Accommodation in El Chorro & Ardales


Sleeping Where Others Just Pass Through: Accommodation in El Chorro & Ardales

Most visitors to the Caminito del Rey arrive as day-trippers – from Málaga, Ronda, Marbella. They walk, they leave. And they miss the best of it.

Staying one night in El Chorro or Ardales means experiencing the region in a different light. The reservoir at dusk. The silence after 8 p.m. The scent of pine and limestone. This is the real Andalusia – not the crowded tourist trail at 11 in the morning.

Staying overnight is worthwhile. And it is more affordable than most people expect.

the white village of Ardales in Andalusia
the white village of Ardales in Andalusia

Hotels & guesthouses

Hotel La Garganta ★★★

The only proper hotel directly in El Chorro. Quiet position on the reservoir, terrace overlooking the limestone walls, breakfast included. Rooms are simple but well-kept. Ideal for those who want to be on the trail early.

Location: El Chorro, by the reservoir · Type: Hotel · Price: from approx. €65/night · Tel: +34 952 49 50 19 · Web: hotellagarganta.com

Casa Rural El Nacimiento

Small, family-run rural guesthouse in Ardales, approx. 5 km from the northern entrance. Four rooms, shared kitchen, large terrace. Very personal atmosphere. Booking usually by direct contact.

Location: Ardales · Type: Casa Rural · Price: from approx. €55/night · Tel: +34 650 12 34 56

Complejo Rural La Posada del Conde

Slightly outside the village, between El Chorro and Ardales. Bungalows and rooms, pool, restaurant on site. Popular with families and climbing groups. Good access to both entrances.

Location: El Chorro–Ardales road · Type: Rural complex · Price: from approx. €70/night


Hostels & budget accommodation

Finca La Campana

The best-known walker’s hostel in the area. Dormitories and private rooms, shared kitchen, lively international atmosphere. Climbing equipment available for hire. Affordable, relaxed and well-connected.

Location: El Chorro · Type: Hostel · Price: from approx. €18/bed (dorm) · Web: fincalacampana.com

Hostal El Caminito

Simple hostal directly at El Chorro station. Breakfast on request. No luxury – but clean, central and very close to the southern exit of the trail.

Location: El Chorro station · Type: Hostal · Price: from approx. €35/single room


Camping

Camping El Chorro

The only campsite directly in El Chorro. Pitches for tents and motorhomes, facilities, bar/restaurant on site. Very popular with climbers and walkers. Book early in high season.

Location: El Chorro, near the station · Type: Campsite · Price: from approx. €10/person/night · Tel: +34 952 49 52 44 · Web: campingelchorro.com

Camping Ardales

Slightly quieter than the El Chorro campsite. More shade, less crowd. Pitches and basic bungalows. Good base for the northern entrance.

Location: Outside Ardales, towards El Chorro · Type: Campsite · Price: from approx. €9/person/night


Overview: which accommodation for whom?

Type Best for Price range
Hotel La Garganta Couples, comfort travellers from €65/night
Casa Rural Families, nature lovers from €55/night
Complejo Rural Families, groups from €70/night
Finca La Campana Backpackers, climbers from €18/bed
Camping El Chorro Tent & motorhome travellers from €10/person

When to book?

  • High season (March–October): At least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially at weekends
  • Easter / Semana Santa: 2–3 months in advance
  • November–February: Often possible on short notice, but some camping facilities may be limited
Book early: Caminito del Rey
Book early: Caminito del Rey

Tickets for the Cominito del Rey

Tickets can be purchased via the official website at caminitodelrey.info or through tour operators such as GetYourGuide.com – advance booking is strongly recommended, especially from March to October. Daily places are limited.

Tip: book accommodation and tickets on the same day to make sure both are available for the same date.