or arrange a ride, which adds a bit more time to your trip.
What to Pack for Caminito Del Rey?
Bringing a bottle of water is a must since there aren’t any refill stations along the trail. The sun can be strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will make a big difference. A small snack won’t hurt either, especially if you get hungry along the way.
You’ll also need to bring your ID and your ticket, as they’ll check them before you enter. A good idea is to carry a small backpack so your hands stay free while walking. If you don’t have one, you can easily grab a lightweight rope bag in Málaga for just a few euros.
What to Wear for Caminito Del Rey?
Dressing for the hike depends on the season, but layering is always a good idea. In the mornings, it can be chilly, so a light jacket helps. Once the sun comes up, breathable clothes like a t-shirt and shorts or comfy pants are best.
Shoes are important, too. You don’t need hardcore hiking boots, but you do want something with a good grip. I wore Converse All Stars, and while they were fine, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them. A pair of sturdy sneakers or walking shoes would have been a better choice.
Is It Mandatory to Wear a Helmet?
Yes, wearing a helmet is required, but don’t worry, you don’t need to bring your own. They provide helmets at the entrance, and you’ll need to keep yours on throughout the hike.
It’s all about safety, especially with the narrow walkways and high cliffs. Your guide will remind you to wear it the whole time, so just keep it on and enjoy the views!
Conclusion – Caminito Del Rey from Malaga
In conclusion, the journey from Malaga to Caminito Del Rey is more than just a transition from one point to another; it’s an integral part of your adventure, rich with scenic views.
Whether you choose to drive, catch a train, or join a day tour, each option offers its own unique set of experiences and opportunities to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Andalusia.
Thanks for reading until the end and I hope this guide was helpful to plan your trip and the hike!
