Sando Construcción Begins Extending the Caminito del Rey with Spain’s Largest Suspension Bridge

01/04/2025

Sando Construcción has commenced work on the construction of the largest suspension footbridge in Spain. This 110-metre-long footbridge is part of the expansion project of the Caminito del Rey, a significant initiative that started exactly ten years after Sando Construcción completed the full restoration of the Caminito del Rey.

The groundbreaking ceremony gathered mayors from the municipalities within the Caminito del Rey’s area of influence. Francisco Salado, President of the Málaga Provincial Council, led the event, accompanied by the Delegate of the Government of the Junta de Andalucía in Málaga, Patricia Navarro, and the mayors of Álora, Francisco Martínez; Antequera, Manuel Barón; Ardales, Juan Alberto Naranjo; and Valle de Abdalajís, Virginia Romero. The event was also attended by the CEO of Sando, Luis Sánchez Manzano, the General Director of Construction, Jaime Rodríguez Donnelly, and other representatives from the Temporary Joint Venture managing the project (Sando-Salzillo-Mundo).

This project was developed based on recommendations from a geological study conducted by the universities of Granada and Jaén. The study suggested designing an alternative route in the final stretch of the Caminito del Rey to enhance visitor safety.

Spain’s Largest Suspension Footbridge

The new suspension footbridge, the largest in Spain, will be located in the final section of the Caminito del Rey, just before reaching the area above the train’s iron bridge and the El Chorro tunnel. The bridge will span approximately 110 metres in length, stand at a maximum height of around 50 metres, weigh approximately 17 tonnes, and total 38 tonnes.

The bridge will feature a wooden deck supported by a metal structure, with steel cables and mesh handrails, similar to those existing along the Caminito. It will be supported by two main sustainable steel cables, each weighing 4,500 kilograms, and will have a downward slope with a 7.5% average gradient.

Sando Construcción will prepare the end of the bridge with pathways that will complete the route to the exit. This alternative will save visitors nearly one kilometre of descent through rougher terrain, which was previously required.

A decade ago, Sando Construcción rehabilitated the Caminito del Rey, initially covering 6 kilometres and featuring a 1.5-kilometre aerial path, including the iconic 32-metre-long suspension footbridge, which stands 105 metres above the river.

The Caminito del Rey rehabilitation project has received numerous awards, including the 2nd National “Ciudad y Territorio Albert Serratosa” Award presented by the College of Civil Engineers, Canals, and Ports and the Hispania Nostra for its recovery process.