Ronda and the Sierra de 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trip concludes after breakfast. An additional night in Ronda is recommended.