Are you looking for Caminito del Rey Tour from Torremolinos?
In this article, you will find exactly what you need!
I will recommend a local travel company, and add detailed travel tips that will make your tour much more enjoyable.
That way you don’t have to waste time doing your own research!
I have already visited the famous Caminito del Rey myself, and as a local resident close to Torremolinos, I can also share lots of practical local insights.
No time to read the whole article?
I have included a link to my recommended local travel company below.
Their tour of Caminito del Rey has a pick-up option in two locations in Torremolinos and over 1700 reviews with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Go ahead and click the button below to check availability and prices for your trip!
This path with spectacular views over the Guadalhorce River and El Chorro Gorge will be the highlight of your stay in Torremolinos.
Every year, millions of visitors head there to marvel at the incredible views and visit one of the most popular natural attractions in the province of Malaga.
CAMINITO DEL REY TOUR FROM TORREMOLINOS
6 Tips for Booking Your Tour
If you’re planning to visit this stunning natural trail opened by King Alfonso XIII (hence the name King’s Little Pathway), there are many local companies offering this trip.
In this article, I have reviewed all the options available and linked the best tour for visiting Caminito del Rey below.
1. Check Availability First
First and foremost, this day tour is very popular and it sells out quickly.
To ensure you can visit Caminito del Rey while you’re staying in Torremolinos, you can use the availability calendar below to check if there are still tickets available for your chosen dates.
If you don’t see any available dates in the calendar, or the tour is completely sold out for your chosen dates, there are still a few options you can consider. Check lower down in the article for my recommendations.
2. What to Know Before Booking the Tour
Next, take a quick glance at the most frequent questions you might have before booking:
- the path is suitable even for those with no hiking experience
- normal trainers are fine to wear, you don’t need hiking shoes
- it is not physically demanding, it’s more of a pleasant walk
- the path is not suitable for wheelchair users
- kids under the age of 8 cannot enter
- there is a suspension bridge you need to cross
- if you have a fear of heights, you should be fine for most of the path, apart from a few elevated sections
- do not take large backpacks with you for this trip (backpacking size)
- do not bring selfie sticks
3. Book Tour with Flexible Conditions
When choosing a day tour like this, you need to know that if there are bad weather conditions, they will cancel the trip and you won’t get a chance to rebook.
For that reason, it’s super important to book a tour that allows you to change your mind up to 24 hours before the trip, and get a full refund.
The company I recommend using (check availability calendar below) has this option and some other perks for this trip which include:
- FREE cancellation up to 24 hours
- Full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the trip
- Reserve now and pay later option
- Two pick-up points in Torremolinos
- Duration 6 – 8 hours (full-day tour)
- Tour with small groups
- English and Spanish-speaking guided hike
- Tickets to Caminito del Rey included in the price
4. Book Tour with Best Reviews
One of the benefits of booking this tour online instead of a booth or reception of your hotel is the fact that you can check the reviews of the trip you want to take.
The company I recommend has over 1700 positive reviews for this trip, which include these ones:
‘The coach journey was efficient, we were the first to be picked up so we had many pickups during the next hour before starting our journey. The first stop on the outward journey was at Ardales for a welcome break and bite to eat. Caminito del Rey Guided Tour was an unforgettable experience. The group on the walk was large with many stopping on the narrow walkways taking pictures. To keep up and listen to the guide we needed to be with this group.
If we did it again we would hold back from the main group so that we had our own space and could take in all the amazing views without stopping and bumping into people. Overall an amazing day.’
‘The day trip was really a unique experience! Just walk in between the rocks and looking at nature was breath taking. Do bring some water and a snack with you. The walk itself lasts for 2hrs approximately. I’d recommend this activity to all nature lovers who are not too afraid of the heights :)’
5. Have a Backup Option
Is it sold out?
As I mentioned this day tour to Caminito del Rey from Torremolinos is very popular. If you leave it till the last minute, you might not see any available dates or tickets for your visit.
In that case, here are a few options to consider:
- USING OTHER TOUR OPERATOR – for this day trip, you can check this option and also this one, which also have pick up locations in Torremolinos.
- DRIVE WITH RENTAL CAR – if none of those options is available, your best bet is to get to Caminito del Rey with a rental car. I have described the exact instructions in this post. You can get your tickets with a guide in advance here.
6. Read the Small Print
The tour I recommend does NOT include hotel pick-up, but the bus will pick you up from a meeting point in central Torremolinos. They will also drop you off at the end of the tour.
This tour does not include free time on the trail, only a break in the town of Ardales ahead of the trail.
Due to bad weather, access to Caminito del Rey may not be allowed – read the cancellation instructions in your confirmation email.
CAMINITO DEL REY TOUR FROM TORREMOLINOS
Introducing Your Tour: What to Expect
The tour I recommended earlier has a number of pick-up stops in Costa del Sol, including two in Torremolinos, and the last pick-up location in Malaga.
After you leave Malaga, the airconditioned bus will take you to the Northern access to Caminito del Rey. Before you reach the access point, you will make a short stop in the village of Ardales for some snack and fresh air.
From the access point you will walk through a short tunnel with your guide until you reach the entrance point.
At the entrance, you will get a short safety briefing, pick up your helmets and follow your guide to the start of the trail. You will also have a chance to use the toilets by the entrance, or buy some water from the vending machines.
On your way, enjoy breathtaking views, take photos, learn about the history of the trail, enjoy views of the Conde de Guadalhorce Dam, Chorro Reservoirs and stroll through the famous wooden boardwalks. The trail has an elevation between 300 to 400 meters above sea level, so amazing views are guaranteed (check out the photos below!)
As you walk, you might spot griffon vultures cruising over your head and a train passing by from the el Chorro railway station. The last part of the trail is a section with a suspension bridge – check my recommendations below if you have a fear of heights.
After the suspension bridge, you will encounter the only uphill climb up the stairs, which shouldn’t be too demanding for most people.
At the end of the trail, you will hand over the safety helmets and any audio equipment to the staff. You can enjoy a cold drink from one of the stalls by the exit, or use the public toilets next to the exit.
The bus will then take you back to your drop off point in Torremolinos.
CAMINITO DEL REY TOUR FROM TORREMOLINOS
Expert Tips for Visiting Caminito Del Rey [2024]
Now you got your tour booked, what should you bring with you? How should you prepare and what to do to make the most out of your trip?
This section will answer all your questions.
What to Bring With You
If you’re ready to book your trip, there are just a few things you need to have with you:
- your booking confirmation
- water bottle
- comfortable shoes (no flip-flops or open-toe shoes)
- comfortable clothing
- camera or mobile phone for photos
- sun lotion & sunglasses
- safety helmets will be provided to you by the entrance
Safety Instructions
It’s super important to follow the safety instructions which will be provided to you at the start of the trail. These include:
- Stay on the path
- Children under the age of 8 are not allowed
- Do not throw any objects from the path
- Do not touch, pick or destroy any plants
- Smoking is forbidden
- For safety reasons, selfie sticks, umbrellas and sharp objects are not allowed
- No big backpacks are allowed (backpacking size), small standard size are fine
Starting Point
At the entrance of the Caminito del Rey, you will see a small booth where they store safety helmets.
Right next to it are toilets, I recommend using them before you set on the trail.
Next to the toilets, you will also find vending machines, in case you need to buy more water.
After safety instructions, you can set off following your guide. The whole path will take about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to walk, depending on the speed of your group.
Fear of Heights
If you have a fear of heights or don’t like high altitudes, and you think you might struggle with this tour, the good news is – it’s quite unlikely (although not impossible!).
I also have a fear of heights, and there were only a few spots on the pathway that made me feel a little uneasy, otherwise, I was surprised it was actually very manageable.
The hardest part is possibly crossing the suspension bridge which you will encounter closer to the end of the trail. The bridge is not that long, and there is a member of staff available in case you need help crossing it!
Weather Conditions
Tour of el caminito del rey (king’s little pathway) is subject to good weather conditions, for obvious reasons.
In case of bad weather, they will notify everyone with tickets for the day that the trip is cancelled. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do in that case is to get a new entrance ticket, or book a new tour.
End of the Walk
After crossing the suspension bridge, you will get to the last part of the trail which is the only section with a steep climb on stairs, so pace yourself for that one.
Following that last section, you will reach the end fo the walk and then continue on foot until you reach the exit point.
You will get to the control cabin where you deposit the safety helmets. A short walk from there you will see the exit, where you will find a few stalls selling local products, like local wine, magnets, drinks and quick snacks.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article answered all the questions you might have had about booking a Caminito del Rey tour from Torremolinos.
If there is something specific you wanted to know, which wasn’t covered here, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer.
Other Day Trips from Torremolinos
Here are some of the most popular day trip options from Torremolinos, all of these include instructions for driving by car, and using public transport, but also options for using local tour companies for a hassle-free trip.
Day Trips From Torremolinos to Granada: Top Tips [2023]
Day Trip From Torremolinos To Ronda: Tickets & Tips [2023]
Day Trip From Torremolinos To Gibraltar: Book Online (With Local Tips)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.
