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Pueblos Blancos: Ronda, Grazalema and Arcos de la Frontera
Overview
Introduction
Drive through the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz and you will encounter, scattered around the countryside, many ‘Pueblos Blancos’ – white villages and towns. Although they vary in size and topography they all share many features: whitewashed houses - some decorated with brightly coloured flower pots; red and brown tiled rooftops; historic buildings; cobbled streets; narrow alleyways and, in most cases, a scenic countryside view. Dating back over many centuries, the Pueblos Blancos are renowned for their beauty as well as impressive surroundings and are best explored on foot.
Note: Visits to the caves at Villaluenga del Rosario must be guided.
Itinerary includes:
- Outbound flight to Malaga Airport
- Return flight from Seville Airport
- 7 day's car hire
- 2 Nights at Catalonia Reina Victoria Hotel, Ronda (Bed and Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Fuerte Grazalema Hotel, Grazelema (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2 Nights at La Casa Grande, Arcos de la Frontera (Bed and Breakfast)
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Malaga airport, collect your hire car and self drive to the Catalonia Reina Victoria Hotel in Ronda (90 minutes).
Originally built in 1906, the hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre and offers views over the Tajo Gorge. Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain, with a deep gorge which splits Ronda in two. Head to Puente Nuevo, the ‘new bridge’, which stands over the El Tajo Gorge, from where you will have a dramatic view down into the chasm. Further along, the road leads to the picturesque square of Duquesa de Parcent, home to a convent, the church of Santa Maria del Mayor and the Town Hall – all remarkable buildings of historic significance. Near to Puente Viejo, the ‘old bridge’ you will find an ancient Arabic Hammam which has been exceptionally well preserved.
Overnight at Catalonia Reina Victoria Hotel, Ronda.
Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness and Spa
Day 2 - Day at leisure
Drive to nearby Benaojan, 25 minutes by car, a village of Moorish origin and, approximately 2km from there, you will find La Cueva del Gato (Cat's Cave). The Cave of La Pileta, famous for its prehistoric rock paintings, is on the road which takes you to Cortes de la Frontera. Cortes de la Frontera is 25 minutes from Benaojan and contains the ruins of the Roman city of Saeponta as well as the El Paso Tower - a middle-age construction, and a Mozarabic church. Other Pueblos Blancos which can be visited include Jimena de Libar, 20 minutes from Benaojan; the small village of Atajate, 11 minutes from Jimena de Libar and Algatocin and Benadalid, both between 10-15 minutes drive from Atajate.
Overnight at Catalonia Reina Victoria Hotel, Ronda.
Cortes de la Frontera
Day 3 - Drive to Grazalema
After breakfast, drive to the Fuerte Grazalema Hotel which is located 5km from the village of Grazalema. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes and, although not in the village itself, the hotel offers a great location for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, horse-riding, kayaking and cycling. Grazalema is a traditional and attractive village with a main square, the Plaza de Espana, which is filled with restaurants and bars. The Sierra de Grazalema has its own microclimate and, due to being the first high area that sea winds hit when coming in from the Atlantic, it is known to be the wettest place in Spain.
Overnight at Fuerte Grazalema Hotel, Grazalema.
Fuerte Grazalema Hotel
Day 4 - Benaocaz
The nearby white villages of Benaocaz (20 minutes drive) with its Nazari neighbourhood - the oldest part of the village; picturesque Ubrique (30 minutes drive) with its rich history and famous leather industry; and Villaluenga del Rosario, the highest village in the province of Cadiz (15 minutes drive) with its caves dating back to the Neolithic period are all worthy of a visit. Slightly further away, 50 minutes drive is Prado del Rey whose highlights include the nearby (4km) archaeological site of the Roman city of Lptuci.
Overnight at Fuerte Grazalema Hotel, Grazalema.
Benaocaz
Day 5 - Zahara de la Sierra
Day at leisure. After breakfast, drive to Zahara de la Sierra and explore the Grazalema Natural Park. An old mountain road connects Grazalema with Zahara de la Sierra which, although scenic, taking you past the Puerto de las Palomas viewpoint, is a winding road with steep slopes and is not recommended at night.
Small in size, the white hilltop village of Zahara de la Sierra can be best explored on foot. The heart of the village is the Plaza Mayor, Zahara’s main square, where you will find the Church of Santa Maria de la Meza. Its Moorish castle, with its lookout tower – the ‘Torre del Homenaje’, sit above the village and a picturesque view over the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from here. It is also feasible to visit the white villages of El Gastor (30 minutes drive), known as the ‘Balcony of the White Towns’ and Algodonales (20 minutes drive), both of which boast archaeological remains. The cave dwellings of Setenil de las Bodegas are a 50 minute drive.
Overnight at Fuerte Grazalema Hotel, Grazalema
Zahara de la Sierra
Day 6 - Drive to Arcos de la Frontera
After breakfast, drive to La Casa Grande in Arcos de la Frontera (1 hour) – the gateway to the Pueblos Blancos. La Casa Grande, built in 1729, hugs the cliff edge of the old town and has a Moorish charm. The main square of the old town, Cabildo Square with its Peña Nueva viewpoint, is within walking distance of the hotel. Please note that parking is difficult in the old town and Sunvil would recommend initially parking in the new town and walking to La Casa Grande for directions as to where it is possible to park.
Overnight at La Casa Grande, Arcos de la Frontera.
La Casa Grande, Arcos de la Frontera
Day 7 - Sierra de la Grazalema
20km from Arcos de la Frontera is Algar, a village of Arabic origin, which is bordered by two natural parks – Grazalema and Alcornocales. Espera, located 14km north of Arcos de la Frontera has a rich history which includes nearby Roman ruins. Medina Sidonia, an ancient hilltop town with an impressive Moorish gate, the Arco de la Pastora, is another gem in the province of Cadiz and 40 minutes away.
Overnight at La Casa Grande, Arcos de la Frontera.
Sierra de la Grazalema
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Seville airport (75 minutes) for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness and Spa - Night 1 to 3
The property was originally opened in 1908 in Victorian style. With views over the Tajo Gorge and set in mature gardens of 3,000sqm, yet within the town, and within easy walking distance (c.500 metres) to the many restaurants, cafes, bars and shops of this vibrant town, the location of the property is perfect.
The property was originally opened in 1908 in Victorian style. With views over the Tajo Gorge and set in mature gardens of 3,000sqm, yet within the town, and within easy walking distance (c.500 metres) to the many restaurants, cafes, bars and shops of this vibrant town, the location of the property is perfect.
The oldest bullring in Spain, now a museum (only used once a year in September for bullfighting), and the dramatically located New Bridge are a short walk away. Whether to use the hotel as a base from which to explore the town and the surrounding dramatic landscape or just relax by the pool in the gardens is the only difficult choice to be made.
Accommodation
- 95 air-conditioned rooms including Standard Rooms, Triple Rooms, Terrace Rooms, Terrace Rooms with Tajo Gorge views, Superior Terrace Rooms, Junior Suites, Junior Suites Terrace and Junior Suites Deluxe
- Guests staying in the Junior Suites have free access to the hotel spa (1 hour per person per day).
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- ‘Azahar’ restaurant, with outdoor dining in summer, serving regional, national and international cuisine
- Rilke Café
- Snack bar with panoramic terrace
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- TV lounge
- 1 Lift ‘Alegria Spa’ with hydromassage Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and relax terrace (5 Euros entry fee payable locally)
- Small gym (free)
- Outdoor infinity swimming pool (open May-Sep) and terrace
- Large gardens
- Children’s outdoor pool and play area
- Parking payable locally c.15 Euros per day
- Two city bikes for hire locally c.25 Euros per day
- 10 minutes walk to the train station
Note: May and September are popular times to visit Ronda due to annual festivities which take place.
Fuerte Grazalema Hotel - Night 3 to 6
The hotel nestles within the spectacular, mountainous Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and is 5km away from the village.
The hotel nestles within the spectacular, mountainous Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and is 5km away from the village. It is also only 20km from Ronda. Ideally located for walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and horse riding this is a very friendly, family orientated hotel with activities for children, large rooms with extra beds and interconnecting rooms. Views from the hotel and the pool area over the Guadalete river valley and towards the village of Grazalema are breathtaking. The restaurant specialises in local gastronomy and game dishes.
There is something for everyone in this hotel which even has a ‘Responsible Measures’ tour which highlights the measures the hotel takes to conserve energy and respect the environment. Other activities include a botanic tour, a cocktail and Sangria workshop and how to make Gazpacho, the traditional Andalusian soup.
Accommodation
- 77 spacious rooms including classic rooms and junior suites
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Spacious common areas
- ‘El Olivo’ restaurant open for dinner
- ‘The Noble’ Bar serving light lunch
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Games room with table tennis, two pool tables and table football
- Lift
- Outdoor, saltwater, swimming pool with Jacuzzi
- Sun terrace and poolside bar (open mid Jun-mid Sep)
- Barbecue area
- Children’s play area with two swings, two slides and a see-saw
- Two walking trails from the hotel - one to Grazalema c.1 hour walk and the second to the river c.1-2 hours walk
- Free car parking
La Casa Grande - Night 6 to 8
Located right on the cliff edge of the old town, this tiny family run hotel has a moorish charm reflected in the decor of the rooms. The property was built in 1729 in the style of former palatial houses and was converted into this friendly bed and breakfast rural inn in 1998.
Located right on the cliff edge of the old town, this tiny family run hotel has a moorish charm reflected in the decor of the rooms. The property was built in 1729 in the style of former palatial houses and was converted into this friendly bed and breakfast rural inn in 1998. Following the Roman and Arab tradition, the patio is the heart of the house. At night, the candlelight transforms the patio into a magic world. Close your eyes and you could be in the 18th century.
The views from the upper rooms and the rooftop terrace are stupendous and sunsets particularly spectacular. This is a simply furnished and unpretentious hotel, ideal for a two or three night stay in order to explore this jewel of the White Villages - quite unique.
Accommodation
- 8 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms, junior suite and a suite
Amenities/Leisure
- Breakfast of the house - large and varied breakfast served in the courtyard area
- Central courtyard with complimentary WiFi
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic views
- Ideal base for exploring the old town and also visiting The White Villages of Andalucia
- Car parking is difficult in the old town and we would recommend initially parking in the new town, walking to the Casa Grande for directions as to where it is possible to park
- This property does not have a lift and due to many steps within the property is not recommended for those with walking difficulties
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT + 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
2 hours 20 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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- FEB
- MAR
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- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
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- SEP
- OCT
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- DEC