To do the Caminito del Rey by motorhome from the eastern Costa del Sol, the practical way is to set off early on the A-7 towards Málaga and the A-357 towards Ardales, and park at the Visitor Reception Centre at Puerto de las Atalayas or in the car parks at Ardales or El Chorro. From Milucar, in Torrox-Costa, it's about 110 km and just under two hours; tickets are booked on the official website and, since the route is linear, a shuttle bus takes you back to your vehicle at the end.
The Caminito del Rey is one of the most sought-after excursions in Andalusia and one of those that needs the most planning. Not because of the walk itself, which anyone with normal fitness can do without trouble, but because of the logistics: timed tickets, an entrance a long way from the exit, and car parks designed mainly for cars. Here's what you need to know if you're going with a motorhome or campervan.
What the Caminito del Rey is and why it's worth the early start
The Caminito del Rey is a trail of walkways hanging over the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, in the centre of Málaga province, between the municipalities of Ardales and Álora. Today's walkways run along vertical limestone walls high above the Guadalhorce river, alternating sections of footpath, two canyons and a valley in between.
According to the official website, the full route is about 8 km and takes 3 to 4 hours if you include the access path from the car parks and the final descent to El Chorro. The walkway section itself takes an hour and a half to two hours.
Key facts about the route
| Detail | What the official website says |
|---|---|
| Type of route | Linear, one way, from north (Ardales) to south (El Chorro, Álora) |
| Total distance | About 8 km, including access paths |
| Time | 3-4 hours in total; 1:30-2:00 on the walkways |
| Minimum age | 8 years; under-18s must be with an adult and carry an ID card or passport |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Opening days | Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays and on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January |
| Entry times | From 9:00, with the last entry between 14:50 and 17:20 depending on the season |
Prices and times change fairly often, so always check on the official Caminito del Rey website before booking.
Tickets: book in advance
Entry works with advance booking and a set entry time. The official sales channel is caminitodelrey.info, where you can choose between the general ticket and the official guided tour (with a certified guide, in Spanish and English). At the north entrance ticket office, tickets are only sold if there is availability, which is rare at weekends and on long bank holiday weekends.
Some tips from someone who has organised it more than once:
- Book the first slot of the morning if you're going by motorhome: you'll find parking more easily and avoid the heat on the walkways.
- You must be at the control hut 30 minutes before your time, and from the El Kiosko restaurant it's a 20-35 minute walk depending on which tunnel you choose.
- Bring everyone's ID card or passport, including children's.
- At the entrance you are given a helmet, which must be worn for the whole route and is returned in El Chorro.
- If you're travelling with a dog, you'll need to make arrangements: dogs can't go in.
How to get to the Caminito del Rey by motorhome from Milucar
From Milucar, in Torrox-Costa, the Caminito del Rey is about 110 km away. Allow just under two hours to the Visitor Reception Centre by motorhome, and a little more if you stop on the way.
- Leave Torrox-Costa at exit 940 and take the A-7 towards Málaga.
- Go round Málaga on the motorway and look for the A-357 towards Cártama and Campillos, passing Pizarra.
- At the Ardales junction take the MA-5403. The Visitor Reception Centre is about 6 km from that junction, at Puerto de las Atalayas.
It's dual carriageway almost all the way. The last few kilometres are ordinary mountain road, with bends but no difficulty for a medium-sized motorhome if driven calmly. If your vehicle is long, avoid improvising detours on local roads between Álora and El Chorro.
Approximate distances and times
| From Milucar to | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Reception Centre (Ardales) | About 110 km | 1 h 40 min |
| Caminito north entrance | About 113 km | 1 h 45 min |
| El Chorro car park (south exit) | About 108 km | 1 h 40 min |
| Málaga centre, on the way | About 52 km | 45 min |
By motorhome, add a 15-20 minute margin. If you want to combine the day with other visits in the province, our guide to motorhome areas in Málaga has a comparison of where to stop.
Where to park your motorhome at the Caminito del Rey
This is the point that raises the most questions. As the route starts in one place and ends in another, you have three options, and in all of them the shuttle bus provides the link.
Option 1: Visitor Reception Centre (Puerto de las Atalayas)
This is the option recommended by the organisers. Parking costs 2 euros a day and you can reserve a space when you buy your ticket or pay on arrival if there's room. The shuttle bus to the north entrance leaves from here. At the end, the same bus brings you back up from El Chorro. The official website asks you to be parked at least an hour before your slot.
Option 2: Ardales municipal car park (P1)
It's next to the El Kiosko restaurant area and the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir, and it's also paid (2 euros according to the official website). From here you walk to the entrance through the short tunnel (1.5 km, about 20 minutes) or along the Gaitanejo path (2.7 km, about 35 minutes). At the end, the shuttle brings you back from El Chorro.
Option 3: El Chorro car park (P2)
It's at the entrance to the hamlet of El Chorro, in Álora, after the Tajo de la Encantada dam. You park at the finish point, take the shuttle to the north entrance and end the walk next to your vehicle. It's convenient, but the access road to El Chorro is narrower.
The official website doesn't specify dedicated motorhome spaces or length limits at these car parks. If your vehicle is over 7 metres, arrive early and, if in doubt, ask via the organisers' contact form before you go.
The shuttle bus
| Detail | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | 2.50 euros per person, ticket valid all day in both directions |
| Payment | Online, together with your ticket, or in cash to the driver (no cards) |
| Opening times | From 7:40 to 20:00 according to the official website |
| Journey | 15-20 minutes to El Kiosko |
| Operated by | Not run by the Caminito del Rey but by an external operator |
What you'll see along the way
The official itinerary begins at the control hut at the Gaitanejo dam, where tickets are checked and helmets handed out. From there:
- Desfiladero de Gaitanejo: the first canyon, narrow, with the first walkways clinging to the rock.
- El Valle del Hoyo: an open stretch between the two gorges, with a path through pine trees and views of the rock walls and the railway line.
- Desfiladero de los Gaitanes: the highlight, with the highest walkways, the remains of the old path below and the suspension bridge.
- Descent to El Chorro: a final stretch of about 2 km along Avenida del Caminito del Rey to El Chorro station, where you return your helmet.
Wear closed shoes with good soles and bring water, a cap and sun protection. There are no water fountains on the route and in summer the heat is intense even in the morning.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the best times: mild temperatures and green scenery. In winter it's very pleasant on clear days, but the organisers may close it due to wind or heavy rain. In summer, always book the first slot.
If you're wintering on the coast, on weekdays and outside public holidays there's more availability of tickets and parking. That's one of the advantages of having a fixed base and not being in a hurry.
Milucar as a base for the trip
Many motorhomers prefer not to move the motorhome off the pitch and to do the Caminito in a hire car or with their tow car. At Milucar there's extra parking for a trailer or motorbike (at a charge) and your pitch is waiting for you when you get back, with metered electricity, wifi included and showers. If you head out with the motorhome, the service point lets you empty your tanks and fill up with water before leaving.
When you get back, with tired legs, it's nice to have the beach less than 100 metres away. If you have days to spare, see what's within walking distance in our guide on what to see in Torrox.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do the Caminito del Rey by motorhome as a day trip from the coast?
Yes. From Torrox-Costa it's about 110 km, almost all on dual carriageway. Leaving first thing, you arrive in good time for a mid-morning slot and are back on the coast in the afternoon.
Is there motorhome parking at the Caminito del Rey?
There are three paid car parks: the Visitor Reception Centre one, the Ardales municipal car park and the El Chorro one. The official website doesn't specify spaces for motorhomes, so it's best to arrive early, especially with long vehicles.
Can I take my dog on the Caminito del Rey?
No. The Caminito's rules don't allow pets. If you're travelling with a dog, our guide to the Costa del Sol by motorhome with a dog has alternative plans for that day.
How long does the Caminito del Rey take?
Between 3 and 4 hours in total including the access path and the descent, according to the official website. The walkway section takes an hour and a half to two hours.
Do you need to book tickets?
Yes. It works with advance booking and an allocated time on the official website. At the north entrance ticket office, tickets are only sold if there are places left.
Is it suitable for children?
From age 8. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult and carry their ID.
Book your base on the Costa del Sol
The Caminito del Rey is a full-day excursion, and you enjoy it more if you have a quiet pitch by the sea to come back to. Milucar is open 365 days a year in Torrox-Costa, with good links to the A-7. Book your pitch at Milucar and plan the Caminito without rushing.
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