WALKING IN GREEN ANDALUCIA

THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA
WALKING IN GREEN ANDALUCIA
ANDALUCIA: THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA
SUMMARY
Walk the quiet trails of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park between the white villages of Andalucía.
Marvel at this “undiscovered” oasis of green, a mountainous area sprinkled with picturesque white-washed
villages such as Grazalema, Montejaque and the lovely city of Ronda.
On your inn to inn walking holiday in Andalucía you will have the pleasure of walking through a green
landscape of marvellous limestone sculptures riddled by deep gorges, where vultures nest among the cliff
tops. Walking through the marvellous landscapes of the Sierra de Grazalema gives you time to enjoy the
pleasures that this area of Andalucía has to offer.
As you walk through the flowers, forests and fields of the Grazalema you will find yourself stumbling on quiet
picture perfect villages, where you can enjoy a relaxed round of tapas and glass of chilled vino at lunchtime
on a shaded outdoor terrace. If you can tear yourself away, your route leads on through unspoilt countryside
painted in earth tones. The soft grey-green of olive orchards, cork oak woods and Spanish silver firs are
punctuated by brilliant white buildings.
Your walk takes you through the captivating pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalucía with exotic
Moorish names like Benaocaz and Montejaque. Names which point to centuries of fluctuating borders
between Arab and Christian kingdoms. Your walking tour through Andalucía ends in the city of Ronda, one
of the prettiest in Andalusia, with its intriguing mix of Moorish and European monuments.
Your walking holiday in Andalucía includes seven nights accommodation in charming small hotels and inns
hidden away on the narrow streets of the pueblos blancos. Detailed route notes and maps for six rewarding
days of walking, baggage transfer and some local transfers are also included in the price of your holiday as
well as 24 hour emergency support. .
HIGHLIGHTS
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Walking through bright green fields covered in a carpet of spring wild flowers
Enjoying tapas and a chilled glass of vino on a sheltered terrace
Wandering the cobbled streets of the Moorish pueblos blancos
Fabulous walks through the limestone sculptures of Grazalema Natural Park
Charming small inns and hotels, hand picked for their food and character
WHY CHOOSE MACS ADVENTURE?
Macs Adventure specialise in great value self guided walking holidays in Europe’s very best walking
destinations including hand picked accommodation, baggage transfer and marvellous walking. Walking
through the Sierra Grazalema in Andalucía is delightful in every way and we hope that you will choose us to
organise every detail of your walking holiday in Andalucía.
Our attention to detail, authentic hand picked hotels, interesting walks and emergency backup are just a few
of the reasons that thousands of people choose us to organise their self guided walking holiday in Europe
each year. Why not read some of the over 800 customer reviews of our website to discover why you should
choose Macs Adventure for your next walking holiday in Spain.
Tour: Andalucía: The Sierra Grazalema
Code: WSpSSG
Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday
Price: See Website
Single Supplement: See Website
Season: Mid-January to end of November
(Summer can be hot)
Days: 8 (Six days walking)
Nights: 7
Start/Finish: Ronda/Ronda
Grade: Moderate
Airport: Malaga or Granada
Is It For Me?
The long summers and mild winters of Andalucía make it the ideal year round walking
destination. The rugged limestone mountains and green landscape dotted with white
villages make this a delightful destination for
walkers who enjoy getting off the beaten
track.
What’s Included?
Accommodation: 7 Nights in charming
small hotels and inns.
Meals: 7 breakfasts
Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door
baggage transfer as required.
Transfers: As per itinerary
Information Pack: Detailed route notes
and maps.
THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA
WALKING IN GREEN ANDALUCIA
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day
Route
1
Arrive Sierra de Grazalema
Circular walk from
Grazalema
Walk to Benaocaz
Choice of circular walks
Walk to Montejaque
Circular walk from Montejaque
Walk to Ronda
Onward travel
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Km
4-9
12-16
5-7
18
6-13
12
DAY 1
Arrive Sierra de Grazalema
Malaga is the closest airport for Ronda. Take a
train/bus to Malaga and then bus to Ronda
(1h45) where a taxi will transfer you to
Grazalema (or a private transfer).
Today you travel to the “Pueblos Blancos” and
arrive in the beautifully situated white-washed
village of Grazalema (830 m), where you will
spend the first 2 nights. Grazalema is the perfect
base for exploring the Sierra de Grazalema
Natural Park, a vast rugged area of limestone
mountains. The steep, cobbled streets of
Grazalema are lined by whitewashed houses
with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas and
plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers.
Overnight: Casa de las Piedras, Grazalema
The simple family run Casa de las Piedras is
located in the heart of the village. The inn boasts
a restaurant specialising in local dishes with a
menu that changes daily, a large comfortable
lounge with fireplace and comfortable rooms that
lead off the central courtyard.
short circular routes. Both walks afford lovely
views of the rugged limestone mountains, red
earth, lush green vegetation and the wild flowers
are particularly delightful in the spring and early
summer.
number of excellent local walks. We recommend
that in the morning you should follow the old
Roman footpath down to the lively town of
Ubrique. You can have lunch there and take a
taxi back to Benaocaz or walk all the way back.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the small
shops in the village and perhaps a relaxed drink
on an outdoor terrace.
In the afternoon you can then enjoy a short
circular walk (2,5hrs, 7km, 200m ascent and
descent) along a historical footpath to a view
point. Here Griffon vultures can normally be seen
as this is a regular nesting site.
Walk 1: 4km, 1h30, 200m ascent/descent
Walk 2: 9km, 4-4h30, 500m ascent/descent
Overnight: Casa de las Piedras, Grazalema
DAY 3
Grazalema to Benaocaz
Today’s walk through the Sierra de Grazalema
takes you on stony footpaths through classic
limestone landscapes of the park. You will walk
through lovely green oak woods and
characteristic Mediterranean vegetation, passing
a number of cortijos, traditional farmhouse
complexes, on your way to Benaocaz. The
easier of the two walks today ends in Villaluenga,
from where you take a taxi to Benaocaz.
Benaocaz is an untouched “white village” with a
history dating back to Roman times and beyond.
An interesting museum and several beautiful
churches make this a delightful stop. The village
sits perched on a hill, with sweeping views in all
directions.
Walk 1: 12km, 5-5h30, 500m ascent, 550m
descent
Walk 2: 16km, 5 hrs, 350m ascent, 325m
descent
Overnight: Apartments San Anton, Benaocaz
Located above a nice restaurant, where
breakfast is served, you will stay at the well
located Apartments San Anton.
DAY 2
DAY 4
Circular walk from Grazalema
Circular walk from Benaocaz
On the first day of walking in the Sierra de
Grazalema, you have a choice between two
Benaocaz is a great base for walking and has a
Walk 1: 5km, 2hrs, 200m ascent/descent
Walk 2: 7km, 3hrs, 200m ascent/descent
Overnight: Apartments San Anton, Benaocaz
DAY 5
Villaluenga to Montejaque
Take a short transfer to the village of Villaluenga
del Rosario. From here you descend into to
Llanos del Republicano, a valley where the river
disappears into a deeply carved limestone sink.
Amidst greyish-white limestone cliffs of the Sierra
de Libar and Sierra del Palo, you follow a trail
through striking limestone sculptures to reach a
tiny jewel of a village, Montejaque, another of the
Pueblos Blancos on your route. Today’s walk is
long, but not too difficult.
Walk: 18km, 5h30-6hrs, 475m ascent/640m
descent
Overnight: La Posada del Fresno, Montejaque
This authentic posada is located in the heart of
Montejacque, with a lovely quaint restaurant and
charming rooms with a typically Andalucian
décor.
DAY 6
Circular walks from Montejaque
Choose between two splendid walking routes.
The first is a beautiful circular route via El Hacho
Peak, following wide gravel tracks through the
Rio Campobuche valley, and rural paths through
woodlands and olive groves.
THE SIERRA DE GRAZELEMA
WALKING IN GREEN ANDALUCIA
The second walk takes you to ‘La Cueva de la
Pileta’ with its prehistoric cave paintings; to get
there you first have to walk to Benaojan on
surfaced roads, including 800m on a main road),
then ascend up to the cave on steep goat trails. It
is possible to order a taxi at the cave back to
Montejaque (payable locally).
Walk 1: 8km, 3-3h30, 325m ascent/descent
Walk 2: 6-13km, 2h30—5hrs, 325m ascent/
625m descent
Overnight: Posada del Fresno, Montejaque
DAY 7
Montejaque to Ronda
Today you can look forward to a simply delightful
day of walking. Your walk starts out along an
ancient cobbled path before passing through
fields and small family farms to reach Ronda.
Although very popular Ronda retains much of its
historic charm. The 100m chasm of the El Tajo
gorge divides the town and the 18th century
Puente Nuevo bridge offers some of the best
views. The Moorish quarter is especially
interesting, although you are sure to discover
many more delights as you wander the streets.
The annual Feria Goyesca, held at the beginning
of September, celebrates Ronda’s place as the
birth of modern bull fighting.
Walk: 12km, 5 hrs, 440m ascent, 420m
descent
Overnight: Hotel Polo, Ronda
Located in the old centre of town, on a lovely
square the three star Hotel Polo is the ideal base
for exploring Ronda.
DAY 8
TRIP INFORMATION
Additional Nights and Extensions
We can add on extra nights at any point during
your tour and would particularly recommend an
additional night in Ronda.
Grade, Terrain & Fitness
This trip is graded moderate and includes
walking routes from 4km to 18km. Daily ascent of
up to 500m and descent of up to 625m. In
summer, warm temperatures can make the
routes seem more difficult. The walks generally
follow wide unsurfaced tracks and footpaths, with
the occasional section on surfaced tracks or
tarmac roads.
You should have a good level of walking fitness
to enjoy this holiday.
Navigation
The routes on this trip are generally NOT way
marked so you will need to follow our detailed
route notes and maps supplied.
Accommodation
Seven nights in carefully selected small family
run hotels and guest houses that offer
comfortable accommodation, the warmest of
welcomes and hearty local food. More details
and links to the accommodation are detailed on
the itinerary page of our website.
Alternative accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into a
different accommodation which is not listed in the
description, and the start or end of some of your
walking routes may be slightly altered. Any
alternative accommodation will be of the same or
better standard as those described.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is not available for solo walkers for
safety reasons.
Maps
Meals
In addition to the maps we have provided with
these route notes, you may wish to purchase
your own original maps. The following are
recommended:
7 Continental breakfasts are included. Dinner is
not included but available at your hotel or nearby
restaurants. Lunch is not included. Packed
lunches are available from your accommodation
or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop
along the trail. Your route notes have details for
each day.
• General map: Michelin 1:400.000 Andalucia
Costa del Sol
• Walking maps:
1:50.000 Plano Topográfico del Macizo de
Grazalema (Penthalon, Servicio Geográfico del
Ejército)
Onward travel
1:50.000 Sierra de Grazalema (MOPU, lnstituto
Geográfico Nacional)
Your walking trip comes to an end today after
breakfast. Departure from Ronda.
On arrival you can also buy locally a good map
(scale 1:40.000).
Baggage Transfer
Your bags (max 20kg) will be transferred each
time you move accommodation.
Transfers
Transfers on day 1 from Ronda to Grazalema
and on day 5 from Benaocaz to Villaluenga are
included. Airport transfers are available as an
optional extra.
THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA
WALKING IN GREEN ANDALUCIA
Equipment
You will need standard walking gear such as
good walking boots, warm and waterproof
clothes in the cooler months and good sun
protection in the summer and a day pack. A full
equipment list is included in your info pack.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to/from Ronda
You need to get to Ronda where a taxi is booked
to take you to Grazalema.
Malaga is the closest airport, which is served by
numerous airlines from the UK and throughout
Europe.
From Malaga you take a shuttle bus or train to
Malaga Train station. Here you catch the bus to
Ronda (1h45). Buses depart every 90 minutes
until 8pm daily. Ronda Tourist Office produces a
useful PDF of bus times but you should check
with operator websites before travel.
We can arrange private airport taxi transfers if
required. Contact us for a quote.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
Responsible Travel
We operate holidays in some of the most
beautiful areas of the world and try to operate in
an environmentally aware and sustainable
manner. We do this by following our M.A.C.S.
Responsible Travel Policy.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Up to date prices are available on our website.
This trip is available from the middle of January
to the end of November. You can start your
holiday on any day of your choosing.
This holiday is available to start on any day of the
week year round. Up to date prices are available
on our website.
Included
 7 Nights accommodation on a bed and
HOW TO BOOK
Once you have read all the information in this
factsheet or our website and would like to go
ahead with your booking you can book securely
online at www.macsadventure.com or by
telephone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Financial Security
 Lunches (provisions can be bought in many of
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd.
 Dinners
 Personal expenses such as drinks, phone
Book with Confidence. We are a member of
ABTA which means you have the benefit of
ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We
provide full financial protection for your money .
breakfast basis in small inns and hotels
 Luggage transfer on days 3, 5 and 7
 Transfers on days 1 (Ronda-Grazalema) and 5
(Benaocaz-Villaluenga)
 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone
call away
 Detailed route description and maps
Excluded
the villages, pack lunches may be ordered at
some of the accommodations)
calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
 Transport to/from Ronda
 Travel Insurance
 Any items or services not specifically
mentioned in the program
Optional Extras
 Airport transfers
 Extra nights
 Single room supplement (if applicable)
ABTA Member Statement
Macs Adventure
Holidays is a
Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA
Members help
holidaymakers to get the most from their travel
and assist when things don’t go according to
plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard
of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
For more information on ABTA, the Code of
Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to
you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30
Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117
0581 www.abta.com