Good news for thrill seekers and those with a head for heights… one of the world’s most famous paths, El Caminito del Rey, officially reopened in March 2015, just in time for the Málaga Holy Week celebrations. It has already been listed in Lonely Planet’s best new attractions for 2015 and promises to be a tourist hot spot for Andalucía.
We’ve been blasting you with only great news these last few weeks, including some fantastic statistics about property Costa del Sol. Unless you live on the moon, you will have heard that real estate on the Costa del Sol is making a turnaround, which is great news for buyers and of course real estate agents in Marbella. We are also happy to report that spring is well underway, and we’re gearing up for a long, hot Costa del Sol summer. And some of our staff has already taken advantage of the superb spring weather, by crossing the newly opened walkway.
We mentioned that thrill seekers will be delighted because El Caminito del Rey has until recently held the dubious reputation of being the world’s most dangerous pathway. Located in an area of outstanding beauty close to Álora, close to Málaga in Southern Spain, you will find the famously treacherous path pinned 100 metres (350ft) above the Guadalhorce River.
Built between 1901 and 1905, it was originally constructed to provide a path between two waterfalls for workers to access two hydroelectric plants and transport necessary materials.
King Alfonso XIII of Spain crossed the walkway in 1921 during the inauguration of the dam “Conde del Guadalhorce” and from here it earned its name which means “King’s Little Path.”
Originally built with concrete resting on steel rails, it soon began to fall into disrepair. However, it was the dangerous state of the path that made it famous and attracted hikers from all around the world making it one of the most popular tourist attractions, particularly for risk-takers.
Between 1999 and 2000, following the deaths of four thrill seekers, the government closed down both entrances to the pathway by demolishing them. It became illegal to attempt any crossing and the Andalucían government imposed a 6,000€ fine on whoever managed to access the pathway after it had been closed. This did not stop hikers from accessing the trail, either by climbing up to the pathway or going through the old railways and tunnels.
Over the years, the Caminito del Rey was left neglected and in a dangerous state, leading to its further deterioration. Guardrails originally went all the way around the trail, but with time, they were all missing. At the time this video was shot in 2008 the path had no handrails and much of the concrete path had fallen away leaving only steel beams in place. Any attempt at crossing it was clearly not for the faint hearted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlw6Yk4WT2I
In 2006, the regional government of Andalucía (Junta de Andalucía) and the local government of Málaga (Diputación Provincial de Málaga), came up with a plan to restore the Caminito del Rey. After several postponements due to lack of funds, the restoration works were eventually started in 2014 with the cost of the project being split between the two government bodies. These also included plans for a museum and parking area for tourists.
The renovation began in March 2014 by local Málaga construction company, Construcciones Sando. The final cost of the renovation is estimated to be around €2.2 million, although it was originally thought to have cost more. The work was executed using the original construction methods, by workers hanging on the wall. However, due to advancements in engineering and technology, the path will now be much more secure and provide more safety for hikers and tourists alike.
The new Caminito has been constructed using both modern and traditional materials. Wood panels are supported with metal anchors drilled into the sides of the mountain walls and sections of the walkway include a hanging footbridge and glass platforms through which you can see the Guadalhorce River below.
The full length of the walkway is 7.7 km (4.8 miles), comprising footpaths and forest trails. It’s estimated that it will take between four to five hours to complete the entire path. It should be noted that the pathway is a linear route and not circular and you should take this into account when returning to your starting point.
You can get a ‘Sneak Preview’ of the newly renovated path by watching this video.
For those looking for a little more adventure, it is possible to climb up to the path but climbers must show their civil liability insurance, register and accept the Public Space and Safety Regulations of the Path at the control cabins before ascending.
Following the official opening on the 26th March, tickets can be booked online here up to 2 months in advance. Tickets are free for the first six months and thereafter then will cost 6€.
The path is open every day from Tuesday to Sunday. Visiting hours are between 10:00 to 14:00 from 1st November to 31st March, and 10:00 to 17:00 from 1st April 1 to 31st of October.
Information
Only 400 people are allowed to walk the pathway at once, with a maximum of 600 per day. The path can be entered every 30 minutes, with a maximum of 50 people per half hour.
The path will be closed due to bad weather such as rain or strong wind, and for repairs. This information will be provided on the path’s official website here , and therefore should always be checked the day of planned visits.
It is recommended that tourists bring suitable clothes according to weather conditions, hiking boots, sun cream and a hat. Food is allowed, however lighting a fire or littering is not allowed, and there are no rubbish bins provided on the path. There are currently no toilets. Smoking is also banned. Animals are not allowed. Taking photos is allowed as long as a tripod isn’t required and the tourist does not block the pathway. Backpacks, bags or other large objects are forbidden.
How to Get There
By car, you can plan your journey with Google Maps. It is possible to arrive by train and you can find further travel information by visiting the official website page here.
If you, like many others, love the outdoor lifestyle in Spain, now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and it’s also the right time buy a villa in Marbella. We can’t stress too strongly that acting now can save you a considerable amount of money. Make the move now and take advantage of property for sale in Marbella – grab yourself the deal of a life-time, and purchase that second holiday home you’ve always wanted.
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