Europe’s Most Beautiful Hike Is Also Its Most Terrifying

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A hundred metres above sea level and only a metre-wide path in front of you – this is the dizzying reality of the Caminito del Rey, a narrow walkway on the edges of the El Chorro Gorge in Spain.

Dubbed one of Europe’s most thrilling walkways, the Caminito del Rey was closed over 15 years ago due to the danger of the path, but thanks to a multi-million dollar refurbishment deal with the Spanish government, the pathway has recently reopened.

Nowadays, a well-constructed pathway leads visitors across the gorge, allowing them to safely stare down at the river over 100m below, so you can gently tell that to your heart while it’s trying to jump out of your chest, OK?

The hike through the El Churro gorge is a spectacular but difficult trek, with the particularly hilly terrain of surrounding towns Ardales, Álora and Antequera setting the pace for the entire hike. The El Caminito del Rey path is linear, not circular, so you also have to take into account that getting back to your starting point won’t be easy.

There are two options for walking the path, with northern access available from Ardales and southern access from the heart of El Churro gorge.

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Although it’s far from the most dangerous hike in Europe these days, the appeal is still there for adventurous travellers. If the hike won’t leave you breathless, then the stunning panoramas of the surrounding regions will. Plus, the heights. Definitely the heights.