The bars of Cartajima

• Javier Flores

The first question guests often pose is where are the bars of Cartajima! And we provide a handy map in each room showing where they are and introducing you to the owners so you can greet them by name – always a good start. There several bars and restaurants – all very different. If you go for a bar crawl you will meet most of the locals!

The Mirador del Genal is also known locally as the chiringuito which actually means beach bar and refers to the many bars set up along the Mediterranean shore on the beaches of the Costa del Sol. The rational is that our chiringuito is beside the swimming pool and until fairly recently just sold cans of soda and chocolate bars. Now it is a fully fledged restaurant with a complete, if fairly standard, menu. It only open during July and August, when the pool is open. 

And now, please say hello to Paco. He´s actually quite smiley and entertaing, when you get to know him! 

Bar Paquillo Er Chico, which is under the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), is the place to go in Cartajima! It is where the men meet to play their incomprehensible card games with gusto and drama. The villagers come to watch football particularly when Spain is playing and the roars of GOOOOOOLLLLL echo around the houses. Beware of taking sides though, it is always very emotional. Paco has a short menu of tapas and serves decent local delicacies prepared a la minute by his cook Jessica. Basically the whole village comes to Paco once in a while, here you get the latest gossip and regular small fiestas between the fiestas.