Lemon Valley Holidays

Ronda & The Sierra of Grazalema

• Difficulty Level: Medium • Average Altitude: 900m • Average Daily Walking Distance: 15 km

Introduction

The Sierra of Grazalema is a geologically unique mountain wilderness in the Malaga province of Andalusia, and it is no wonder that people come from all over the world to walk amongst its craggy limestone peaks, deep gorges, lush river valleys and fortified medieval villages that cling to the dramatic hillsides. The rich history of Andalucía has left an indelible mark on the area and no more so than on the village of Ronda, one of the quintessential white villages that has passed through Roman, Moorish and Christian rule. This fascinating town straddles the dramatic El Tajo gorge and has one of Spain's most famous bullrings, plus Moorish mansions, fine restaurants and interesting shopping.

Walking & Cultural Itinerary for Ronda and the Sierra of Grazalema

Day One: Arrive Malaga or Seville airport, and transfer to Ronda for 2 nights

Arrive Malaga or Seville airport, collect hire car and transfer to your hotel in the medieval part of Ronda town centre.

Day two: A day exploring the town of Ronda

The town of Ronda is one of the most historical in Andalucía and also the most beautifully preserved. You can walk around the old Moorish city walls, visit the bullring where the modern fight on foot was invented, gaze down into the dramatic gorge from the stunning "Puente Nueva" and enjoy a lunch with some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding sierra. In the early evening you can explore some of Ronda's antique stores, visit the museum dedicated to the famous "bandidos" of the sierra and finish off with dinner in a local restaurant serving local specialities.

Day three: Transfer to the mountain white village of Grazalema for 5 nights

Transfer by car to the stunning mountain village of Grazalema, in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema to your traditional rural hotel in the very centre of the village, opposite the main market square. The village is a picture; with its white houses clinging to huge outcrops of rock; tiny cobbled streets and sweeping panoramic views across the sierra. The village also has a great selection of traditional restaurants and cafe bars centred around the main plaza which all serve locally produced fare including patès, Jamon Serrano, meat stews and cheese.

Day four: The Walk of The Griffon Vultures (14km)

To begin your walking in Grazalema and get the feel of the area you can take the famous walk of The Griffon Vultures. A 14km linear walk with views of Grazalema's famous gorges which are home to one of Europe's largest colonies of these incredible birds. As you walk they circle overhead amidst the high limestone peaks towering above.

Day five: The Walk of the Goat Herds Leap (14km)

Enjoy a popular walk of 14km out from the village of Grazalema, which takes you through incredible changes of scenery and offers views across to the Cadiz coast and the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. You will have time to explore a few white villages along the way and have lunch in one of the areas traditional Spanish restaurants.

Day six: Free day to explore The Sierra de Grazalema and the Pileta Caves

A short drive from Grazalema are the caves of Pileta, where a member of the family who originally discovered the caves offers guided lamp lit tours into the caverns to see the original cave paintings. After visiting the caves you could take a self drive tour to visit some other white villages of the sierra driving through the countryside on the most scenic routes. At each village you can enjoy a tapa in the square, visit the old church and even walk up to the Moorish fortress which towers above most of the villages in the area.

Day seven: The trail of the Pinsapo Pines (16km)

For your final days walking you will cross the spectacular Palomas pass and walk through the magical Pinsapo forest whose trees are left over from the last ice age. After walking through dense forest at the heart of the Grazalema Natural park you will then descend into the village of Benamahoma for a welcome tapas break.

Day eight: Departure

Transfer back to Malaga or Seville Airport and deposit hire car for your flight home.

What is included in the holiday

• 2 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel in Ronda
• 5 nights accommodation in the white village of Grazalema
• 7 days car hire of a Renault Clio (5 door) type model with air conditioning & GPS
• Detailed walking maps and guidance notes for 3 days walking in the Sierra de Grazalema
• GPS coordinates, driving maps and notes
• A comprehensive guide pack for your holiday sent to your home by post
• Access to our telephone support line should you need assistance whilst in Andalucía

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Client's Comments

Stephen Sands Self-drive Tour of Andalucia March 2011 UK

Thank you so much for all your help in organizing our trip to Andalucia, both before and during our holiday. Everything went incredibly well, and your ideas and organization were brilliant. I think what really shows your excellent organization, and caring attitude, was phoning ahead to Ronda and arranging an excellent upgraded room fo us, following a slight mix up in Seville. I doubt very much if any other travel agent would have done that! The Hotel San Gabriel, the room and the staff were outstanding. Your recommendations for eating out were fabulous. We tried a number; all were really good and traditional.

Stephen & Jacqueline Hurst, UK. Walking in the Sierra of Grazalema. October 2006

Thank you for all your help organizing our walking holiday. The holiday was fantastic, breathtaking, inspiring, scary and fulfilling. We thank you and wish you well with your future plans.

Pat Whitchurch Australia. April 2006

Nicola, we cannot thank you enough for all the arrangements you made for our walking holiday in Grazalema - it was superb!!! We adored Ronda too and the hotel was a dream. We have not stopped talking about our trip since we returned.