Day 2 - Approaching Zahara from the west (Ed & Midge Minot) 
Route summary
£630.00 (2013)
7 nights
7 B&B, 1 evening meal, 5 picnics
Luggage transfers between hotels
Medium - Hard
4½ - 6 hours per day
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Andalucia (Spain)
White villages of the Ronda Mountains
Full Description

A self-guided hike between the "White Villages" of the Sierra de Grazalema - Zahara, Grazalema, Montejaque and majestic Ronda.

 

Through the Sierra de Grazalema to Ronda
A lovely walk in the still unspoilt mountains to the west of Ronda, culminating in two nights in the Moorish cliff-top bastion. Your stays in the fabled white villages (see www.thewhitevillage.com), perched on the slopes for defence, are interspersed with glorious hillside walking through the dramatic limestone scenery of the Grazalema National Park. Ibex, eagles and griffon vultures are there for the spotting. Your walk will take you over wild mountainsides and along lush river valleys to Ronda, scene of some of the last battles of the Reconquista. Your final day is free for you to explore this fascinating town. Walked by On Foot staff:  Simon, Debbie and Mary

 

Standard option: 7 nights as per "Itinerary".  

Serial walkers can choose to spend an extra night in Montejaque and do the Libar Valley walk, or visit the Cueva (cave) de la Pileta with its extraordinary cave paintings. Either miss the second night in Ronda or choose an 8 night holiday. Extra nights available in all hotels. Suggested shorter alternatives:  6 nights (miss night 7, the last night in Ronda); 5 nights (miss nights 4 and 7, one day’s walking)

Highlights
  • The rugged hills of the Grazalema National Park
  • White Villages with traditional “Hostales”
  • Flower meadows and mountain pastures
  • Ibex, deer and griffon vultures
  • The Moorish citadel of Ronda

WE RECOMMEND: Note the option to spend an extra night in Montejaque to do the Walk of the Libar Valley, or you might like to visit the Cueva (cave) de la Pileta with its extraordinary cave paintings (a short taxi ride from Montejaque). Previous walkers have happily combined this walk with a trip to Seville (easy access by bus or train) or Granada.

 

EATING AND DRINKING: At Al Lago in Zahara, where you can dine whether staying there or not, chef Stefan suggests slow roasted leg of lamb with couscous and almonds, which should be washed down with locally produced Ibarguen from Prado del Rey with Syrah and Tempranillo. Or seared duck breast with fig compote, Pedro Ximinez and fresh oranges, ideally suited to a glass of Schatz Acinipo wine from Ronda. Fish: Pan sauteed Sole with lemon, capers and wine, lovely with a crisp glass of Palacio de Bornos verdejo. Paella: Lobster paella with Cortijo Aguilares ros'e from Ronda (made with pinot noir grapes)

 

At Montejaque, where dinner is included in the holiday price, Romy's seafood paella is legendary. They will choose a local wine to go with it.
Route map
Route designed by

Guy Hunter-Watts

Guy Hunter-Watts has lived in a small village at the edge of the Grazalema Park for more than 20 years.
He is now writing guide books full time, and is the author of “Walking in Andalucia" and “Small Hotels and Inns of Andalucia”.