Caminito del Rey Named One of the World’s 20 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails

The suspended walkways of Caminito del Rey have once again placed the province of Málaga firmly on the international nature tourism map. The route through the Gaitanes Gorge has been named one of the world’s 20 most beautiful hiking trails, appearing alongside some of the planet’s most recognisable landscapes.

The Málaga attraction ranks 19th with a score of 74 out of 100, tied with the circuit around Lake Bled in Slovenia. It is also the only Spanish trail included in a list largely dominated by European destinations.

A study tracking where people look

The ranking was not determined by a public vote or visitor numbers. Representative images from 64 hiking trails around the world were shown to 200 participants, whose reactions were recorded using eye-tracking technology.

The study measured how long people looked at each landscape and how quickly every image first attracted their attention. The two results were then combined to produce a score out of 100, identifying the trails with the strongest visual impact.

Participants looked at the Caminito del Rey image for an average of 2.27 seconds, with an average of 2.4 seconds before their first visual fixation. These results secured the Málaga trail a place among the world’s 20 most eye-catching hikes.

From Málaga to Machu Picchu and Yosemite

The Calanques de Marseille in France lead the ranking with 94 points, thanks to their white limestone cliffs and turquoise Mediterranean coves. Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes Trail follows with 93 points, while Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen Valley places third with 92.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes fourth position with 91 points. Other leading destinations include Germany’s Bastei rock formation, The Narrows in Zion National Park, the cliffs of Étretat in France and The Loop in Australia.

The list also features the Mount Rainier Skyline Trail, Hawaii’s Kalalau Trail, the Torres del Paine W Trek and Yosemite Valley’s Mist Trail. While several of these are physically demanding, multi-day adventures, Caminito del Rey offers a more accessible experience, although its height and exposed setting remain defining features.

Europe accounts for 13 of the 20 selected trails. The United States contributes four routes, while Peru, Chile and Australia complete the global line-up.

A walkway suspended above the Gaitanes Gorge

The visual appeal of Caminito del Rey comes from its remarkable combination of natural scenery and engineering. Its walkways cling to the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge at an average height of approximately 100 metres above the Guadalhorce River.

In some sections, the canyon walls rise more than 300 metres and narrow to less than ten metres apart. Limestone cliffs, flowing water and historic railway and hydroelectric infrastructure create a landscape unlike that of almost any other hiking trail.

The route crosses the municipalities of Ardales, Antequera and Álora. Its best-known section follows the walkways attached to the rock face before reaching one of its most photographed landmarks: the suspension bridge near the El Chorro exit.

From maintenance path to international attraction

Caminito del Rey dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Construction took place between 1901 and 1905 to provide workers with access to the hydroelectric facilities located between Gaitanejo and El Chorro.

Its present name became widely used after King Alfonso XIII crossed part of the route in 1921 during a visit to the Conde del Guadalhorce dam.

Decades of poor maintenance eventually left the original structure in a severely deteriorated condition. The trail became notorious for its danger and was closed following several fatal accidents. A major restoration project introduced new walkways and safety measures, allowing it to reopen to the public in late March 2015.

Caminito del Rey has since become one of inland Málaga’s leading tourist attractions. Its inclusion among the world’s most beautiful hiking trails reflects its transformation from an abandoned industrial path into an internationally recognised outdoor experience.

What visitors should know before setting out

Access is controlled and requires a ticket, making advance booking advisable, particularly at weekends, on public holidays and during peak travel periods. Children under eight are not permitted, and visitors must wear suitable footwear.

The trail may close because of heavy rain, strong winds or other conditions affecting safety. It is also a one-way route, beginning at the northern entrance and ending at El Chorro, so transport arrangements should be planned in advance or coordinated with the shuttle bus.

Beyond its position in a global ranking, the recognition demonstrates Caminito del Rey’s ability to stand alongside some of the world’s most famous natural landmarks. It provides Málaga with another powerful attraction for travellers drawn to hiking, adventure and truly memorable scenery.