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).
