For adventure lovers and travel enthusiasts, now might be the time to make your way to Spain’s beautiful south coast. The Caminito del Rey, once known as the single most dangerous hiking path in the world is reopening this week after the Spanish government gave the area a $6 million facelift to make it “safer” for locals and tourists.
After a series of deaths in the late 90s and early 2000s, the area was officially closed and trespassers were faced with the fear of a $5,000 fine if caught. That didn’t stop many people and only added to the legend of the Caminito as adrenaline junkies and climbers from every corner of the earth made their way to Spain to take on the challenge. Check out this video a hiker on the King’s Little Pathway while it was still in a major state of disrepair. If it doesn’t get your heart rate up, I’m not sure what will.
The original footpaths of the Caminito are over 100 years old and set into the cliffside as a way for workers to get to a pair of hydroelectric plants. The route follows some narrow cement paths situated 330 feet above the beautiful Gaitanes Gorge near Malaga and is now becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. About 600 people per day are allowed to enter the site and take the 4-5 hour long journey. Free tickets to hike this once extreme route are gone until June of this year.
The new, reconstructed route won’t appeal in the same way to thrill seekers, as Spanish authorities have eliminated a lot of the risk which is what made this place feared among hikers world wide. The Caminito clearly will lose its title of the most dangerous hike in the world. Despite the thrill being diminished, travelers from around the world now will have access to this breathtaking region and one of Spain’s best kept secrets. It’s a tranquil, hidden gem that needs to be seen to be believed. Even the Lonely Planet is on board, listing it as one of the best new attractions of 2015.
