The Sierra de Grazalema

Grazalema is a picture-perfect Andalucían ‘white town’, with narrow streets of white-washed houses tumbling down the rocky slopes of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains. The local meat-filled stews are delicious.  You will spend the first 2 nights here in a traditional village inn with restaurant specialising in local dishes and with a nice cool patio.

Overnight: Grazalema

Distance: 5-9 km | Ascent/Descent: 285-500 m | 3-4½ hrs approx.

On the first day of walking, you have a choice between 2 circular routes. Both routes lead you through the typical limestone landscapes and Mediterranean woodlands with the typical red earth tones of Andalucía adorned with rare firs and wild orchids.

The shorter option is an ascent to a vista point situated just north of Grazalema, at an elevation of 983 m. The walk follows footpaths and goat trails. From the top of the peak Peñón Gordo, you can enjoly lovely views of Grazalema and the ‘snowy hilltop’ of Olvera to the northeast.

On the longer route, you ascend to a peaceful picnic spot at a mountain pass (Puerto de Presillas). Walking poles are recommended for both routes, as the paths are stony and descents can be slippery.

Neither walk is overly long, allowing you time in the evening to relax with a chilled drink on an outdoor terrace or explore the small local shops of the village.

Overnight: Grazalema

Distance: 11½-16 km | Ascent/Descent: 350-500 m | 5-5½ hrs approx.

Again, you have a choice of 2 different walks. Both follow stony paths through striking limestone landscapes and cork oak groves, passing traditional ranches called “cortijos”.

Option 1 (Grazalema–Benaocaz) is the shorter route but involves an ascent to the pass at Puerto Boyar. Option 2 (Grazalema-Villaluenga) is longer in terms of distance, but easier walking on nearly flat terrain (then taxi transfer from Villaluenga to Benaocaz).

Your accommodation is located in the hilltop Andalucían white-washed village (“pueblo blanco”) of Benaocaz. The village traces its history back to Roman times and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Benaocaz

Distance: 6-7 km | Ascent/Descent: 200-400 m | 2-3 hrs approx.

Benaocaz is the start and end point for many Grazalema park hikes so walking options are plentiful. In the morning, you can do a short circular walk along a historic footpath to reach a regular nesting site for the Griffon vultures. This is also a fantastic vista point which provides sweeping views.

In the afternoon, you can then follow the old Roman Road down to the lively town of Ubrique, famed for its leather goods. You have the option of enjoying dinner there before returning to your accommodation in Benaocaz.

Overnight: Benaocaz

Distance: 17½ km | Ascent: 475 m | Descent: 650 m | 6 hrs approx.

Today’s route is longer but not overly demanding.

You begin with a short transfer to the village of Villaluenga del Rosario, with its artisan cheese museum. From there you descend into the valley of Llanos del Republicano, passing a deep cave where the river disappears underground.

Continuing on between the hills of Sierra de Libar and Sierra del Palo, past marvellous limestone sculptures as you make your way to Montejaque, another lovely village and the last “Pueblo Blanco” on your trip. Your hotel is located in the heart of the village and features charming rooms with typically Andalucían decor.

Overnight: Montejaque

Distance: 8-13 km | Ascent/Descent: 350-625 m | 3-5 hrs approx.

A choice of two walking routes from Montejaque:

Option 1: A delightful circular route from Montejaque via El Hacho Peak. This route follows wide gravel tracks through Río Campobuche valley and rural paths through woodlands and olive groves.

Option 2: An opportunity to visit some of Andalucía’s most ancient and fascinating caves; “La Cueva de la Pileta”,  with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and prehistoric cave paintings. You will first walk to the village of Benaoján (which is only accessible by surfaced roads, including 800 m on the main road), but then you have a beautiful section through a quiet Mediterranean woodland, followed by a steep ascent on goat trails up to the cave. There is no circular route possible here, so you either have to retrace your steps or order a taxi at the cave to take you back to Montejaque (payable locally).

Overnight: Montejaque

Distance: 11½ km | Ascent: 440 m | Descent: 420 m | 4½ hrs approx.

A delightful rural hike, beginning along an ancient cobbled path before passing among fields and small family farms to reach the spectacularly situated Moorish citadel of Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest towns. The town is literally split in two by the plunging El Tajo gorge, which is spanned by the 18th century Puente Nuevo ‘new’ bridge, offering some of the best views in town. The town has a colourful and romantic past and the old town, La Ciudad, is filled with Renaissance mansions, mosques and a wealth of museums. Accommodation is in a comfortable three star hotel on a lovely plaza in the centre of the old town.

Overnight: Ronda

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Return to Málaga for your flight home or consider extending your trip with a visit to Seville (easy access by bus or train), Cádiz or Granada.