Surviving the World’s Deadliest Walkway - Caminito del Rey

Although extremely scenic, the hike itself along the Caminito del Rey is a big challenge as large sections of the path are full of holes or missing completely, leaving nothing to hang on to. Every year, skilled rock climbers and thrill-seekers from around the world come to test their adrenaline rush limits along the notorious "world's most dangerous walkway". We were up for the challenge!

Although still virtually hanging off the sheer, vertical rock face 300 feet above the Gaitanes Gorge, since its 2015 renovation, the Caminito is much safer but just as spectacular as before.

To grab tickets before they sell out, you have to plan in advance, and be patient and diligent - checking the website several times a day 3 months in advance. The flat, one-way "hike" is about 5 miles total, and takes 2-3 hours. Although not comprehending or anticipating adjusting to Spain's late start to the day, thankfully I had the foresight(?) to book the early, cooler time of day.

After parking (near El Mirador restaurant), we started with a very dark, long cave. Dad made some crack about earthquakes. "Why would you say that!" said Kate, not appreciating his humor about us being crushed alive.

You get to the Caminto del Rey's starting point via a short, well-lit cave or a long, dark one

At the kiosk where you check in, they give you a mandatory helmet to protect you from stray-falling rocks. When Kate asked why we had to wear them, and Greg commented so we wouldn't be killed by falling rocks, Kate was still not a fan of his jokes. "Can you stop!" she pleaded.

In case a cable breaks, fortunately we have helmets to protect us. If any of us were white knuckled with churning guts, we hid it well - and all claimed to have a good time.

Dangling 300 feet above the floor of the gorge below

Remnants of the old pathway can still be seen below the new wooden boardwalk, hanging precariously off the craggy walls.

We weren't far from our trip's resting place - Nerja, a tiny treasure along Spain's Costa del Sol, often overlooked by tourists due to it lack of beachfront hotels. We have zero plans for the next 5 days.

Enjoying the apartment's balcony overlooking the Costa del Sol

The apartment has private access to Nerja's Playa Carabeo.

Looking to the right you can see Nerja's Balcon de Europa 

We are staying at Galit Amiel & Frank Veit's "Carabeo Vista Mar" 3-bdrm apartment www.nerja-apartments.com

Our tapas dinner at Starrs Tapa and Vino was the best yet - for its flavor, ambience, variety, and FREE tapas!

Afterwards, the kids ventured down for a 10pm swim. Watching them play in the water, I imagined they were making memories they'd never forget!

The blog is going dark for a few days - there's not many interesting variations of "we sat on the beach." Text us if you get worried :-)  Otherwise, check back on the 4th of July!