Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema
Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema
$1150
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of southern Spain with the "Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema" tour. This self-guided walking holiday offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history as you explore the picturesque white-washed villages, dramatic limestone formations, and lush green valleys of the Sierra de Grazalema. Wander through ancient trails, visit the prehistoric Cueva de la Pileta, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Ronda, including its iconic bridge spanning a deep gorge. Enjoy charming accommodations in traditional posadas and guesthouses, and savor local specialties in passionate, family-run restaurants. With private transfers, luggage transport, and a digital information pack, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience in one of Spain's most captivating regions. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Ronda, Transfer To Grazalema
Location: Grazalema
Accommodation Name: Traditional village hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your way to the bus or train station in Ronda, where you will be transferred by taxi to Grazalema. Welcome to the "Pueblos Blancos" ("white towns")! Check in at your hotel and enjoy exploring the lovely white-washed village, situated at 830m in a mountain cleft below the impressive Peñon Grande peak. The oldest part of the village was built during the Muslim era, with the upper parts dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll spend 3 nights in Grazalema, where our usual accommodation is a traditional village hotel with restaurant. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Circular Walk Through Classic Limestone Landscape And The Village Of Benaocaz (5Hrs)
Location: Benaocaz
Accommodation Name: Traditional village hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You start the week with a choice of walks. routes afford lovely views of the rugged limestone mountains, dotted with 'cortijos' - traditional farmhouse complexes found across the countryside. Lovely woods of evergreen oaks and typical Mediterranean vegetation surround you on your way to Benaocaz - an untouched 'Pueblo Blanco' which dates back to Roman times. The village sits perched on a hill, with sweeping views all around. Or you can walk to Villaluenga del Rosario via the Campobuche River valley. This route is longer (15,6km), but the walking is easier and the terrain more suitable in foggy weather. In the late afternoon a transfer will take you back to Grazalema.
Walking distance: 11.7km/7.5mi, ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 550m/1804ft
Day 3 : Another Circular Walk With Choice Of Routes (1.5-4.5Hrs)
Location: Grazalema
Accommodation Name: Traditional village hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have a choice of circular routes in the area around Grazalema, with lovely views and a striking combination of red earth tones and green vegetation. One is a varied walk through limestone landscapes, Mediterranean woodlands and open areas used for farming, in Grazalema Natural Park to the pass Puerto de Presillas. The other (4km) is a short ascent to a view point situated just north of Grazalema, at an elevation of 983m, along footpaths and goat trails., with lovely views of Grazalema and the 'snowy hilltop' of Olvera to the northeast. They are short enough to do both in one day. Later enjoy exploring the small village shops and a refreshing drink on an outdoor terrace. Overnight Grazalema.
Walking distance: 4.8 or 8.5km/3 or 5.3mi, ascent/descent 285m/935ft or 500m/1640ft
Day 4 : Transfer To Villaluenga And Walk To Benaojan Via Montejaque (6.5Hrs)
Location: Villaluenga del Rosario
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning starts with a short taxi transfer (20 minutes) to the village of Villaluenga del Rosario, one of the highest Pueblos Blancos towns. You can explore the 16th century church of San Miguel, the cemetery of El Salvador, and the unique stone built bullring before setting off on your walk. From Villaluenga the trail descends into the bucolic valley of Llanos del Republicano, where the river disappears mysteriously into a limestone sink. Continue uphill along sculpted cliffs in the Sierras de Libar and el Palo to reach the lovely village of Montejaque. After a refreshing drink, you have the option of taking a taxi (own expense) or continuing on foot to Benaoján and your hotel for the next 3 nights.
Walking distance: 17.6km/10.8mi, ascent 525m/1722ft, descent 975m/3198ft
Day 5 : Walk Through The Guadiaro Valley Back To Benaojan (3.5Hrs)
Location: Benaoján
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll have a picturesque nature walk through peaceful surroundings. You take a morning train (ticket purchased locally, not included) to Jimera de Libar then walk back to Benaoján. Ambling parallel to the railway tracks and river, you are likely to see fish in the stream, and in spring the mountains and valleys have an abundance of wildflowers, butterflies and other small insects. Be on the look out for goats and black pigs that frequent the area and glance across the railway every now and then, where you might spot some Ibex. Overnight Benaojan.
Walking distance: 9.3km/5.8mi, ascent 235m/771ft, descent 275m/902ft
Day 6 : Walk To Cueva De La Pileta With Its Prehistoric Paintings, Return To Benaojan (3.5.5Hrs)
Location: Benaojan
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walk today takes you through a quiet Mediterranean woodland, followed by a steep ascent on goat trails up to the Cueva de la Pileta with its prehistoric paintings. A visit to the cave must be pre-booked. On your way back you can either take a detour to have lunch in Montejaque or continue directly to your hotel for lunch and to relax in the gardens or enjoy a dip in the pool. Overnight Benaojan.
Walking distance: 6.5km/4mi or 12.8km/7.9mi, ascent/descent 325m/1066ft or 625m/2050ft
Day 7 : Transfer To Montejaque And Walk To Ronda (5Hrs)
Location: Ronda
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Montejaque to start today's walk, a rural hike starting with a section on an ancient cobbled path then among fields and small family farms. Reach mountaintop Ronda, where a spectacular bridge spans the deep gorge and literally divides the town in two. The historical Moorish quarter is well worth a visit. There is an upgrade option to stay in a parador hotel (supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking).
Walking distance: 11.5km/7.1mi, ascent 440m/1443ft, descent 420m/1377ft
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Ronda
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast. An additional night in Ronda is recommended.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights hotel -
7 breakfasts
These are usually continental style consisting of bread, cheeses, meats, yoghurt, juice, tea, and coffee.
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7 nights accommodation
Charming rural hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Luggage transfers
On days 4 and 7, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.
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Private transfer
On days 1, 2, 4, and 7.
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Digital information pack
Including smartphone app with maps and guidebook per room booked.
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Emergency hotline
Available for assistance during the trip.
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Travel to and from Ronda
Included in the package.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included, such as Cueva de la Pileta (EUR10 pp).
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Hotel taxes
If applicable, payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights hotel. The accommodation on this trip is a real highlight. The simple but personal posadas, guesthouses, and hotels have been specially chosen for their character and location - usually in the heart of the village or town. Each of the owners are passionate about their region and usually have special restaurants to sample local specialties. Relaxing terraces or in the case of one hotel, the swimming pool, are perfect for winding down after a day of hiking. ...more ...less
Grading
GRADE 2 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 1.5 to 6 hours (4-17.5km with ascents of up to 550m). The trip is mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths or animal trails, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although sometimes the ascents are several kilometres long, they are gradual and technically easy. The use of trekking poles is recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. ...more ...less
What You Carry
You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Mode of Transport
Private transfer on days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Luggage transfers on days 4 and 7, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess. Travel to and from Ronda. Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The accommodation on this trip includes 7 nights in charming rural hotels, posadas, and guesthouses, chosen for their character and location, usually in the heart of the village or town. Each of the owners is passionate about their region and often has special restaurants to sample local specialties. Some accommodations also feature relaxing terraces or swimming pools. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental style consisting of bread, cheeses, meats, yoghurt, juice, tea, and coffee.
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Are luggage transfers provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers are provided on days 4 and 7. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Is there any emergency support available during the trip?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available for assistance during the trip.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
Private transfers are included on days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Additionally, travel to and from Ronda is included in the package. Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
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What should I carry with me during the daily walks?
You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?
The tour is graded as introductory to moderate. Daily stages range from 1.5 to 6 hours (4-17.5km with ascents of up to 550m). The walks are mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, or animal trails, with occasional sections on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although some ascents are several kilometers long, they are gradual and technically easy. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. A digital information pack, including a smartphone app with maps and a guidebook, is provided per room booked.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Entrance fees are not included unless specified. For example, the entrance fee to Cueva de la Pileta is not included and costs EUR10 per person.
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What happens if I am traveling solo?
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema
8 Days Starting and ending in Ronda, Spain
Visiting: Grazalema, Benaocaz, Villaluenga del Rosario, Benaoján, Benaojan, Ronda
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RSG
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided