Caminito del Rey from La Cala de Mijas: tickets, how to get there and what to expect
The Caminito del Rey from La Cala de Mijas is an easy full day out: about 75 minutes by car to the northern entrance near Ardales, a 7.7 km one-way walk that takes 3 to 4 hours, and official tickets from 10 euros (general) or 18 euros (guided) as of 2026. Tickets are not sold at the gate and sell out weeks ahead, so book first, then plan the rest.
What the Caminito del Rey actually is
The Caminito del Rey is a walkway fixed to the cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a limestone gorge between Ardales and El Chorro, less than 60 km inland from Málaga. Built in the early 1900s for hydroelectric workers, it crumbled into “the most dangerous path in the world” and was rebuilt and reopened in 2015 with new boardwalks, a hanging footbridge and a glass-floored balcony. Today it is safe, well run and one of the best walks in southern Spain.
- Linear, one direction only, from the northern access (Ardales side) to the southern exit at El Chorro.
- 7.7 km in total: 4.9 km of access paths through pine forest and along the reservoir, 2.9 km on the boardwalks.
- 3 to 4 hours including the walk in and out.
- Not a climb. Mostly flat with some steps. The 100 metre drop below your feet is the thrill, not the effort.
Tickets: sort this first
As of 2026 the official platform is caminitodelrey.info, with general entry at 10 euros and an official guided visit at 18 euros (groups of up to 30, Spanish or English). Check the official site before buying, as prices and release dates can change.
- Tickets are released in batches a few times a year; the batch for 30 June to 6 December 2026 went on sale on 8 April. Weekends, Easter and the shoulder months go first.
- Nothing is sold at the Visitors’ Reception Centre. If your dates are gone, try guided slots (often available when general tickets are not), an organised tour from the coast that includes entry, or another date.
- Maximum 10 general tickets per purchase.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket time. Groups enter every 10 minutes; late arrivals are not admitted.
Rules, closures and who can go
Open Tuesday to Sunday all year, closed on Mondays (with a few exceptions) and on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January. Summer hours run roughly 8:30 to 17:00, winter hours 9:00 to 16:00. The path closes at short notice in heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong wind, so check the official site the day before.
- Minimum age is 8, with an official ID document to prove it. Under-18s must be with an adult.
- A helmet is provided at the entrance and stays on for the whole route. Your own is not accepted.
- Closed footwear only. Flip-flops, backless sandals and heels are refused at the gate.
Getting there from La Cala de Mijas
From La Cala take the A-7 or AP-7 towards Málaga, then the A-357 towards Cártama and Campillos and follow signs for Ardales. Budget about 1 hour 15 minutes door to door; navigation apps quote an hour to 1 hour 20 depending on coastal traffic.
Two ways to organise the car:
- Park at the north (Ardales) end. The regulated car park at Puerto de las Atalayas costs 2 euros a day but fills early on spring weekends, so aim for before 9:00. From there it is another 1.5 km (20 minutes) via the lit tunnel path to the control cabin. After the walk, the shuttle from El Chorro brings you back.
- Park at El Chorro (the south end), take the shuttle up to the start, and walk back down to your car.
The shuttle costs 2.50 euros per person per leg, cash on board, runs roughly 7:40 to 19:00 and takes 15 to 20 minutes.
No car? Operators run guided day trips from Fuengirola, Marbella and Mijas Costa with coach, entry ticket, helmet and guide included, typically a 10-hour day. It costs more than driving yourself but solves sold-out dates and parking in one go. For the broader question, see Do you need a car in La Cala de Mijas?.
| Item | Detail (as of 2026, check the official site) |
|---|---|
| General ticket | 10 euros, max 10 per purchase |
| Guided ticket | 18 euros, official guide, groups up to 30 |
| Shuttle bus | 2.50 euros per person, cash |
| Parking (north access) | 2 euros per day, fills early |
| Route | 7.7 km, one direction, 3 to 4 hours |
| Drive from La Cala de Mijas | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Minimum age | 8 years, ID required |
| Open | Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays and 24, 25, 31 Dec, 1 Jan |
A day-trip timeline from La Cala
For a mid-morning ticket; shift it to match your own slot.
- 7:15 Leave La Cala de Mijas.
- 8:30 Arrive at the north car park, pay 2 euros, use the toilets at the reception centre.
- 8:45 Walk the tunnel path to the control cabin, collect helmets, show tickets and ID.
- 9:30 Entry slot. Take your time on the boardwalks, the hanging bridge and the glass balcony.
- 12:30 Emerge at El Chorro, shuttle back to the car.
- 13:30 Lunch. Ardales has a pretty old town and unfussy restaurants serving local lamb and stews; El Chorro has terraces by the station with reservoir views.
- 17:00 Back in La Cala in time for a sunset walk on the beach.
Best months and what to bring
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are ideal: 18 to 25 degrees, clear light in the gorge, the reservoir full after winter rain. Summer is hot and the walk in is exposed, so take the earliest slot, plenty of water and a hat. In July or August our beach guide is probably the better use of a 35-degree afternoon.
Bring closed shoes with grip, 1 to 1.5 litres of water each (nothing is sold on the route), sun protection, a light layer for the breeze on the walkways, ID for everyone, cash for shuttle and parking, and a small backpack so both hands stay free.
Staying nearby
Most of our guests are back on the coast by late afternoon, or spend the next day in Mijas Pueblo. Apartment Harmony in La Cala Golf is a penthouse sleeping 6 inside the resort, 10 minutes from the A-7 and a quiet place to put your feet up afterwards. If you would rather end the day with sand between your toes, Oasys de Ipanema sleeps 4 right by the beach. Book direct and save 10% on either.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Caminito del Rey from La Cala de Mijas?
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the A-7 and A-357. Allow extra on weekend mornings and aim to be at the car park at least an hour before your entry time.
Can I buy Caminito del Rey tickets on the day?
No. Tickets are only sold online through the official platform and popular dates sell out weeks ahead. If yours is gone, try a guided slot or an organised tour from the coast that includes entry.
Is the Caminito del Rey suitable for children?
Children under 8 are not allowed. From 8 to 18 they must be with an adult and carry official ID.
Can I do it from La Cala without a car?
Yes. Guided day trips with coach pickup run from Fuengirola, Marbella and Mijas Costa with ticket, helmet and guide included. The Renfe train via Málaga to El Chorro also works, but timings are tight.