Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema
- Spectacular walking through the white villages of the Sierra de Grazalema
- The beautiful village of Zahara de la Sierra, in its perfect hilltop location
- Stay in rural guesthouses and boutique hotels in beautiful “pueblos blancos”
- Enjoy a plate of tapas in plazas shaded by scented orange trees
- The vibrant city of Ronda, sitting atop the famous El Tajo gorge
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Zahara de la SierraAfter flying into either Malaga or Seville Airport, make your way to Ronda where a private transfer will bring you to Zahara de la Sierra (25min).
Perched on a craggy outcrop overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of the Embalse de Zahara reservoir, Zahara de la Sierra is the perfect place to start your tour of the Pueblos Blancos. Stroll around the cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and dotted with bars shaded by scented orange trees. Or, if you are feeling energetic, climb the steps to explore the ruins of the atmospheric ruins of the beautiful Moorish castle.
A family run rural boutique hotel and restaurant overlooking an azure lake below the picturesque pueblo of Zahara de la Sierra. Together with their friendly local staff, all from the village, they run Al lago as a relaxed "home away from home". All rooms have en suite modern bathrooms, rain showers, handmade soaps, shampoo/gel & hairdryers. Each room has a balcony overlooking the lake, satellite TV, heating/AC. Guests can also make use the private roof terrace.
On a quaint street lined with restaurants in the historic center, this cozy inn occupies a historic building with a traditional interior courtyard. It's a minute's walk from the Torre del Reloj, a famous tower, a 5-minute walk from medieval Castillo de Zahara de la Sierra and 1 km from the A-2300 regional route. Set around the courtyard, the unfussy rooms have antique furnishings, and offer flat-screens and free Wi-Fi. A relaxed restaurant with vaulted ceilings and a rustic vibe serves regional cuisine. There's also a cafe/bar, and a guest lounge with a wood-burning stove.
Surrounded by a sea of olive groves, the first section of your walk today traverses the tamed countryside around Zahara de la Sierra and passes isolated farmhouses.
After a few kilometres, the path leaves the olive groves behind and enters a small and wild valley. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, enjoy the pleasant shade of the native woodland, and smell the colourful flowers which bloom here. Views stretch south to Garganta Verde, whose literal translation, ‘Green Throat’, refers poetically to the gaping canyon.
+501m Ascent / -501m Descent
A family run rural boutique hotel and restaurant overlooking an azure lake below the picturesque pueblo of Zahara de la Sierra. Together with their friendly local staff, all from the village, they run Al lago as a relaxed "home away from home". All rooms have en suite modern bathrooms, rain showers, handmade soaps, shampoo/gel & hairdryers. Each room has a balcony overlooking the lake, satellite TV, heating/AC. Guests can also make use the private roof terrace.
On a quaint street lined with restaurants in the historic center, this cozy inn occupies a historic building with a traditional interior courtyard. It's a minute's walk from the Torre del Reloj, a famous tower, a 5-minute walk from medieval Castillo de Zahara de la Sierra and 1 km from the A-2300 regional route. Set around the courtyard, the unfussy rooms have antique furnishings, and offer flat-screens and free Wi-Fi. A relaxed restaurant with vaulted ceilings and a rustic vibe serves regional cuisine. There's also a cafe/bar, and a guest lounge with a wood-burning stove.
Leaving Zahara de la Sierra, walk towards the shores of Embalse de Zahara before continuing into the hills of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Walk through groves of pine trees and ancient cobbled pathways to the lush Gaidovar valley where the mild temperatures have created a rare microclimate.
Drop down into the white village of Grazalema, in its spectacular location surrounded by jagged limestone mountains. Enjoy an evening stroll in one of the best preserved villages of the “pueblos blancos route” and admire the whitewashed houses covered in bright cascading geraniums.
+943m Ascent / -352m Descent
Villa de Grazalema derives from an old building that has undergone several extensions and reforms. It combines the hotel establishment with rooms in a main building with gardens and swimming pool annexes.With magnificent views of the town of Grazalema, to the mountains and the valley of the Guadalete River… it really is as a picturesque place to stay - the hotel is ideal for resting, away from all urban noise and pollution. In its restaurant the "Olivar" you can taste its typical and traditional cuisine, while its beautiful surroundings lends itself to enjoy small walks on foot at dusk of this gaditano corner.
Hotel Casa de las Piedras features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a patio with a city view.
An impressive village house with pool at the edge of the village of Grazalema, one of Andalusia’s most charming white villages. In a quiet area of the friendly village, at only a two to three-minute walk to its restaurants and tapas bars, it offers the best of rustic living. Located in pure inland Andalucía, in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park.
Today’s walk takes you on stony paths through the classic limestone landscapes of the park. Walk through tranquil green oak woods, passing a number of cortijos (traditional farmhouses) on your way to Benaocaz.
This untouched white village has a rich history dating back to Moorish times and is home to several beautiful churches.
Continue to Villaluenga del Rosario, known for some very tasty local produce including payoyo goats cheese, unique to this area.
+706m Ascent / -662m Descent
This charming and small hotel occupies one of the typical white houses of the region. Among its facilities is its cozy restaurant, which with rustic decoration offers a menu of typical products such as Payoyo cheese. The hotel has many wonderful charming rooms with sloping ceilings and rustic stone walls.
A traditional inn style retreat along the white village route. four large air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, living room and a spectacular terrace with wonderful views, private pool and picnic patio.
Today’s walk from Villaluenga del Rosario to Benaoján passes through dramatic limestone scenery. There’s one climb to tackle but much of the day is gentle walking through picturesque valleys.
+562m Ascent / -867m Descent
Molino del Santo is a beautiful rural boutique hotel tucked away by a mountain stream near Ronda. Family-owned, it has been owned and managed by Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin since its beginnings in 1987. Molino has won many awards over the years including “Best Countryside Hotel in Spain”, “Most Romantic Hotel in Spain” and for the last five years has been the winner of Trip Advisor Awards.
Posada del Fresno is a family run rural accommodation. The restored building of more than 100 years ago has 5 rooms, a sitting room, dinning room and a patio where you can relax.
Your walk today 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 200m chasm of the El Tajo gorge divides the town in two 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.
+402m Ascent / -236m Descent
This wonderful boutique hotel offers a warm stay in the heart of Ronda. In there own words “An Oasis of Tranquility” – expect comfortable rooms, cozy sitting area’s with a bar and terrace to relax in. Traditional Spanish hospitality at its best.
An elegant and cosy stately house palace filled with history from where you can admire privileged views of the city of Ronda, accessible only to a select few. The ideal atmosphere to relax and enjoy yourself - the rooms are charming and fully functional for a truly wonderful stay in the centre of Ronda.
This is a boutique hotel found in a renovated eighteenth century building a few metres from Ronda’s ‘must see’ monuments.
The hotel has 23 rooms, the library, an Andalusian patio, and a private screening room.
If you feel like one final day of walking, a great option is to enjoy a walk down into the impressive Tajo Gorge for a different perspective of the Puente Nuevo bridge and the city above. Of course, an equally tempting option may be to enjoy the day at leisure, exploring more of the beautiful city of Ronda.
+220m Ascent / -219m Descent
This wonderful boutique hotel offers a warm stay in the heart of Ronda. In there own words “An Oasis of Tranquility” – expect comfortable rooms, cozy sitting area’s with a bar and terrace to relax in. Traditional Spanish hospitality at its best.
An elegant and cosy stately house palace filled with history from where you can admire privileged views of the city of Ronda, accessible only to a select few. The ideal atmosphere to relax and enjoy yourself - the rooms are charming and fully functional for a truly wonderful stay in the centre of Ronda.
This is a boutique hotel found in a renovated eighteenth century building a few metres from Ronda’s ‘must see’ monuments.
The hotel has 23 rooms, the library, an Andalusian patio, and a private screening room.
Check out after one final breakfast in the sun and make your way to the airport or train station for onward travel connections.
This trip has a carbon score of 14kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 14kg is equivalent to 7 bottles of champagne. That’s a lot of bubbles!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This tour explores one of the best hiking areas of Andalucia and has been designed to visit some of the most picturesque white villages it is so well known for. Graded moderate overall, with daily walks of between 5 and 20km and ascents of up to 795m, it is suited to regular walkers who are used to walking in more rugged terrain. You will stay overnight in hand-selected small boutique hotels and rural posadas who offer a warm welcome to walkers.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This walking tour is graded moderate overall. Walks are between 3-7 hours on a mixture of unsurfaced tracks and footpaths, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or small tarmac roads. Some of the terrain is quite rocky and you may encounter some loose rocks or muddy/slippery sections in wet weather. There are also some sections with steep drop-offs. Ascents are between 225 and 700m with descents of up to 800m. During the shoulder months of May and September the walking may become more difficult due to the higher temperatures at that time of year and we recommend setting off early on those days.
Accommodation is in a mixture of small boutique hotels and rural posadas is included in your trip.
The accommodation we normally use is detailed below. We may sometimes have to use alternative hotels subject to availability but if this is the case we will always let you know when confirming your booking.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, there is the option to be accommodated at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Single rooms are available and a single supplement is payable. This trip is available to solo walkers but we recommend that you are an experienced walker who is comfortable with navigation, has walked in rougher, mountainous terrain before and is comfortable with steep ascents/descents and some steep drop-offs.
Meals
Breakfasts are included and usually consist of breads, fruits, cheeses and meats. Packed lunches and Dinner are included at Zahara de la Sierra. Evening meal is served at the Hotel Al Lago, which offers contemporary Andalucian cuisine in a relaxed setting. All other lunches and dinners are not included but you will find suggestions in your route notes of local places to eat. The local cuisine in this area is second to none. Expect local specialities such as the ‘serrano gazpachos’ (gazpacho served with tasty chunks of Iberico ham), the mouth-watering payoyo goats cheese and ‘chacinas’ (delicious pork sausages).
The routes on this trip are generally way-marked but we will also provide detailed route notes and maps. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone’s GPS so using this combined with the provided route notes and maps means you should have no problems finding your way.
It is essential to make sure that you follow the designated path, as the signs may be damaged or difficult to see due to the overgrowth, especially on the small paths along the rivers where there is a lot of vegetation.
- 7 Nights in small boutique hotels and rural posadas
- 7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners and 2 Packed Lunches (in Zahara de la Sierra)
- Transfer from Ronda to Zahara de la Sierra
- Luggage transfers as per itinerary
- Detailed route notes, maps and pre-departure information pack
- GPX tracks and access to our smartphone app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to/from Ronda
- Lunches, dinners (apart from those listed), snacks and drinks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
You can start this tour on any day of the week subject to availability between March to May and then again from September to November. We do not offer this tour in the summer months due to high tempereatures at that time of year making it uncomfortable for walking. It should be noted that the shoulder months of September can still be quite warm with average temperatures reaching up to 30°C
The Sierra de Grazalema is enjoyable most of the year round. The spring months of March and April are fantastic if you want to see the bird migrations in full swing and a profusion of flowers in bloom. The temperatures start to heat up in May and June and the summer meadows are alive with colour at this time but it can make walking more difficult. In the autumn months the days are still nice and sunny and the colours change again with a variety of autumn bulbs coming out. This area does also have its own mountain microclimate and can have sporadic rain showers throughout the year which are usually followed by drier days.
By Air: Malaga Airport is the most convenient airport to fly into for Zahara de la Sierra. From here travel to Ronda by bus (2h 30m). An included taxi transfer will pick you up from Ronda and transfer you to Zahara de la Sierra (25min). Malaga has lots of airline connections from the UK and Europe with airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, Vueling, as well as the large European airlines such as KLM, Air France and Lufthansa.
Alternatively you can fly into Seville Airport and take the bus to Ronda (2h 30m), and again a private transfer will take you from there to Zahara de la Sierra.
By Air: Malaga Airport is the closest airport to Ronda, reachable by bus from Ronda in approximately 2h.
To get back to Seville Airport, by bus takes approx 3h.
By Train: Ronda is well connected by train to other Spanish cities including Granada (2h 30m) and Cordoba (1h 45min). Visit the Renfe website for more details.
We can also arrange airport transfers from/to Malaga and Seville Airports at an additional supplement. Please just ask us for details.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight stay. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
The reviews for this tour up until December 2019, are based on a previous itinerary. As of December 2019, minor changes and improvements have been made including have the routes all checked and route notes re-written and some of the accommodations have also been upgraded.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example. proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take.This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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