Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema

Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema

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8 Days From

$1150

Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema

8 Days Starting and ending in Ronda, Spain

Visiting: Grazalema, Benaocaz, Villaluenga del Rosario, Benaoján, Benaojan, Ronda

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

RSG

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1150 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of southern Spain with the "Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema" tour. This self-guided walking holiday offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history as you explore the picturesque white-washed villages, dramatic limestone formations, and lush green valleys of the Sierra de Grazalema. Wander through ancient trails, visit the prehistoric Cueva de la Pileta, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Ronda, including its iconic bridge spanning a deep gorge. Enjoy charming accommodations in traditional posadas and guesthouses, and savor local specialties in passionate, family-run restaurants. With private transfers, luggage transport, and a digital information pack, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience in one of Spain's most captivating regions.

Highlights

  • Exploring an oasis of green in the south of Spain

  • Walking in a mountainous area surrounded by picturesque white-washed villages

  • Discovering the marvellous limestone formations, marked by spectacular gorges

  • Spending time in Ronda, with its intriguing mix of Moorish and European monuments

  • Circular walk through classic limestone landscape and the village of Benaocaz

  • Walk through the Guadiaro valley back to Benaojan

  • Visit to Cueva de la Pileta with its prehistoric paintings

  • Reach mountaintop Ronda, where a spectacular bridge spans the deep gorge

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Ronda, transfer to Grazalema

Location: Grazalema

Accommodation Name: Traditional village hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 2 : Circular walk through classic limestone landscape and the village of Benaocaz (5hrs)

Location: Benaocaz

Accommodation Name: Traditional village hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

You start the week with a choice of walks. routes afford lovely views of the rugged limestone mountains, dotted with 'cortijos' - traditional farmhouse complexes found across the countryside. Lovely woods of evergreen oaks and typical Mediterranean vegetation surround you on your way to Benaocaz - an untouched 'Pueblo Blanco' which dates back to Roman times. The village sits perched on a hill, with sweeping views all around. Or you can walk to Villaluenga del Rosario via the Campobuche River valley. This route is longer (15,6km), but the walking is easier and the terrain more suitable in foggy weather. In the late afternoon a transfer will take you back to Grazalema.
Walking distance: 11.7km/7.5mi, ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 550m/1804ft

Day 3 : Another circular walk with choice of routes (1.5-4.5hrs)

Location: Grazalema

Accommodation Name: Traditional village hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you have a choice of circular routes in the area around Grazalema, with lovely views and a striking combination of red earth tones and green vegetation. One is a varied walk through limestone landscapes, Mediterranean woodlands and open areas used for farming, in Grazalema Natural Park to the pass Puerto de Presillas. The other (4km) is a short ascent to a view point situated just north of Grazalema, at an elevation of 983m, along footpaths and goat trails., with lovely views of Grazalema and the 'snowy hilltop' of Olvera to the northeast. They are short enough to do both in one day. Later enjoy exploring the small village shops and a refreshing drink on an outdoor terrace. Overnight Grazalema.
Walking distance: 4.8 or 8.5km/3 or 5.3mi, ascent/descent 285m/935ft or 500m/1640ft

Day 4 : Transfer to Villaluenga and walk to Benaojan via Montejaque (6.5hrs)

Location: Villaluenga del Rosario

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Location: Benaoján

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Location: Benaojan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Location: Ronda

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Location: Ronda

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • 7 breakfasts

    These are usually continental style consisting of bread, cheeses, meats, yoghurt, juice, tea, and coffee.

  • 7 nights accommodation

    Charming rural hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Luggage transfers

    On days 4 and 7, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.

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What's Not Included

  • Meals not listed as included

    Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Mandatory and not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included, such as Cueva de la Pileta (EUR10 pp).

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Hotel taxes

    If applicable, payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses are not included.

Accommodation

7 nights hotel. The accommodation on this trip is a real highlight. The simple but personal posadas, guesthouses, and hotels have been specially chosen for their character and location - usually in the heart of the village or town. Each of the owners are passionate about their region and usually have special restaurants to sample local specialties. Relaxing terraces or in the case of one hotel, the swimming pool, are perfect for winding down after a day of hiking.

Grading

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.

What You Carry

You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Mode of Transport

Private transfer on days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Luggage transfers on days 4 and 7, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess. Travel to and from Ronda. Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The accommodation on this trip includes 7 nights in charming rural hotels, posadas, and guesthouses, chosen for their character and location, usually in the heart of the village or town. Each of the owners is passionate about their region and often has special restaurants to sample local specialties. Some accommodations also feature relaxing terraces or swimming pools.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental style consisting of bread, cheeses, meats, yoghurt, juice, tea, and coffee.

  • Are luggage transfers provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers are provided on days 4 and 7. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is there any emergency support available during the trip?

    Yes, an emergency hotline is available for assistance during the trip.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    Private transfers are included on days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Additionally, travel to and from Ronda is included in the package. Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.

  • What should I carry with me during the daily walks?

    You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?

    The tour is graded as introductory to moderate. Daily stages range from 1.5 to 6 hours (4-17.5km with ascents of up to 550m). The walks are mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, or animal trails, with occasional sections on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although some ascents are several kilometers long, they are gradual and technically easy. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. A digital information pack, including a smartphone app with maps and a guidebook, is provided per room booked.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Entrance fees are not included unless specified. For example, the entrance fee to Cueva de la Pileta is not included and costs EUR10 per person.

  • What happens if I am traveling solo?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Grahame Ferguson (Google Reviewer)  

U Tracks El Camino Self...

06-Apr-2025

U Tracks El Camino Self Guided Rambler tour/walk, Sarria to Santiago de Compostela 1.3.25 to 11.3.25. This tour suited my age (67) and fitness/health as it was not at a heavy pace but you had to be an active person to complete it. By that I mean prepare by regular walks everyday for a few months beforehand; a gym is not necessary. Of course regular hikers or younger persons can do this all in half the time and twice the distance and are able to either camp out or go to sleep in Albergues, but that is not me! It was all well coordinated with pickups came without fault and my luggage was delivered correctly to each new hotel. This tour is certainly ideal for those over 60. All hotels were of top standard and the staff at those hotels were all high quality as were their breakfasts and dinners. I hope all these venues are retained. I did rest and eat well to prepare me for the next days travails. Each day was well planned on their guide for each day. What was of great help was the GPX App which guide me over the trail to Santiago. Even though there is signage, some of it can be obscure and this coupled with the small number of pilgrims in early March to help guide the way, you are prone to errors in navigation. Whenever I was unsure, it showed me where I was and where I should be. On two occasions it helped me big time. The GPX also showed you how far you had to go and where you were in reference to the next towns. One disadvantage of travel along the Camino during this period, was that many Albergues, cafes and churches were locked shut. Whilst I did not need any of them for accommodation, it meant stamps for your Credential were hard to come by and toilets were at a premium. I did carry fruit juice and chocolate bars just in case I could not grab a snack or refreshment along the way. In the end I bought a coffee to any place that would stamp my Credential. At one place a church had a sign for stamps but was locked shut! However, an upside to this lack of fellow pilgrims, cafes, stamps and toilets was the chance to contemplate for long periods in the wonderful Gallaecian countryside and take in its special ambience. It did give me confidence in being self-reliant and resourceful. When there was a café or toilet there was no line up and when entering the Pilgrims Office in Santiago there was no que. I had my Compostela Certificate as quick as it took me to enter my details in the computer and wait for my number which was almost immediate as only 216 pilgrims completed their walk on that day. Yes there were still pilgrims to have a yarn now and then. Weather wise it was cool and on a couple of days it was wet, but due to one's energy expended in walking it was not at all uncomfortable. I would not have tolerated the exhausting high temperatures or sunburn of summer at all. The topography varied from flat one day to steep the next. Some of the trail was wet, slushy and slippery (a bit of a slog sometimes), but good footwear solves this. My Merrells were my most valued asset, not a slip and not one blister! Don't let someone con you into sandals, bare feet or some cheap brand footwear. Walk in new footwear everyday for 2 weeks before your Camino. A poncho is your best friend when it rains. Really that was as bad as it got. Bottom line: value for money self-guided tour and although done during the off season it became an advantage. You get to see Spain at such a close level not possible with a regular tour in a bus. A worthwhile experience and achievement! Buen Camino.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Jess Arellano (Google Reviewer)  

Very satisfied with the service...

04-Apr-2025

Very satisfied with the service provided. Hotels especially the one in Tui and in Padron were beautiful, great service as well, the only drawback is Padron's hotel a tad far from the Camino way, really way off. Otherwise, baggages arrived on time. Would be better if printed maps were provided as internet is not always available.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$1150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
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Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
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Monday - Monday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025
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Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
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Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$1150 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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