Por Redaccion 
The year 1905 and also 2015 are marked for the Caminito del Rey, an aerial path in the province of Malaga built on the walls of the Gaitanes, linking Jet, in the city of Álora, Ardales, and Antequilera. This 2025 commemorates 120 years since the completion of its construction and the tenth anniversary of its rehabilitation, so the Provincial Council has scheduled several events related to this milestone.
Furthermore, as a significant stage of this tenth anniversary of its reopening, this enclave will be expanded with a 110-meter pedestrian suspension bridge, which will become the longest in Spain.
Precisely, this Friday, the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the new suspension bridge will be presided over by the President of the Diputación, Francisco Salado; the Delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Malaga, Patricia Navarro; the Mayor of Álora, Francisco Martínez; the Mayors of Antequera, Manuel Barón; Ardales, Juan Alberto Naranjo; and the Valley of Abdalajis, Virginia Romero.
The attraction of the province
The President of the Diputación of Malaga, Francisco Salado, emphasized in statements to Europa Press that the Caminito del Rey is «a tourist and environmental attraction of the first order, capable of being unusual in stimulating the economy of the entire region, creating employment and wealth.»
Salado highlighted that this natural monument «continues to capture the interest of citizens and media from around the world, blending history, the environment, and active and sports tourism.» Thus, the Diputación of Malaga continues to work to maintain its international renown.
In fact, the Caminito del Rey is one of the major attractions and landmarks of the province and Andalusia, representing a model of sustainable and environmental development that has sparked a true economic, tourist, and social revolution.
Over the past decade, 2.9 million people have traveled on its trails. Another 140,000 people visited the surrounding environment without taking the tour. Thus, over three million people have moved through the municipalities that belong to the influence area of the Caminito (Álora, Antequera, Ardales, Campillos, Carratraca, and Valle de Abdalajis).
In these municipalities, there has been a «spectacular» increase in the number of accommodation units (such as hotels, apartments, country houses, or campsites), from 210 to 893, quadrupling in number. The number of available beds has doubled, rising from 4,204 to the current 8,160.
Another significant fact is that almost one in four visitors (22%) stay overnight in one of the six aforementioned municipalities, with an average stay of 3.1 days and an average spending of 91 euros per person.
Therefore, the economic impact last year amounted to 64.1 million euros, a figure exceeding 400 million euros since its reopening in 2015. The road’s rehabilitation and its environmental impact have created 685 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
The success of the Caminito del Rey is not only seen from a tourist perspective but also from a social and economic standpoint, representing a significant revival for the region.
Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey is an aerial path built on the walls of the Gaitanes. It runs alongside the aforementioned gorge, with a length of three kilometers, featuring long sections and a width of just one meter. Starting in the municipality of Ardales, it crosses Antequera and ends in Jet (Álora). This path hangs on the vertical walls of the gorge, at an average distance of 100 meters above the river.
This path was constructed because the hydroelectric company, owner of the Gaitanejo waterfall and the salt bend, required access between «water jumps» to facilitate maintenance operators and the transportation of materials and supervision.
Construction began in 1901 and concluded in 1905. To inaugurate this grand work, King Alfonso XIII visited the site in 1921, crossing the previously built path over the Guadalhorce River. From that moment, people started referring to it as «Caminito del Rey,» a name that has endured to this day.
One of the most popular parts of the Caminito is the Gaitanes Gorge. The passage of time, neglect, and lack of maintenance have led to the deterioration of this enclave, making it practically impassable.
Despite this fact, its danger and its status as one of the most important mountaineering areas in Europe have contributed to its fame, attracting many hikers motivated to travel the path. This has led to numerous accidents, some fatal, over the years, adding to its dark legend.
Between 1999 and 2000, following several accidents, including fatal ones, it was decided to close access to the path. The year 2014 marked a milestone in the history of the Caminito del Rey when its complete restoration process began in February, culminating in its reopening on March 28, 2015.
110-meter suspension bridge, the longest in Spain
The story of the Caminito del Rey continues with the expansion of the space through a larger pedestrian suspension bridge, set to become the longest in Spain.
Additionally, a geological study conducted by the universities of Granada and Jaén recommends the design of an alternative route in the final part of the Caminito’s path to enhance visitor safety.
Therefore, in line with this, the new project of the suspension bridge will be located just before reaching the area near the iron bridge of the train and the El Chorro tunnel, shortening and completing the final stretch of the Caminito. Construction on this bridge will commence this Friday.
The extension project affects the final section of the route, even before reaching the area near the iron bridge and the El Chorro tunnel. The new bridge will feature two main durable cables, made of 4,500 kilograms of steel, and will be positioned at a maximum height of around 50 meters, with a downward slope and a 7% decrease. The assembly and installation will be quite complex, requiring the use of helicopters.
Following the bridge, the paths will be conditioned all the way to the end of the route. The works are expected to be ready and operational by November, with a cost totaling 1.25 million euros and will be funded by the revenue generated by the Caminito del Rey, to be allocated towards improvements as stipulated by the concession agreement.
FUENTE