The project to design a “complete, successful tourism product” is certainly in full flow now

Works to be carried out in three phases after the opening of the remodelled Camino del Rey will include better access, parking, rest areas, tourist information centers and viewpoints.

The president of the Malaga council, Elijah Bendodo recently presented the project of the “Caminito del Rey” which has been agreed by the town halls of Ardales, Alora, Abdalajis and Antequera. The projects total cost is worth a cool 11,586,040 euros.

The project will be carried out in three phases with the restoration of the camino being the first with a budget of 2.24 million euros that should be completed by spring 2015.

The second phase of the plan includes works to upgrade roads, especially in the MA5403 (Ardales El Chorro) to allow easier access for buses and coaches. Park and ride facilities are also planned for the town of Alora and Ardales along with road signs and information boards. this part of the project will cost over 3 million euros.

The third phase with a budget of over 4 million euros will create the main visitor centre in El Chorro which will be located in the existing train station building. The name of the train station will be changed to “El Chorro – Caminito del Rey”. There is also talk of extending the existing footpath network and enhancing the existing paths with better signs and information boards.

With an estimated investment expected to exceed 5 million Euros the restoration of the Caminito del Rey seems to be on schedule and is due to open in January or February 2015. It is hoped that king Felipe of Spain, like his great grandfather Alfonso XIII will open the hanging footpath high above the Gaitanes Gorge. Once completed, the 6 kilometre path will take about an hour to walk.

Work on the Visitor Centre has yet to commence and will be situated at the El chorro railway station.

As of today access to the footpath is still prohibited but it is possible to walk up to a viewpoint to see the extent of the work carried out from the El Chorro side of the path.