DAY 1: Arrive Sierra de Grazalema
Malaga is the closest airport for Ronda. Take a train/bus to Malaga and then bus to Ronda (1h45) where a taxi will transfer you to Grazalema. (or a private transfer)
Today you travel to the “Pueblos Blancos” and arrive in the beautifully situated white-washed village of Grazalema (830 m), where you will spend the first 2 nights. Grazalema is the perfect base for exploring the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a vast rugged area of limestone mountains. The steep, cobbled streets of Grazalema are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas and plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers.
Overnight: Casa de las Piedras, Grazalema
The simple family run Casa de las Piedras is located in the heart of the village. The inn boasts a restaurant specialising in local dishes with a menu that changes daily, a large comfortable lounge with fireplace and comfortable rooms that lead off the central courtyard.
DAY 2:
Circular walk from Grazalema
On the first day of walking in the Sierra de Grazalema, you have a choice between two short circular routes. Both walks afford lovely views of the rugged limestone mountains, red earth, lush green vegetation and the wild flowers are particularly delightful in the spring and early summer.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the small shops in the village and perhaps a relaxed drink on an outdoor terrace.
Walk: 1,5 to 3 hrs, Ascent/Descent: min. 200m, max. 450m .
Overnight: Casa de las Piedras, Grazalema
DAY 3:
Grazalema to Benaocaz
Today’s walk through the Sierra de Grazalema takes you through classic limestone landscapes of the park. You will walk through lovely green oak woods and characteristic Mediterranean vegetation, passing a number of cortijos, traditional farmhouse complexes, on your way to Benaocaz.
Benaocaz is an untouched “white village” with a history dating back to Roman times and beyond. An interesting museum and several beautiful churches make this a delightful stop. The village sits perched on a hill, with sweeping views in all directions.
Walk: 4 hours, 12km, 400m ascent, 450m descent.
Overnight: Apartments San Anton, Benaocaz
Located above a nice restaurant, where breakfast is served, you will stay at the well located Apartments San Anton.
DAY 4:
Circular walk from Benaocaz
Benaocaz is a great base for walking and has a number of excellent local walks. We recommend that in the morning you enjoy a short circular walk (2,5hrs, 7km, 200m ascent and descent) along a historical footpath to a view point. Here Griffon vultures can normally be seen as this is a regular nesting site. In the afternoon we suggest that you should follow the old roman footpath down to the lively town of Ubrique (2hrs, 6km, 400m in descent). You can have dinner there and take a taxi back to Benaocaz or walk all the way back.
Overnight: Apartments San Anton, Benaocaz
DAY 5:
Benaocaz to Montejaque
Leaving Benaocaz you walk to the village of Villaluenga del Rosario. From here you descend into to Llanos del Republicano, a valley where the river disappears into a deeply carved limestone sink. Amidst greyish-white limestone cliffs of the Sierra de Libar and Sierra del Palo, you follow a trail through striking limestone sculptures to reach a tiny jewel of a village, Montejaque, another of the Pueblos Blancos on your route. Today’s walk is long, but not too difficult.
Walk: approx 7,5 hours, 25km, 650m ascent, 750 in descent. It’s possible to shorten the walk by 6km if you take a taxi to Villaluenga in the morning (included).
Overnight: Hotel Montejaque, Montejaque
Hotel Montejaque occupies a beautiful manor house which dates from the 16th century. It has 8 tastefully decorated bedrooms, a tiny swimming pool on the patio and a restaurant.
DAY 6:
Circular walks from Montejaque
Choose between 2 splendid walking routes, both of take you right through the heart of one of the prettiest of all the “white villages”, Benaoján. If you choose to do the Rio Guadiaro Valley, you first walk (5,5hrs, 15,5km, 450m in ascent and descent) to the station at Benaoján-Montejaque then take a train to Jimera de Libar (10 min).
The second circular walk takes you the nearby Cueva de la Pileta, a cave with surprising formations (4hrs, 13,2km, 600m in ascent and descent).
Overnight: Hotel Montejaque, Montejaque
DAY 7:
Montejaque to Ronda
Today you can look forward to a simply delightful day of walking. Your walk starts out along an ancient cobbled path before passing through fields and small family farms to reach Ronda.
Although very popular Ronda retains much of its historic charm. The 100m chasm of the El Tajo gorge divides the town and the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge offers some of the best views. The historical Moorish quarter is especially interesting, although you are sure to discover many more delights as you wander the streets.
The annual Feria Goyesca, held at the beginning of September, celebrates Ronda’s place as the birth of modern bull fighting.
Walk: 5 hours, 14,5km, 300m ascent, 275m descent
Overnight: Hotel Polo, Ronda
Located in the old centre of town, on a lovely square the three star Hotel Polo is the ideal base for exploring Ronda.
DAY 8:
Onward Travel
Your walking trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Departure from Ronda.
Grade, Terrain & Fitness
This trip is graded moderate and includes walking routes from 7km to 15km. Exception on day 5, when route is 25km (optional transfer makes it 19km). Daily ascent/descent of 250m to 700m. In summer, warm temperatures can make the routes seem more difficult.
The walks follow wide unsurfaced tracks and footpaths, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads.
You should have a good level of walking fitness to enjoy this holiday.
Navigation
The routes on this trip are generally NOT way marked so you will need to follow our detailed route notes and maps supplied.
Maps
In addition to the maps we have provided with these route notes, you may wish to purchase your own original maps. The following are recommended:
- General map: Michelin 1:400.000 Andalucia Costa del Sol
- Walking maps:
1:50.000 Plano Topográfico del Macizo de Grazalema (Penthalon, Servicio Geográfico del Ejército) 1:50.000 Sierra de Grazalema (MOPU, lnstituto Geográfico Nacional)
- On arrival you can also buy locally a good map (scale 1:40.000).
Accommodation
Seven nights in carefully selected small family run hotels and guest houses that offer comfortable accommodation, the warmest of welcomes and hearty local food. More details and links to the accommodation are detailed on the itinerary page of our website.
Alternative accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is not available for solo walkers for safety reasons.
Meals
7 Continental breakfasts are included. Dinner is not included but available at your hotel or nearby restaurants. Lunch is not included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags (max 20kg) will be transferred each time you move accommodation.
Transfers
Transfers on day 1 from Ronda to Grazalema and on day 5 from Benaocaz to Villaluenga are included. Airport transfers are available as an optional extra.
Equipment
You will need standard walking gear such as good walking boots, warm and waterproof clothes in the cooler months and good sun protection in the summer and a day pack. A full equipment list is included in your info pack.
