Sierra de Grazalema
Sierra de Grazalema
Start: Ronda Goal: Ronda
Day 1: Arrival in Ronda and Taxi transfer to Grazalema
Day 2: From Grazalema to Villaluenga
Day 3: Circular walk from Grazalema
Day 4: Transfer to Indiana and then walk to Ronda
Day 5: Adiós Ronda
March - October
4 nights
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5-day self-guided walking tour
The Sierra de Grazalema is an “undiscovered” oasis of green, a mountainous area surrounded by picturesque white-washed villages such as Grazalema, Montejaque and the lovely town of Ronda. Here, you’ll have the pleasure of walking through a landscape of marvellous limestone sculptures, marked by deep gorges where vultures nest among the cliff tops. At lunchtime, you’ll probably reach a village where you can replenish your energy with a round of tapas and vino enjoyed on an outdoor terrace. Then your route leads on, through unspoilt countryside painted in earth tones, punctuated by brilliant white buildings against the soft grey-green of olive orchards, cork oak woods and Spanish silver firs. In the midst of these exquisite natural surroundings, you’ll encounter pueblos blancos with exotic Moorish names like Benaocaz and Jimera del Ibar, which recall centuries of disputed borders between Arab and Christian kingdoms. At the end of the week, you reach the town of Ronda, one of the prettiest in Andalusia, with its intriguing mix of Moorish and European monuments.
Highlights
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Exuberant Mediterranean vegetation in Limestone mountain range
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Accommodation in typical White Village and Ronda town centre
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Perfect destination for spring and autumn
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Close to Málaga and easy to combine with City trips to Seville or Granada
Day 1
Arrival in Ronda and Taxi transfer to Grazalema
Today you travel to the “Pueblos Blancos” and arrive in the beautifully situated white-washed village of Grazalema (830 m), where you’ll spend the next 3 nights.
Day 2
From Grazalema to Villaluenga
The first walking route takes you through a classic limestone landscapes dotted with cortijos, traditional farmhouse complexes found across the countryside. Following dirt roads and tractor ruts, you’ll traverse typical ‘dehesas’ of evergreen oaks where farm animals like pigs, goats, cows and sheep roam freely. After a short visit to the square bull-fighters ‘ring’ of Villaluenga, a taxi will drive you back to Grazalema. Walking time: 5 hours. Transfer back to Grazalema.
Day 3
Circular walk from Grazalema
Today you have a choice between 2 circular routes in the area around Grazalema. Both walks offer lovely views and a striking combination of red earth tones and green vegetation, and the routes are short enough that you could do them both in one day. In the afternoon, time to explore small shops in the village and enjoy a refreshing drink on an outdoor terrace. Walking time: 1,5 to 4,5 hours.
Day 4
Transfer to Indiana and walk to Ronda
A rural route which starts out with a section along dirt roads, through fields and small family farms to reach Ronda, where a spectacular bridge spans the deep gorge and literally divides the town in two. Here the historic Moorish quarter is well worth a visit. Walking time: approx 5 hours. Accommodation in Ronda.
Day 5
Adiòs Ronda !
The tour ends after breakfast, unless you have booked extra services with us. We hope you have had a wonderful experience, filled with energy and joy.
Practical information
This tour is bookable from the beginning of March to the end of October. Please note that temperatures in the second half of June, July and August can reach 40º C, though averages hoover around 30º (highs of 33.5º and lows of 28.8º). We there for do NOT recommend to book this tour in Summer, unless you are accustomed to high temperatures. The ideal times are Spring (highs of 23.1º and lows of 6º) and Autumn. September can be warm but at night it usually cools down (highs of 28.5º and lows of 14). We do not offer this trip in winter, because the Sierra de Grazalema gets more rainfall in winter then any other area in the South of Spain. During the rest of the year the area is frequently covered with clouds.
Malaga airport - Ronda - Malaga airport
Shuttle from Malaga airport to Malaga city center:
Line 75 (A Express Line), almost every 30min from 07.00hrs to 00.00hrs, travel time approx 20min.
Bus from and to Malaga city centre to/from Ronda, with departures daily.
For complete timetables, go to http://samar.es/horarios/nacional (English version available)
During this trip, the walking routes are easy to moderate as you walk between 4km to 12km. Average ascent/descent of 300m to 350m. 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.
Maximum Altitude on Trek: 1298m
Equipment
A water bottle, sunhat and sunscreen are all essential and you may wish to bring a light torch. Walking poles recommended.
Footwear
In addition to walking boots please take with you comfortable trainers/shoes or sandals for evenings / relaxing.
Clothing
Light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights early and late in the season.
Luggage: On Tour
One main piece of luggage and a daypack. A daypack is useful for walking and carrying what you need for the day.
Luggage
20kg
The price includes:
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Included meals: 4 breakfasts
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Transport during tour: Taxi & train
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Accommodation: 4 nights standard
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Maximum Altitude on Trek: 1298m
Not included:
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Optional:
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