Ronda is also a good base to explore the major cities of Andalucia; Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Jerez, all with their own special ambience and history, all within reach for day long excursions. The white villages of the Serrania De Ronda offer an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the cities, where evenings and afternoons can be spent sitting in shady squares. The town is set high in the mountains directly inland from San Pedro De Alcantara on the Costa Del Sol and manages to retain much of the charm from its rich and colourful past.

Because of its location, it was one of the last strongholds of the Moors, falling to the forces of Castille in 1485 just seven years before the final defeat at Granada. There are many examples of this legacy throughout the town, with Arab baths and labyrinthine passageways to the bottom of the famous gorge well worth a visit. Before this the town was a stronghold of the Romans who had a large settlement at Acinipo, now known as Ronda La Vieja, just 12 kilometres north west of the town. There are the remains of an ancient amphitheatre here set on a high plateau with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

In Granada, below the Sierra Nevada mountain range can be seen one of the wonders of Moorish Spain, the fortified palace of the Nasrid Kings, the Alhambra, which takes its name from the orange tints of its walls and offers a breathtaking insight into skills and craftsmanship of the Moorish civilisation.

Seville, the bustling capital of Andalucia is a short car journey away and has the largest gothic cathedral in the world which incorporates, the symbol of the city, the Giralda tower. Close by, surrounded by the intimate cloisters is the Alcazar Palace. At Cordoba, on the banks of the Guadalquivir it is possible to embrace the remnants of three distinct empires; a Roman bridge, an arch of triumph built for Philip II and the Great Mosque, La Mezquita, over a thousand years old.

Also within easy reach is the ancient sea port of Cadiz which claims to be the oldest city in western Europe. The sherry region of Jerez is close by, a visit to the vinyards and bodegas or to one of the famous riding schools is within a short drive.

For those wishing to spend time at the beach the resorts of the Costa Del Sol are just thirty miles away. Less developed beaches can be found west of Gibraltar. However you may just wish to relax and simply enjoy the peace of our country and village houses in what promises to be yet another sun filled summer