Unmissable Andalucia
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
RONDA
If you think Ronda is beautiful during the day, you should see it at night. Once the sun descends, wrought iron lamps light the narrow streets and tapas restaurant tables spill out onto the pavements. It’s just magical.
ARRIATE
This relaxed little town has pleasant Andalucían architecture and all the food shops you’ll need. There’s a small supermarket (with a fish counter), a grocery shop (Calle Jose Montes), two bakeries, three fishmongers and the excellent Melgar butchers (who make their own salamis, sausages and cheese). You’ll also find a bank, a florist, a chemist, a shoe shop, a newsagent and a hairdresser. If you would like to do all your shop in one go, head to the larger Mercadona supermarket, in the Poligono Industrial.
ZAHARA
One of the most spectacularly situated white villages in Spain, strategically placed Zahara overlooks (and guards) the vast green valley below. A must see.
ALPANDEIRE
A quiet village and pilgrimage point for people wishing to visit the birthplace of Brother Leopold of Alpandeire.
BENAOJAN
Set within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, this white village is a stone’s throw (2km) from some of Spain’s most impressive cave systems, the Cueva de la Pileta, which include paleolithic paintings dating back 30,000 years. Also nearby are the Cueva del Gato river pools, whose clear, cool waters provide an unbeatable swimming spot. There is also a fabulous walk from Benaojan Estacion down the river to Jimera de Libar (and you can get the train back up).
Dining & Drinks
Tragata, Calle Nueva
Tapas with an Asian twist in an informal contemporary dining space – high ceilings, white walls, woven lightshades and green hanging plants.
Ronda | +34 952 877 209 | tragata.com
Almocobar, Plaza Ruedo Alameda
Few places come as intimate as this – it is incredible that they can get all its six tables in. Great steaks and a Moorish twist to a lot of the dishes.
Ronda | +34 952 875 977
Casa Santa Pola, Calle de Santo Domingo
A traditional Moorish restaurant with excellent fare and amazing views.
Ronda | +34 952 879 208
Pedro Romero, Calle Virgen de la Paz
Traditional décor (the walls are covered with bullfighting memorabilia) and tasty food. Located opposite the bull ring.
Ronda | +34 952 871 110 | rpedroromero.com
Cafetería Bar Maestro, Carrera Espinel
You may be spoilt for tapas bars in Ronda, but this remains one of the best. Informal and authentic.
Ronda | +34 952 87 10 17
Casa Mateos, Calle Jerez
Classic tapas with a twist and a good wine selection. Very popular with the locals. Rustic Andalucían décor – barrel tables with high stools.
Ronda | +34 670 679 762 | casamateos.com
Bar El Convento, Calle San Francisco
Unassuming family run tapas bar with interesting dishes and great charcuterie – every plate looks like an art form. If you ask, they’ll set the train going that runs around the ceiling.
Ronda | +34 952 871 573
Los Cazadores, Calle Rosal
A dinky no frills restaurant that serves the most fabulous seafood, with a menu constructed around what’s fresh. If you’re unsure, ask for their recommendations – you won’t be disappointed.
Ronda | +34 952 190 316
El Porton, Calle Pedro Romero
A tiny bar opposite the Plaza de Toros, with tapas and paella (including a vegan option).
Ronda | +34 952 877 420
Flamenco Show - Museo Lara
The Museo Lara hosts a Flamenco show with dinner and drinks three nights a week. Book at the Museo Lara ticket office.
Ronda | +34 952 87 12 63 | museolara.org target="_blank">museolara.org | March-November
Bardal, Calle José Aparicio
2 Michelin stars - the cuisine here is deeply rooted in the region, using ingredients grown on their own finca. The menu is a tasting menu of many small but perfectly formed plates.
Ronda | restaurantebardal.com | +34 951 48 98 28
La Taberna, Plaza del Socorro
Simple, local tapas bar offering rustic but good food in the main square.
Ronda
Siempre, en Calle Jerez
Unassuming little restaurant with delicious food and wine.
Ronda | @siempreigualronda
Taberna Almacen
Great tapas with a stylish interior and friendly service.
Ronda | tabernaelalmacen.com
Dulcinea Pub, Calle Ríos Rosas
Music, games and a good atmosphere.
Ronda | +34 633 62 01 15
El Morabito, Plaza de María Auxiliador
Simple, tasty food in a beautiful setting.
Ronda | +34 671 95 22 62
Kutral, Calle Guadalimar
Great for carnivores, the meat is delicious.
Ronda | restaurantekutral.com | +34 638 28 02 36
Tropicana, Calle Virgen de los Dolores
Delicious tuna dishes.
Ronda | +34 952 87 89 85
El Muelle, Estacion Renfe Arriate
Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the area. Booking essential
Arriate | +34 952 166 370 | elmuelle-arriate.com
Al Lago Calle de Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente
Hotel restaurant serving contemporary Spanish dishes on a stunning lakeside terrace. Regular flamenco evenings.
Zahara | +34 956 123 032 | al-lago.es
Case Grande, Calle Barranco
Off the beaten track - delicious food.
Alpandeire | +34 952 180 400 | hotelcasagrande.es
Molino del Santo, Barriada Estacion
In a stunning location and known for its excellent food.
Benaojan | +34 952 167 151 | molinodelsanto.com
See & Do
Puente Nuevo
Ronda’s most famous landmark, the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spans the 120 metre El Tajo gorge and offers unforgettable views over the region.
Plaza de Toros
More than 200 years old and one of the most revered bullrings in all of Spain. This is where local torero Pedro Romero (1754- 1839) got down off his horse and fought the bull on foot, thus starting the modern tradition of bullfighting. A tour is well worth it. There is an on site museum depicting some of the best bullfights and bullfighters through history.
+34 952 87 41 32
Mirador de Aldehuela & Balcon del Cono Viewpoints
The most popular viewpoints of the city and with good reason - the views of the gorge, the Puente Nuevo and the surrounding countryside are spectacular. Not to be missed.
Museo Lara
Housed in a family mansion, this lovely private museum holds the private collection of Juan Antonia Lara Jurado (who has been collecting artworks since the age of 10). You name it, it’s here: priceless historic clocks, weapons, radios, gramophones, sewing machines, telephones, opera glasses, Spanish fans, scales, cameras and far, far more. Children will love the witchcraft room – think pickled toads and the like.
+34 952 87 12 63 | museolara.org
Ruta Ermita Virgen de la Cabeza
Take a rural walk along the far side of the Tajo for the best views of Ronda sitting atop its cliff. You’ll pass olive groves until you reach the Arabic hermitage, at the end of a 2km track. Don’t forget your camera.
Baños árabes de Ronda
Below the city, Ronda’s 13th century Moorish bathhouses are some of the best preserved in Spain. For an insight into Ronda’s past and an interesting video in English, this is well worth a visit.
Aguas de Ronda
Next door to the Banos arabes is a hamman where you can relax and enjoy beauty treatments.
Palacio de Mondragón
A stunning restored 14th century Moorish palace which houses the town museum. The different terraces and gardens and the sound of trickling water are delightful.
Shopping
Many of Ronda’s shops have managed to retain their original appearance and style, so a stroll around the city feels a little like a stroll around medieval Spain, especially as the pleasant shopping area is pedestrianised. This region has some excellent leather factories – seek out Ronda’s warehouse style shops selling shoes, belts, bags and luggage or go straight to the factory shops in the countryside. For the best display of Jamon Iberico, wine, cheeses and oil, head to Casa del Jamon, on Calle Jerez. They’ll cut your choice of ham and can fill a baguette for you.Spanish Music Concerts
The Ronda Guitar House hosts Spanish music concerts most evening, predominantly featuring guitar classical and flamenco.
+ 34 951 916 843 | rondaguitarhouse.com
Ronda romántica (3rd weekend in May)
During this long weekend (from Thursday to Sunday) all the villages from La Serranía gather to emulated the battle against the French in the beginning of XIX century. They dress as bandoleros, French army, ladies and lords… There is a beautiful parade and short theatre plays around the village and a market with local products and food stands in La Alameda.
Festival de Cante Grande, Ronda (August)
One of the oldest flamenco festivals - a great way to enjoy the music with some of the best flamenco voices in the world.
Feria Goyesca de Pedro Romera, Ronda (September)
During the first week of September, the festival’s main attraction is the bullfight in the Ral Maestranza bullring. Beforehand, there is a procession of horse drawn carriages through the streets with everyone dressed in 18th century Goyesque costumes.
Castillo, Zahara
Towering a 15 minute climb above the already lofty village, this historic 12th century castle keep offers fascinating insights and breathtaking views. Ascend in the morning to skip the midday heat and build an appetite for lunch.
Walk the Sierra de Grazalema National Park
This national park has towering limestone mountains, deep gorges and a fantastic range of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for the stunning Griffon vultures, which tend to fly in groups. You can get books and guides from the Ronda tourist office.
Birdwatching in the Serrania de Ronda
These mountains have some of Europe’s best birdwatching - spend a day in the company of Peter Jones, founder of the Andalucía Bird Society and one of Spain’s top ornithologists.
+34 616 891 359
Acinipo Ancient City
At the top of one of the highest hills in the area, this ruined Roman town includes a remarkably intact amphitheatre and has spectacular views. (20km south of Ronda.)
Cycling
Follow Via Verde (in Coripe or Olvera), a disused railway track that’s now a popular cycling route, with a couple of restaurants on the way. There are various bike hire and bike tour options.
cycleronda.com Ferry Stalman (Bike Hire)
+34 608 419 490 Stephen Watson (Guide & Bike Hire)
Hot Air Ballooning
With such stunning and dramatic scenery, the best way to see Andalucía is from the sky. Book ahead with Balloon Flights Spain.
Balloonflightsspain.com
Ascari Race Resort
Spain’s longest race track - handily located just north of Ronda.
+34 952 18 71 71 | ascari.net
Horse Riding
Explore the valley on horseback with Caballos y Vino – there are options suitable for all levels and you can even combine your horse ride with a wine tasting tour at one of the local vineyards. Run by Sandra, who speaks English, and located just north of Ronda.
+34 622 247 757 | caballosyvino.wixsite.com | 10am-6pm
Club de Tennis Serrania, Ronda
There are three tennis courts and rackets are available (small fee). Individual or group coaching.
+34 615 334 301 | teniserra@hotmail.com
Los Naranjos Golf Club
A true championship course, near Marbella (1 hour drive from Ronda).
+34 952 812 428 | losnaranjos.com
La Quinta Golf Course
One of the finest golf courses in the area, near Marbella (1 hour drive from Ronda).
+34 952 762 000 | westinlaquinta.com
Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club
A good course for players of all abilities, near Marbella (1 hour drive from Ronda).
+34 952 784 600 | losarquerosgolf.com
Outdoor Sports
If you are feeling active and want to go abseiling, caving, climbing or kayaking, get in touch with Pangea Active Nature, in Ronda.
+34 630 562 705 | pangeacentral.com
Zerogravity Paragliding Centre
One of Europe’s major paragliding centres, offering dual paragliding with an instructor. From ages 7 up to 100kg.
+34 615 372 554 | paraglidingspain.co.uk
Mijas Aqua Park
It’s about 1.5 hours away from Ronda but, if the children’s holiday is not complete without some waterslides, it’s the worth journey.
+34 952 460 404
Beaches
If driving from Ronda, the nearest beaches are about 45 minutes away, in San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella or Malaga.
F. Schatz Vineyard
“After the rain the grass will grow; after wine, conversation.” With a long family history in the wine industry, this makes for a fascinating vineyard visit. Book ahead.
+34 952 871 313 | f-schatz.com
Bodega Joaquin Fernandez
Organic vineyard offering tastings and tours.
+34 951 166 043 | bodegajf.es
Bodegas Ramos-Paul
Beautiful winery and vineyard. Book ahead.
+34 637 517 993 | ramos-paul.com
Cortijo de Aguilares
Winery
cortijolosaguilares.com
LA Organic, Carretera Ardales
Olive Oil & Exhibition
Yoga & Pilates Classes
Ali Mudge is a very experienced teacher – classes can be adapted for all levels.
+34 699 822 454 | +34 952 154 652 | alimudge@yahoo.co.uk
Pilates Classes
Maria Terol.
+34 637 382 610 | terolmaria7@gmail.com
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.