Pueblos Blancos - Self Guided

Independent walking holiday from Ronda to Grazalema

“It’s not often one comes to the end of a holiday and says ‘oh I wish I could begin all
over again’

The famed white towns and villages around Ronda and Grazalema have long been a destination for discerning travellers.The rolling contryside of Serrania de Ronda and the majestic mountains of the Sierras de Grazalema are rich in plant and birdlife and offer great opportunities for walking.

 

This linear self guided walking holiday explores the very best of the Ronda & Grazalema sierras. After the first night in Ronda you stay for 2 nights in the pretty mountain village of Montejaque and the last 4 nights in Grazalema. The hotels are in the centre of these delightful pueblos and the last two locations have swimming pools. All the locations have excellent local restaurants which we are happy to recommend. This self guided adventure connects five different white villages with exceptional and varied walks. Most of are linear but can be amended to suit the walking preferences of our guests. Transfers from Malaga to Ronda, from Grazalema back to Ronda, transfers to trail heads and the transfer of bags between locations are provided within the holiday costs.

Itinerary & Walks

Day 1 – Arrival day
The holiday starts in Ronda which is about 2 hours by road from Malaga and Seville airports. Cordoba and Granada are also accesible by public transport making it an ideal location for guests wishing to start or extend their holiday with a visit to one of the grand cities of Andalucia. You will stay for the first night in Ronda in the historic centre of this evocative and much visited town. Depending on arrival time, explore the old town followed by a welcome meal in one of our favourite restaurants.

Day 2 – Ronda and to Montejaque
The walk starts in the centre of Ronda and takes in some of the historical sites of Ronda before leaving through the south gate of the town. It is easy walking and there are great views of the famous bridge and onwards towards the towering peaks of Sierras de Grazalema and the pretty villages of Benaojan and Montejaque where you stay for two nights. Accommodation is either in a pretty hotel in the centre of the village with en-suite rooms and pool or in charming casitas close to the centre of the village. These well appointed cottages cluster around a swimming pool set in large gardens with stunning views. Walking time 4 – 5 Hours

Day 3 – Montejaque Circuit The walk begins with with a steady climb to the entrance of the wide and fertile Valle de Libar. From this beautiful ‘hidden valley’ there is a gentle ascent up to an ancient and remote pass though the Sierras de Benoajan. Once through the pass, the descent to Benaojan pueblo has spectacular montain views before the final stretch of the walk up to Montejaque. Shorter options for the walk are also circular but involve less climbing and perhaps time for a late lunch and a swim in season. Walking time up to 5 hours.

Day 4 – Montejaque to Grazalema
This linear walk starts from Montejaque with a steady climb through up to the pass of El Cabrizal.The route then decends gently and follows the river valley (Rio de Campobouches) towards Grazalema. There is the chance for some refreshments at the Puerto Alamillos before the descent and sharp climb up through the Moorish battlements of the town. Your hotel where you stay for the last for nights has great views over the town and a delightful pool and gardens. Walking time, 5- 6 Hours with shorter options.

Day 5 – Rest Day in Grazalema
Grazalema is a lively pueblo blanco and popular destination for visitors. The steep, cobbled streets are immaculately kept and are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron grilles and plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers. The pool-side rooms in your hotel have fine southerly views overlooking the village and there is an excellent choice of restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. Not only an excellent place for a rest day, Grazalema is a perfect base for some casual strolls and starting point for the final two walks.

Day 6 Grazalema to Benaocaz
The walk starts with a steady climb out of the village to the pass of Puerto del Boyer. The path then climbs more steeply to Puerto de las Presillas. Shorter options return on a circular route back to Grazalema in time for a late lunch. Longer options take a higher level more southerly route to Benaocaz and ends through the ancient Moorish area of the village. Time for drinks in the plaza and return to Grazalema by local bus. Walking time up to 5 hours./

Day 7 – Stunning views, lakes and raptors
To the north of Grazalema there is a road that climbs up to the spectacular pass known as the Puerto de las Palomas. You do this by vehicle transfer before starting the walk around the Cerro Coros. This 1,329m peak has amazing panoramic views across to Zahara del Sierra to the north and towering sierras to the south. There are great vantage points for raptor watching and looking down on eagles ‘on the wing’ is likely to be one of the highlights of the week. Walking time 3 – 4 Hours.

Day 8 – Departure Day
The holiday ends in Ronda which is easily accessibleby by road and rail from Malaga, Córdoba and Granada. If you fly into Malaga we include tickets for the direct bus service to Ronda. At the end of the holiday we provide a taxi transfer back to Ronda for onward travel (see Travel & More information).

Accommodation

The first night is spent in the Hotel Hermanos Macias in Ronda, close to the famous bullring in the historical centre of the town. This traditional, family run establishment is very popular with Spanish travellers (including the bull fighters), has en-suite rooms, an excellent restaurant and an abundance of character. The next two nights are spent in Montejaque, either in the small ‘Palacio’  hotel in the village plaza or in the Casitas de la Sierra, a group of charming  small houses clustered around a swimming pool in delightful gardens. The last four nights are spent in the Hotel Villa Turistica in Grazalema.  All rooms are double en-suite with balconies and great views of the village and mountains beyond. The hotel is a five minute walk from the centre of the village, has extensive grounds and a swimming pool making it a great option for the extended stay which includes the rest day.

Travel & More Information

The Route of the Pueblos Blancos starts and ends in Ronda which is easily accessible by by road and rail from Malaga, Córdoba, Seville  and Granada. If you fly into Malaga we include tickets for the direct bus service to Ronda. At the end of the holiday we provide a taxi transfer back to Ronda. From here the are regular train and bus services to Córdoba, Granada, Seville and to Malaga.
Please note, if you wish to fly out from Malaga on departure day you will need to book a late afternoon or evening flight. Alternatively, we can arrange for our Grazalema taxi to extend the transfer to Malaga airport at the extra cost of around €80.

Dates & Prices

Dates
The holiday may be started on any date subject to hotel and resource  availability.
Please note, we may have to add a surcharge for dates which include popular local Spanish holidays (Semana Santa running up to Easter Sunday and bank holiday weekends).

 

Prices
Two guests in double/twin room £495 per person

Three guests in two double rooms £495 per person

Four guests in two double rooms £450 per person

*Extra cost for single occupancy rooms by request.

 

2024

NB. Due to limited resources and already high demand for our 2024 guided holidays, we are not able to take new bookings for this self guided holiday until further notice.

What we include

  •  7 nights accommodation*.
  • Breakfasts (Except in self catering Casitas Montejaque)
  • Welcome meal with wine.
  •  Information pack including individually prepared walk desciptions, maps local information etc.
  • Bus transfer Malaga to Ronda on arrival (see notes on Travel)
  • Transfer of bags between locations.
  • Transfers to trail heads.
  • Taxi transfer Grazalema to Ronda on departure (See notes on Travel)

Reviews & Visitors Book

We both had a very enjoyable holiday even if it did seem to be over very quickly. Your itinerary and route plans were spot on and very easy to follow. Don’t think we got lost or went wrong once! All in all we had a very enjoyable week. The villages and
towns were spectacular – clean and well looked after. The narrow cobbled streets negotiated by many cars amazing. We felt we had truly sampled the culture and traditions of Spanish society. Thank you once again. Mark and James ” (North
Yorkshire)

It’s not often one comes to the end of a holiday and says ‘oh I wish I could begin all over again’ but we both did this time. You run an extremely efficient set up: met by Peter at the airport, taken to the bus, bags being collected on time and waiting for us at the next hote Every day got better, and we found your instructions and maps straightforward and easy to follow. The last walk around el Cerro Coros defies description, and is something we shall both remember for ever.  Janie and James”(Devon)

We really enjoyed the walks and the whole experience. All the connections worked
well, the people and places you introduced us to were welcoming and friendly. In summary we had a fantastic holiday. Jeremy & Anne” (New south Wales)