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Deep in Andalucia is an "undiscovered" oasis of green where the classic Spanish mountain scenery of picturesque whitewashed villages nestled into the local hillsides will not fail to impress. The Sierra de Grazalema is a charming region for walkers. Discover a landscape of marvellous limestone sculptures, marked by deep gorges where vultures nest among the cliff tops. At lunchtime, take time out to replenish your energy with a round of tapas enjoyed on an outdoor terrace, then continue walking through an 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 Andalucia, with its intriguing mix of Moorish and European monuments.
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12kg of CO2-e PP per day
(86kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Ronda, transfer to Grazalema
Make your way to the bus or train station in Ronda, where you will be transferred by taxi to Grazalema. Welcome to the "Pueblos Blancos" ("white towns")! Check in at your hotel and enjoy exploring the lovely white-washed village, situated at 830m in a mountain cleft below the impressive Peñon Grande peak. The oldest part of the village was built during the Muslim era, with the upper parts dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll spend 3 nights in Grazalema, where our usual accommodation is a traditional village hotel with restaurant.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Grazalema, Llano del Endrinal loop walk (4.5hrs)
Explore the limestone plateau of Endrinal south of Grazalema, where the combination of red earth tones against green vegetation will surprise you. Breathe in the aromas of Mediterranean plants as you hike and marvel and the dry-stone building techniques used for walls and snow-wells. Later, plan an afternoon wander to explore small village shops and select a spot to savour some refreshing sangria. Walking distance: 8.6km/5.3mi, ascent/descent 500m/1640ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Walking through pastures and woodlands to Villaluenga, return to Grazalema (5.5hrs)
A long but easy walk through open pasture grounds and wooded pasturelands of holm and cork oak over gentle slopes. By late afternoon you’re settled in at a friendly Inn in another authentic village of Villaluenga del Rosario with a Moorish past and origins dating back to Roman times. Afternoon transfer back to you hotel in Grazalema Overnight Grazalema. Walking distance: 16km/9.5mi, ascent/descent 350m/1148ft
Day 4
Transfer to Villaluenga and walk to Benaojan via Montejaque (6.5hrs)
This morning starts with a short taxi transfer (20 minutes) to the village of Villaluenga del Rosario, one of the highest Pueblos Blancos towns. You can explore the 16th century church of San Miguel, the cemetery of El Salvador, and the unique stone built bullring before setting off on your walk. From Villaluenga the trail descends into the bucolic valley of Llanos del Republicano, where the river disappears mysteriously into a limestone sink. Continue uphill along sculpted cliffs in the Sierras de Libar and el Palo to reach the lovely village of Montejaque. After a refreshing drink, you have the option of taking a taxi (own expense) or continuing on foot to Benaoján and your hotel for the next 3 nights. Walking distance: 17.6km/10.8mi, ascent 525m/1722ft, descent 975m/3198ft
Day 5
Walk through the Guadiaro valley back to Benaojan (3.5hrs)
Today you'll have a picturesque nature walk through peaceful surroundings. You take a morning train (ticket purchased locally, not included) to Jimera de Libar then walk back to Benaoján. Ambling parallel to the railway tracks and river, you are likely to see fish in the stream, and in spring the mountains and valleys have an abundance of wildflowers, butterflies and other small insects. Be on the look out for goats and black pigs that frequent the area and glance across the railway every now and then, where you might spot some Ibex. Overnight Benaojan. Walking distance: 9.3km/5.8mi, ascent 235m/771ft, descent 275m/902ft
Day 6
Walk to Cueva de la Pileta with its prehistoric paintings, return to Benaojan (3.5.5hrs)
The walk today takes you through a quiet Mediterranean woodland, followed by a steep ascent on goat trails up to the Cueva de la Pileta with its prehistoric paintings. A visit to the cave must be pre-booked. On your way back you can either take a detour to have lunch in Montejaque or continue directly to your hotel for lunch and to relax in the gardens or enjoy a dip in the pool. Overnight Benaojan. Walking distance: 6.5km/4mi or 12.8km/7.9mi, ascent/descent 325m/1066ft or 625m/2050ft
Day 7
Transfer to Montejaque and walk to Ronda (5hrs)
Transfer to Montejaque to start today's walk, a rural hike starting with a section on an ancient cobbled path then among fields and small family farms. Reach mountaintop Ronda, where a spectacular bridge spans the deep gorge and literally divides the town in two. The historical Moorish quarter is well worth a visit. There is an upgrade option to stay in a parador hotel (supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking). Walking distance: 11.5km/7.1mi, ascent 440m/1443ft, descent 420m/1377ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast. An additional night in Ronda is recommended.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 2 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 1.5 to 6 hours (4-17.5km with ascents of up to 550m). The trip is mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths or animal trails, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although sometimes the ascents are several kilometres long, they are gradual and technically easy. The use of trekking poles is recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
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