What was once considered ‘the world’s most dangerous walkway’ is getting a new alternative route in the form of a 110-metre-long suspension bridge, an alternative route for hikers on this iconic trekking spot in southern Spain.
From Wednesday June 10th 2026, hikers embarking on Málaga’s Caminito del Rey walking trail will be able to stroll along a new 110-metre-long suspension bridge, the longest of its kind in Spain.
The structure, which involved an investment of €1.5 million, is meant to enhance the appeal of the famous route and improve the visitor experience for those looking for a shorter, and less vertigo-inducing hike.
Essentially, with the launch of this alternative route, visitors will be able to avoid nearly a kilometre of descent along a steeper section, although the option to continue using the current route will remain.
El Caminito del Rey route is a nearly 8-kilometre path which was once considered ‘the scariest in the world’, but which has become increasingly safe thanks to several renovations throughout the route in recent years.
However, it’s still an exhilarating experience which involves hiking through cliffs, canyons and a vast valley, including the actual Caminito del Rey walkways, narrow wooden walking platforms attached to the cliffside of a gorge, and with a drop of 100 metres.
The new puente colgante (suspension bridge in Spanish) will have a maximum height of 50 metres and a width of 1.2 metres.
The suspension bridge will offer spectacular new views of El Caminito del Rey to visitors. Photo: Málaga Provincial Court
The deck is made of metal mesh, while the railings consist of steel cables and wire mesh.
The bridge itself weighs approximately 17 tonnes, while the entire structure weighs around 38 tonnes.
The project also includes the creation of an additional 300 metres of path, as well as the installation of railings, surveillance cameras, a control booth and irrigation systems.
The initiative has been developed following the recommendations of a geological study carried out by the universities of Granada and Jaén, which advised enabling an alternative route in the final part of the itinerary to reinforce safety.
“Every year, almost 330,000 people visit this magnificent area and walk along its footbridges,” said the president of the Málaga Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, adding that now “they will also have the opportunity to enjoy a very special experience by crossing the new bridge.
The new footbridge is located just before the area of the railway bridge and the El Chorro tunnel.
Caminito del Rey closed to the public in the mid-nineties after several hikers fell to their death while walking the path. (Photo by Jorge Guerrero / AFP)
Since its reopening in March 2015, more than 3.2 million people have visited El Caminito del Rey, which in Spanish means “The King’s Little Path” as it got its name from Spanish King Alfonso XIII, who visited the site in 1921.
It’s since become a key tourist and economic attraction in Málaga province for adventure seekers and nature lovers, boosting economic activity in the smaller towns of Álora, Antequera, Ardales, Campillos, Carratraca, and Valle de Abdalajís.
Accessing El Caminito del Rey is not free either – tickets go for €10, and €18 with an official guided tour. Children under 8 years old are not allowed entry and spots fill up very quickly.
