El Caminito del Rey Path – The world’s most dangerous footpath is set to reopen for the tourist season on 22 April 2017. This is one of Spain’s most prevalent tourist attractions. The El Caminito del Rey Path, which slices through the Gaitanes Gorge provides thrill seekers with dramatic views 330ft above the Gualdalhorce River.
The reinforced King’s Little Pathway, as it is known in English, is now more of a beauty spot than a danger zone after a £ 4 million restoration project. The dangerous walkway was revamped and re-opened in 2015 after 5 people plunged to their deaths between 1999 and 2000. The attraction was so popular among people, as the path welcomed more than 600,000 tourists before re-opening two years ago.
The attraction is so popular that it has set a limit of visitors per year at 300,000, with 1,100 admitted per day. The four-mile network of paths will open from Tuesday to Friday, depending upon weather conditions, and it is estimated that it will take the average visitor 4 to 5 hours to walk the full route.
From a security point of view, it was restored and security fences were installed, El Caminito del Rey was a dangerous climbing spot, enticing daredevil holidaymakers from around the world thanks to its state of disrepair. The narrow concrete path, supported by steel stanchions at around 45 degrees into the rock face, had wide gaps and rickety hand rails that posed a massive challenge even for experienced climbers.
However, accessible from the towns of Ardales and Alora (El Chorro), the footpath is a century old and was built for workers at two nearby hydroelectric plants. It is now managed in a joint venture by Hermandos Campano and Bobastro 2000.
