amycyma

Basic info We are 2 couples. We are going to be in Madrid for 4 nights, then going to Sevilla for 2-3 nights, renting a car and driving to Ronda, then to Granada (2 nights dropping off car) then flying to Barcelona for 4 nights .(april 24-May 9)

My question concerns Ronda. We were looking at some lovely hotels amidst olive groves, and thought that perhaps a 3 night stay to enjoy Ronda, drive around the Pueblo Blancas, and decompress, take short hikes, or go wherever the car took us might be a nice change of pace from the "cities". the 3 nights in Ronda would make our stay in Sevilla 2 nights.

Has anyone done this, and what are your thoughts. Any particular hotel or restaurant recommendations.

thanks
amy

amsdon

This report by Josele is very helpful.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ancos-trip.cfm

josele

Thanks amsdon, I was about to post it once again!
Amycyma: I think it is a good idea, better than staying in Ronda itself, especially if you prefer the country. Parking in Ronda for a while is easy using some of the pay lots, not expensive. The one I use most is Parking La Merced, very near the Alameda del Tajo, there are ads.
About hotels in the countryside I do not know them, but the El Fuerte in Grazalema, which is just outside town with great views.

lreynold1

I recently spent three nights in Ronda, visiting the Pueblos Blancos and seeing the town itself. We stayed at the very nice Hotel San Gabriel, which had a special 60€ web rate, including breakfast. The hotel is highly reviewed on tripadvisor and on this forum, and rightly so. Access to the hotel is quite simple, and there is a parking lot about two blocks away (in the square where the town hall and main church are). For hotel guests, you get in-out privileges and a 9€/day rate. The hotel staff was exceptionally nice, and the hotel has a great walking tour that they printed up that gives you a very nice way to spend a day in Ronda itself.

I was surprised that Ronda had so much to see -- the church, the walls, the Arab baths, the views and hikes up and down into the gorge and around the city made for a complete day.

The hotel also has a list of recommended hotels and tapas places -- we tried four of them and liked every one, especially El Mercadito (or is it El Mercado?) right outside the walls.

It´s of course a personal choice whether to stay in Ronda or out in the country. For us, the ease of access and the ability to be in a place with restaurants and more life "in the streets" made Ronda the right choice. We spent two days out in the countryside hiking and enjoying the towns, but always enjoyed being back in Ronda for the evening.

Either way, it´s a great trip!

walksntalks

Ronda is nice, but usually we only visit Ronda and stay overnight somewhere else, for example in Grazalema.
Grazalema is a charming village in the middle of the nature park of Sierra de Grazalema. All the walks are rather easy, but I would recommend that you try the route Grazalema (Camping Tajo Rodillo) - Llano del Endrinal - Puerto de las Presillas - Puerto del Boyar - Camping Tajo Rodillo. It is less than 7 kilometres and quite easy to follow too.
You will find the walking route descriptions in English as well as maps and driving instructions from http://www.topwalks.net/en/sierra_grazalema.htm
Another nice route is Villaluenga del Rosario - Llanos del Republicano - Puerto del Correo - Llanos de Líbar - Villaluenga del Rosario. It is 15 kilometres, but you can make it shorter by turning back in Llanos del Republicano.
You might enjoy driving the route Grazalema - Vilaluenga - Benaocaz - El Bosque - Benamahoma - Zahara de la Sierra. The road is scenic with some very nice lookout spots and white villages. Arcos de la Frontera is worth visiting as well.

yorkshire

It sounds great to me whether you stay in Ronda proper or in a more rural setting--I love the area and gasp! prefer Ronda to Sevilla. Ronda comes alive in the evenings when the day trippers depart. The hiking is superb.

joannyc

Loved Ronda! Unfortunately, only spent 1 night there. Did a wonderful 3-hour horseback ride at dawn.

amycyma

Thanks for all the info.

walksntalks-
Grazalema- I was wondering if there would be a nice place to stay there, anyone you would recommend, and thanks for the website link. I knew about he driving route from Grazalema, which is why I wanted to be in the area for at let 2 nights. But the other info is new to me so again many thanks.

So I guess it will be Ronda for 3 and Seviilla for 2. If we really love Sevilla, we don't have to leave till late in the afternoon.

Can anyone give me an idea how long the drive from Sevilla to Ronda may be??

again many thanks

amy

amsdon

Oh we stayed here on the spur of the momoent, a very short drive from Ronda in Gaucin. Glad we did

http://www.lafructuosa.com/index_en.html

welch

As I seem to be without reply to my post, perhaps I can ask a question or two here.
I apologize for any highjacking of the thread!
Is this area easily accessed from Malaga?
Would it be preferable to stay in the immediate area?
I love interesting small towns but can't hike (knee replacement soon), so I'm at the mercy of light walking or driving.

josele

I already mentioned Hotel El Fuerte in Grazalema, not in town but about a mile away.

josele

welch, Ronda is a 1h45min easy drive from Malaga, good road though it needs improvements (some are being made already)in some places around Ardales.
Once in Ronda is another drive to the towns (read my report mentioned above). I'd recomend staying the night in the area.