Rose Lapp (Reporter)
IT is one of the world’s most dangerous rites of passage.
But now the death-defying Caminito del Rey, near Antequera, is to finally get its first makeover for decades… and that’s definitive.
After years of promises, the Junta has confirmed that the first stage of an ambitious restoration project is about to begin.
The initial stage – costing €3million euros – will see broken concrete steps replaced with wooden ones along the 1.2km walkway.
Often termed ‘the world’s most dangerous path’ – with many people falling to their deaths over the last few decades – this will finally start to make it safe.
Malaga province boss Elias Bendodo was joined by mayors from Antequera, Alora and Ardales to make the announcement that would create a ‘global attraction’ for thrill-seekers.
The Caminito del Rey (or King’s Path) was built in 1905 to transport workers and building materials to construct a new dam.
Suspended more than 100 meters above the ground, the Caminito del Rey stretches for three kilometres and is only one metre wide.
It is missing handrails for most of its length, and some sections have completely caved in.
The path was officially closed after three people fell to their deaths in 2000, though people continue to travel to the gorge, some even filming the treacherous walkway.
Awesome!!!!! Bucket list!!
A rare piece of intuitive investment in ‘extreme’ tourism on the part of the Junta. Unfortunately the access road from inland (Valle de Abdalajís) is in dire need of sorting out and I doubt their budget will stretch that far.
Looks like we did it at the right time! “http://www.spain-holiday.com/Alora/articles/el-caminito-del-rey-malaga” – great news though. The views are amazing up there. Can’t say I’d recommend anyone doing it before the renovations though. For starters, the safety cable can’t be trusted.