7-day Ronda and Grazalema Walking Holiday

Strategically situated, the beautiful town of Ronda sits on a sandstone plateau at an elevation of 723 m, overlooking a spectacular gorge, ‘El Tajo’, which literally means ‘the Cut’. There are three bridges crossing the gorge that show the different cultural legacies of the town; two low ones from Roman and Moorish times and a huge higher bridge built in the late 18th Century (‘El Puente Nuevo’). Ronda is known also as the ‘birthplace of bullfighting’, where the Romero family (locals) standardized the rules for this sport at the end of the 18th Century. Enjoy your free time exploring this charming town!

Grazalema is a picturesque mountain village with steep lanes, bright white-washed houses, sunlit patios and balconies full of flowers. An important centre for wool fabric and blanket production since Moorish times, Grazalema is also known for its cheese. The Sierra of Grazalema was also a perfect hiding and ‘working’ area for smugglers and bandits known as bandoleros. Both walks you can chose, offer lovely views among the striking combination of red earth tones and green vegetation. Because neither walk is particularly lengthy, you may choose to do both.

Challenge: 4 - 8.5 km / 2,5 - 5,5 mi, 1.5 / 4.5 h, 290 / 500 m ascent and descent.

Walk through a classic limestone landscape dotted with 'cortijos' - traditional farmhouse complexes found across the countryside. Lovely woods of evergreen oaks and typical Mediterranean vegetation on your way to Benaocaz - an untouched 'Pueblo Blanco' with historic remains dating back to Roman times. The village sits perched on a hill, with sweeping views all around. If you chose walking to Villaluenga del Rosario via the Campobuche River valley, this route is longer but the walking is easier and the terrain more suitable in foggy weather.

Challenge:  (to Benaocaz) 5 hrs, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 500 m ascent, 550 m descent

                         (to Villaluenga) 5.5 hrs, 15.5 km / 9,5 mi, 350 m ascent, 330 m descent

The walk starts in the lovely village of Villaluenga del Rosario - home to a unique 'square bullring' carved right out of the rock. From here, you descend into the bucolic valley of Llanos del Republicano, where the river disappears mysteriously into a limestone sink. Continue along sculpted the cliffs in the Sierras de Libar and el Palo, to reach another hidden jewel: beautiful Montejaque. After a refreshing drink, you have the option of taking a taxi to your next hotel base in Benaoján, or continuing here on foot. 

Challenge: 17.5 km / 11 mi, 6 h, 500 m ascent, 970 m descent. 

The day begins taking the train to Jimera de Libar. When you arrive in town,  a picturesque nature walk through peaceful surroundings awaits, walking from Jimera de Libar train station back to Benaoján. Walking near the railway tracks and the river, you are highly likely to see some catfish coasting along in the stream. In spring the mountains and valleys along this route swill show the great range of wildflowers, butterflies, and other small insects you could ever imagine. Look out also for goats and black pigs that frequent the area and look every now and then to the other side of the railway line, where you may see some Ibex. 

Challenge: 9.5 km / 6 mi, 3 h, 235 m ascent, 275 m descent. 

Today, the route starts following a section of ancient cobbled path, then fields and characterful family farms, lead to the end of the route - Ronda. Widely regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Andalusia, its intriguing mix of Moorish and European monuments is captivating. Established in the 9th century BC, it is also one of Spain's oldest towns and its history is palpable in every corner. 

Challenge: 11.5 km / 7 mi, 3.5 h, 240 m ascent, 280 m descent. 

Today, after breakfast, your arrangement ends.