Restaurants & Bars in El Chorro – Eating After the Trail
After the Trail: The Best Places to Eat in El Chorro
Anyone who has walked 7.7 kilometres through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes has earned a proper meal. The village of El Chorro – smaller, quieter and more authentic than many tourist centres in Andalusia – sits directly at the southern exit of the Caminito del Rey and offers exactly what is needed after a long trail: shade, a cold drink and good food.
The choice is modest, but the quality is solid. And the setting – right on the Embalse del Chorro with views across the limestone walls – makes every meal an experience in itself.
El Kiosko
The best-known spot in El Chorro and the first stop for many Caminito visitors. Located directly on the northern approach, with a terrace facing the rock face. Rustic offering: bocadillos, tapas, beer, coffee. No fine dining – but exactly right before and after the trail.
Location: Northern entrance Ardales, near visitor centre · Type: Bar / Snacks · Price: €
Restaurante La Garganta
Right at El Chorro station, with a terrace above the reservoir. Solid Andalusian cuisine: roast lamb, grilled fish, house-made croquetas. Busy at lunchtime with hikers and climbers. Reservation recommended at weekends.
Location: El Chorro station · Type: Restaurant · Price: €€ · Tel: +34 952 49 50 19
Bar Restaurante El Chorro
The village meeting point. Simple, honest, local. Weekday menú del día from €12 – soup, main, dessert, drink. For those who want to eat the way the locals eat, this is the place.
Location: El Chorro village centre · Type: Bar / Restaurant · Price: € · Tel: +34 952 49 52 44
Restaurante Mirador del Guadalhorce
Slightly out of the village, with the best panoramic view over the three reservoirs. The kitchen follows the seasons: asparagus dishes in spring, game specialities in autumn. Ideal for a relaxed dinner after an overnight stay in the area.
Location: El Chorro–Ardales road, km 4 · Type: Restaurant · Price: €€–€€€
Those who start from the northern entrance and plan to eat only after the trail will also find good options in Ardales (approx. 5 km from the visitor centre).
Bar La Plaza
Central on the main square of Ardales. Breakfast, tapas and bocadillos. Ideal for a first coffee before the start or a beer at the end.
Location: Plaza de España, Ardales · Type: Bar · Price: €
Restaurante Ardales
Traditional Andalusian cuisine in a quiet atmosphere. Choto al ajillo (kid goat in garlic), salmorejo, house-made desserts. Local cooking, local prices.
Location: Ardales village centre · Type: Restaurant · Price: €€
Practical tips
Tickets for the Caminito 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.