Ardales in 1 Day for Friends - Walk the restored Caminito del Rey cliff path with a bilingual guide
In Collaboration with Tours in Malaga. Updated on February 2, 2026.
Half-day guided adventure on the iconic Caminito del Rey gorge: meet at El Kiosko, hike the skywalk with a bilingual guide, cross the dramatic gorges and finish with a short local bus ride back. Perfect for groups of friends who love scenery, photo ops and an active morning outdoors.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Tours in Malaga, inspired by the tour Caminito del Rey group walking tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Walk the restored Caminito del Rey cliff path with a bilingual guide
- Views over Gaitanes and Gaitanejos gorges and the hanging bridge
- Helmet-protected walkway and local history commentary (electric power house, railway, reservoir)
- 20-minute scenic walk to El Chorro bus stop and short bus return
- Optional local snack or drink at Restaurante El Kiosko
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-morning guided walk along the Caminito del Rey starting and finishing near El Kiosko (Ardales / El Chorro). Plan for sturdy shoes, water and sun protection.
Arrive & check in — Meet outside Restaurante El Kiosko (by the ATM)
Gather 15 minutes before start time to check in, get helmets, quick safety briefing and meet your bilingual guide. The meeting location is the small restaurant/meeting hub right by the Caminito del Rey entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early to claim a group spot and get fitted for helmets — saves time and avoids delaying the whole group.
- If you're carpooling, parking near the reservoir can fill fast in spring — share a car and arrive earlier to secure spaces.
- Bring a small dry bag for your phone/camera — El Kiosko has limited sheltered space, so keep valuables protected from wind or snack spills.
Guided Caminito del Rey walk — main walkway with bilingual guide
Start the guided hike on the Caminito del Rey walkway. Your guide will explain the area's contemporary history (power house, railway, reservoir), point out local flora & fauna, and stop at the best viewpoints over Gaitanejos and Gaitanes gorges. Helmets provided; moderate difficulty.
Tips from local experts:
- Camera tip: the best light for dramatic gorge photos is mid-morning in May — position yourselves at narrow viewpoints for group shots with depth.
- Footwear: wear trekking or sports shoes with good grip — no walking sticks allowed on the walkway and trainers with a stiff sole make the walk more comfortable.
- Hydration & snacks: bring at least 0.75–1 L per person for spring warmth; the guide will pause for short rest/photo stops but there are no shops on the route.
Walk from the walkway end (near hanging bridge) to El Chorro bus stop
After the guide finishes (before crossing the hanging bridge), continue across the hanging bridge and walk approximately 20 minutes along the trail to the public bus stop at El Chorro / Estación El Chorro.
Tips from local experts:
- Stretch & regroup before starting this short walk — it’s an easy 20-minute section but narrow in places; keep the group together for photos.
- Watch your step: parts of this section are unshaded — use sunscreen and a cap in May to avoid sunburn on exposed faces.
- Local logistics: buy bus tickets in cash at the stop (approx €2.50) or have small change ready; ticket machines are not always available.
Public bus transfer — El Chorro back toward El Kiosko (Ardales area)
Board the local public bus to return toward the Kiosko meeting area. The drive takes about 30 minutes depending on schedule and traffic; the bus fare is not included in the tour price.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the bus timetable the day before (or ask your guide) — spring schedules can vary on weekdays vs weekends and bus frequency is limited.
- Have ~€2.50 ready per person (cash) for the short ride — drivers sometimes don't give change for large notes.
- If your group prefers, discuss a shared taxi as a faster alternative — taxis are more expensive but shave off waiting time for groups of 4+.
Optional late lunch or drinks at Restaurante El Kiosko (debrief & photos)
Return to El Kiosko for a casual post-hike snack, tapas and drinks with the group. Great spot to swap photos, relax and toast the hike.
Tips from local experts:
- Order shared plates/tapas to sample local flavours — it’s social and wallet-friendly for groups of friends.
- If you want a quieter table, ask to sit on the terrace away from the entrance — better views and nicer photo backdrops.
- Plan for about 40–60 minutes here: popular with hikers, so service can be brisk; tip the staff if they hold group bags or help with photos.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Restaurant, Outdoor, Transfer, Meal |