Caminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey, the King’s Little Pathway

A unique place that has converted Malaga into a top worldwide tourist destination for reasons other than the sun and beach. The Caminito del Rey, the King’s Little Pathway, located between the municipalities of Alora, Antequera and Ardales, is the name that has made the Natural Reserve of the Desfiladero of the Gaitanes famous the world over.

It is a gorge which has been created over time by the river Guadalhorce which later flows into the capital city of Malaga, after passing through the fertile valley which bears its name.

The Caminito del Rey is in fact a service way for maintaining the channel of water which was built to carry the water from the reservoirs in the north to the village of El Chorro in order to generate the turbines of a hydro electric power plant. Its name derives from King Alfonso XIII who inaugurated it in 1921, and walked the 3 kilometres, including its spectacular and emblematic bridge.

In addition to being an area of great natural beauty, it is of huge sociological importance in the province of Malaga; until the arrival of the high speed train, AVE, in 2007 these gorges formed the only access by rail to the capital city of Malaga. The railway line was built in the mid eighteenth century for commercial purposes.

The history of the Caminito by no means begins in the twentieth century; there are Neolithic remains in the area, and the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge has for centuries been a place of special importance to the local population thanks both to the uniqueness of its impressive surroundings and its great richness in flora and fauna.

In addition to having been a source of a great variety of natural resources, the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes has long been the subject of many writings by prominent travel writers, a source of inspiration for painters and has succeeded in capturing the imagination of many film directors who have converted it into an idyllic backdrop.

This restoration and renewed appreciation of the Caminito del Rey reveals the attractive side of the province of Malaga. With Galeota Tourism, a local travel company, you will have an unforgettable experience and the best local guides will help you to create a host of memories of this incredible visit. Don’t give it a second thought! Come and visit the Caminito with Galeota Tourism!