Caminito del Rey Releases Tickets Through May 2027

Planning an excursion inland from the Costa del Sol? One of Andalusia’s most dramatic outdoor experiences has just opened its calendar well into next year. On Wednesday 23 September, booking officially opened for visits to the Caminito del Rey for dates running right through to May 2027.

For travellers based in Nerja and along the eastern Costa del Sol, this long booking horizon makes scheduling a day trip to Málaga province's interior far easier to coordinate alongside flights and holiday rentals.

A Clifftop Icon in Málaga Province

The Caminito del Rey is a spectacular pathway pinned along the sheer limestone walls of the Gaitanes Gorge (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes), suspended high above the river below. Once considered one of the most perilous trails in the world, the route was completely restored into a secure, timber-plank boardwalk system with protective railings and safety gear. Today, it offers sweeping aerial views across the dramatic canyon without requiring mountaineering expertise.

Because the trail runs through a delicate natural gorge with narrow boardwalks, visitor numbers are strictly managed to protect both the natural environment and guest safety. Spontaneous visits are not possible; advance ticket reservations are mandatory.

Ideal Timing for Day Trips from Nerja

While many summer visitors to Nerja keep their focus entirely on the Mediterranean beaches, autumn, winter, and spring provide the ideal climate for exploring inland Málaga. The walk has minimal natural shade along the high walkways, which means the cooler months stretching into early 2027 offer comfortable hiking temperatures.

From Nerja, reaching the gorge area near Ardales and Álora takes roughly an hour and a half to an hour and forty-five minutes by car, driving west past Málaga city before heading north into the hills. It makes for a very manageable full-day trip, combining well with lunch in the Guadalhorce valley or nearby historic white villages.

Why Securing Dates Early Matters

Tickets for the Caminito del Rey routinely sell out weeks or even months ahead, particularly for weekends, holiday bridges, and peak spring dates. The opening of reservations through May 2027 gives travellers planning autumn, winter, or spring holidays the opportunity to secure their preferred day and entry time well beforehand. If you have confirmed your travel dates to the Axarquía coast, reserving this inland highlight early will ensure you don't miss out.

Good to Know

• Booking opened: Wednesday 23 September.
• Available dates: Tickets are now on sale for visits through May 2027.
• Access rules: Advance booking is mandatory; entries are strictly capped per time slot.
• Location: Gaitanes Gorge, inland Málaga province (near Ardales and Álora).
• Travel time from Nerja: Approximately 90 to 105 minutes by car.
• Tip: The cooler months from autumn through spring offer pleasant temperatures for hiking through the exposed gorge.