Do you want to know what are the 8 curiosities of the Caminito del Rey?
El Caminito del Rey is one of the great favorite scenic attractions for adventure lovers. It is located in Malaga. Specifically, between the municipalities of Álora, Ardales and Antequera. The environment, its fauna, its flora and the different suspension bridges and walkways on which you will cross the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, will surprise you at every step!
This getaway from Malaga is ideal to do in one day.
What you didn't know about the Caminito del Rey
Until recently, this route of almost eight kilometers was considered one of the most dangerous in the world. The route is currently fully rehabilitated. Do you want to go through it from start to finish? Our guides in Spanish will share their knowledge about this impressive path, its history and the anecdotes and curiosities that surround it.
Hey Yoorner! Do you want to know all the curiosities of the Caminito del Rey? It has a very special charm!
Top: 8 curiosities of the Caminito del Rey
1. Who came up with the Caminito del Rey?
Surely this question comes to mind when you walk this vertiginous walkway that crosses the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. In principle it was built to facilitate the work of the operators, but it is not known exactly who devised it. The engineer Rafael Benjumea designed and signed almost everything that was built there, but there is no document that certifies its relationship with a collegiate project of the Caminito.
It was built in 1905 to give access to the Chorro and Gaitanejo waterfalls, where the Chorro Hydroelectric Society needed access to carry out maintenance tasks. In this way, it allowedthe passage of operators and materials from one to another, facilitating the surveillance of the facilities.
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2. Paseo del rey Alfonso XIII during the inauguration
During the inauguration of the el Chorro hydroelectric works, there were rumors about the tour that King Alfonso XIII took on May 21, 1921. place to the little bridge that was in the Cueva del Toro. At present it resists the passage of time, although it is in clear decline. This structure was vital for the works carried out in the area, it communicated one side and the other of the gorge. In other words, it made it possible to access the railway line.
In this way, Alfonso XIII toured what was previously known as the Balconcillos de los Gaitanes . Since then, the path took its current name: El Caminito del Rey.
3. Railway project
The most interesting thing about the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes railway project is its originality. The idea was to start the access to Málaga (from Córdoba). At the time, the most normal thing was that a longer route had been made that extended to what is now known as the A-357 road. Despite this, the idea that was imposed involved crossing 7 kilometers of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes mountain range through almost a dozen small tunnels and six viaducts in just two and a half years. As a striking fact, in order to carry out the works, large amounts of dynamite were used to open the way for this railway section. So much was used that they ran out of supplies! To continue, they had to order it from abroad.
The historical importance of surviving hydroelectric engineering must be taken into account. A century later it is still used! The participation of Rafael Benjumea was essential in it. He was later named Count of Guadalhorce. At just 24 years old, this Sevillian engineer launched his particular career project. He made the pertinent measurements and verified that from the entrance to the exit of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes there was a 101 meter drop.
5. The route is one way only
The path can only be traveled in one direction. You have to enter through the north area (Ardales) and exit through the south (Álora). This route is almost 8 kilometers. Being linear, when you finish the path, it is necessary to take a bus that will take you back to your vehicle. If you come by train, the stop is at the El Chorro station, next to the La Garganta Rural Tourist Complex.
6. Protagonist of artistic works and cinema
The Desfiladero de los Gaitanes has been the protagonist of pictorial works! Among them, those made by some of Picasso's teachers stand out. As is the case of Enrique Simonet, Antonio Muñoz Degrain or Bernardo Ferrándiz. Up to three of those paintings are now on display at the Malaga Museum, in the Customs Palace. Years later it was the scene of film shoots. Titles like Colonel Von Ryan, whose stars include Frank Sinatra and Rafaella Carrá; Pride of Lineage, with Omar Sharif; The Jewelers of the Moonlight, with Brigitte Bardot or, more recently, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, among other films.
7. Anecdotes
Since the opening of the current Caminito del Rey, he has witnessed numerous anecdotes. This unique place has experienced several proposals that have taken place in the middle of catwalks at a height of one hundred meters. On the other hand, blind people have been able to have guided tours, have had dramatized tours to commemorate the visit of King Alfonso XIII on May 21, 1921 and have witnessed a cycling stage of the Tour of Spain. To commemorate Breast Cancer Day and support this cause, a giant banner was placed in this natural area last year.
8. Visits from celebrities
This enclave has been visited by celebrities such as actors Antonio Banderas, Amaia Salamanca, Pepón Nieto or Juan Echanove; the singers Vanessa Martín, Nuria Fergó, La Mari de Chambao or El Koala; politicians like Rafael Catalá, Esteban González Pons, José Bono or Manuel Pimentel; the athletes Berni Rodríguez or Carlos Marchena; and even some Saudi sheikhs. And the celebrities who have walked these catwalks in a discreet way!
