Must Go: Caminito Del Rey

You have to rent a car and GO. If there’s one thing you do when visiting a new destination, it’s this: get outside the city and explore.

About 90 minutes from Málaga, we braved the rain and headed into the mountains to hike the Caminito del Rey — the King’s Little Pathway — and it turned out to be the perfect day.

A little background:

Originally built in the early 1900s for workers to access hydroelectric plants along the Gaitanes Gorge, the pathway later fell into disrepair and became known as one of the world’s most dangerous hikes. After a full restoration, it reopened in 2015 as a safe but still thrilling walkway suspended along the dramatic canyon walls.

And the rain? A gift. Fewer crowds, quiet trails, and a peaceful, almost private experience. Go first thing in the morning for the best experience.

Logistics to know:

• Give yourself extra time to park, shuttle, and walk to the entrance.

• After the shuttle drop-off, there’s a dirt path approach. It took us about 10 minutes at a quick pace, but allow 15–20 minutes if you’re strolling.

• You’ll see options for guided or self-guided. Even with guided tickets, you can walk independently. Unless you want the full construction history, go solo — exploring at your own pace and soaking in the views is the highlight.

And what views they are.

You’ll be looking up and down at towering rock walls, winding rivers, and dramatic formations as the walkway hugs the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge. It’s equal parts awe-inspiring and unforgettable.

At the end, you’ll hike down to the shuttle area — a great place to park at the start if you plan to continue exploring. We discovered excellent hiking and lead climbing nearby, with guided options available or routes ready if you’ve brought your own gear and topo.

This is a detour not to be missed.

Step beyond the city and experience the spectacular natural beauty of Andalusia — it’s where the real magic happens.