Caminito del Ray: Visit Spain’s Perilous Footbridge

A visit to Caminito del Rey is not for the faint of heart. Often referred to as “the world’s most dangerous walkway,” Caminito del Rey—or, King’s Little Pathway—is a footbridge that dangles over 330 feet above a mammoth gorge known as El Chorro in Ardales, Spain, that has been the site of more than a few fatal falls. A massive renovation effort that was completed in 2013 made Caminito del Rey much safer and more structurally sound, yet the footbridge’s daredevil reputation persists.

Caminito del Rey was first constructed in 1901 by workers at a hydroelectric power plant who were searching for a way to transport materials back and forth. It became known as The King’s Little Pathway after King Alfonso XIII traversed the walkway to attend a dam dedication ceremony. Initially constructed out of concrete and steel beams that degraded at a steady pace, Caminito del Rey now features a fence, handrails, and a slim wooden walkway.

Today, Caminito del Rey is home to a visitor’s center and a parking lot. Visitors can book a guided tour that delves into the history and gorgeous natural wonders of the region. It is important to note that children must be at least 8 years old in order to cross Caminito del Rey. An identity card such as a passport is required to verify the age of any minors who wish to traverse the footbridge.

Visitors can also explore nearby natural wonders such as the Ardales Cave (location). The Ardales Cave is home to towering rock formations and some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world. Travelers can spend 3 hours exploring a prehistoric cave that was sealed for nearly 8,000 years prior to being cracked open by an 1821 earthquake.

The nearby Bobastro Ruins (location) are an archaeological site that is situated on top of a sandstone plateau. Visitors can explore the ruins of a convent that was home to hermits, an Islamic necropolis, and a Christian church that was built as an act of rebellion when the region was under Islamic rule. The Bobastro Ruins offer sweeping views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

If heights don’t make you queasy, the magnificent view from Caminito del Rey will get your blood pumping and make you feel like a bold explorer who isn’t afraid of taking risks. Thrill-seekers should certainly place traversing the King’s Little Pathway at the top of their must-do list.