Caminito del Rey viewpoints

The Caminito del Rey hike is popular for its spectacular suspended boardwalk, but beyond this, the surrounding landscape is equally enchanting and beautiful. 

Visitors should know the various Caminito del Rey viewpoints on the Caminito del Rey route to get the most and soak up the natural beauty the best they can. 

This information will help you better pace your Caminito del Rey hike, especially if you have yet to opt for the guided Caminito del Rey tickets. 

Throughout the 8km Caminito del Rey route, fantastic scenery and natural beauty will surround you. 

Beyond the usual suspended boardwalk and bridge are other designated Caminito del Rey viewpoints. Let’s take a look. 

The Presa de Gaitanejo & the Casas Cuevas 

You will reach the first viewpoint just after the Visitors’ reception booth and services. 

Depending on your access route to the Caminito del Rey hike, you would walk anywhere from 1.5 km to 2.7 km. 

A small circular area surrounding a turret just past the old electricity substation. 

From here, you will see the Presa de Gaitanejo planned by Rafael Benjumea in 1927. 

It is no longer in use today as was envisioned, the Electric Power Station, and is now used only to store water piped to the Nuevo Chorro station. 

Along with this, you can also spot the Casas Cueva of Sierra Parda. 

Circular Viewpoint 

The Caminito del Rey has two gorges; the first one is the gorge of Gaitanejo which is not even 10 meters wide, and the beginning of the first boardwalk. 

The start of the boardwalk features a small circular viewpoint. You can see the commemorative labels. 

You can soak in the inhibited natural beauty of the surroundings with tall rock structures and a quaint environment. 

Remember to read the signs containing interesting information about Caminito del Rey. 

You will also find the first boardwalk of the Caminito del Rey hike. These are tame in comparison to what’s further ahead. 

Read about the Caminito del Rey hike adventure to know what to expect.

Rocas Llanas Viewpoints

Once you leave behind the great Desander that marks the end of the first section of the Canal ends at the Cueva del Toro, you will find a landing. 

You can access the viewpoint through a ladder, it features an informative panel about the area’s wildlife and the 900m plaque. Learn about Caminito del Rey facts in detail.

Rocas Llanas is a popular viewpoint as you can see some peculiar rock formations ahead along with the enormous wall of Tajo de Ballesteros. 

It is a rocky escarpment with an orange hue due to the iron oxide contrasting with the black and white stained limestone. 

It is a great spot to click panoramic pictures due to the unrestricted view of the surroundings. 

Don’t forget to spot the popular landmarks such as the Tajos de Almorchon (663m) and El Penon del Cristo (619m). 

Canal Gate 

You’ll reach the falls of Penon del Cristo, and from there you will find wooden steps to access the last end of the boardwalk.

This point is a great spot to stop and admire the view. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of Valle del Hoyo. 

You can watch the canal split and go into the rocky wall from here. 

This viewpoint is not designated, but we suggest you pause for a few minutes to appreciate the surroundings. 

You can also click some panoramic pictures due to their unrestricted view of the surroundings. 

You also have the option to see a 3-D immersive Caminito del Rey virtual tour to watch these viewpoints in advance.

Glass Balcony 

Finally, the most popular viewpoint of the entire Caminito del Rey excursion is in the second half of the trail featuring the second gorge, Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. 

On the Gaitanes Gorge and along the South wall, you will find the highlight of the Caminito del Rey hike, the hanging boardwalks. 

And on it is the Glass Balcony. It stands on the rocky buttress and the boardwalk. The floor of the deck extended out on the boardwalk. 

It features a glass floor. Thus, it will sure to give you some heart skip moments. 

From here, you can see the front of the railway, the service way, the tunnel, and the viaduct that replaced the old iron one. 

It surely makes you realize the height of these gorgeous natural rock structures and the surrounding rugged landscape. 

Railway Tunnel 

The final section of the Caminito del Rey route includes the existing boardwalk, crossing the overbridge, and the railway tunnel. 

The exit path has a small trail that goes down, surrounding the hill of  ‘Majada de la Cebolleta’ until a meeting point. 

It gives you an excellent view of the entrance of the Gorge, the dam, and Mesas de Villaverde. 

Visitors can also spot the village of El Chorro from here as well. 

Apart from the stunning views of the surrounding areas, there is one interesting tradition of leaving a small stone at this Caminito del Rey hike viewpoint. 

Caminito del Rey photography 

The abundant flora, fauna, and other stunning geological formations provide a perfect landscape and animal photography setting.

These viewpoints are perfect for clicking some amazing photos of the surrounding landscape. Learn about the photography opportunities on the hike.

For instance, the first gorge of the Caminito del Rey, the Gorge of Gaitanes, is approximately 2.9 km long and includes a circular Viewpoint. 

You can click plenty of panoramic pictures from here, and the next section is called the El Soto. You can read about the hiking adventure in advance. 

And one of the most photogenic spots is the Caminito del Rey bridge, at the later stage of the Caminito del Rey hike. 

Remember to read the Caminito del Rey rules & restrictions, as you can’t carry a tripod  on the hike. 

This rule is just one; there are many other do’s and don’ts too. These are there so that you have a fantastic hike without hassles.

You can take the guided Caminito del Rey tickets for a smooth experience, so you don’t have to worry about any other hiking aspect.

Your guide will tell your all the relevant information along with plenty of interesting Caminito del Rey facts and stories of various climbers.

You can pick a Caminito del Rey adventure ticket such as Via Ferrata and Zip lining, kayaking, and swimming to elevate your experience.

Malaga Viewpoints 

Most people visiting Caminito del Rey travel from Malaga. 

Now that you have experienced the hike and its various viewpoints offering stunning unrestricted views, you must look at the various Malaga Viewpoints.

Yes, plenty of amazing sights and viewpoints in Malaga await you. Many of these are part of the hiking trails near Malaga. 

Here are the top 3 Malaga viewpoints you must consider visiting for a unique city view.

Mirador De Gibralfaro 

This viewpoint will give you an unrivaled and unrestricted view of Malaga’s port and famous bullring, Plaza de Toros la Malagueta. 

Two different parts of Mirador De Gibralfaro offer two distinct views. 

We highly recommend trekking to the hill’s highest point for a stunning view. 

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Not just for exquisite panoramic city views, the Castillo de Gibralfaro is one of the must-visit sites in Malaga. 

There isn’t much to see inside, but the structure is impressive. 

If you hike up to Castillo de Gibralfaro, you will surely get unforgettable city views.

The Walls of the Alcazaba

Another must-visit attraction is the Alcazaba. We highly recommend purchasing the Cathedral, Alcazaba, and Roman Theatre walking tour. 

You surely learn a great deal about the history of the city and these sites from your guide. 

And the panoramic views from the Alcazaba are undoubtedly unparalleled.

From ticket information to insider tips, we’ve got you covered! Don’t wait – dive into the excitement now and prepare for an unforgettable journey along this extraordinary pathway.

FAQs

Featured Image: Edition.cnn.com