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Places of Interest

Cultural and Natural Highlights

Places of Interest

WHITE TOWNS

The northern parts of the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz is known as the “Pueblos Blancos” (white towns) area. Historically Andalucíans in these mountainous regions chose to live in fortified hilltop towns and villages. Characteristic for the towns is that the walls on the outside of the houses are all whitewashed. Many of the villages are very small. Ronda is one of the biggest of the white towns.

Going on a day tour by car is a great way to explore these quiet and picturesque towns and villages hanging from the hillsides, many betraying Moorish origins from their names. There are many routes and itineraries that you can follow. The white town routes are also popular with cyclists and motorcyclists.

 

 

NATURAL PARKS

Surrounding Ronda is a fascinating region with a great geographical diversity. The “Serranía de Ronda” (Ronda Mountain Range) is made up of 21 municipalities. The majority of these are situated in the “Genal Valley”, this valley takes its name from the river Genal and is considered one of the best conserved natural ecosystems of Andalucía. It offers some of the most varied landscapes of the province of Malaga. The landscapes, vegetation and traditions of this area are, like the architecture of the villages, of marked Moorish origin. A perfect place to explore the cultural traditions of the Serranía.

Furthermore, three natural parks border the Serranía de Ronda: The Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra de Grazalema national parks are both declared Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO and the Los Alcornocales park is the largest wood of cork oaks in the Iberian Peninsula.
 


 

THE ALHAMBRA PALACE

The Royal Palace is the main attraction in Andalucía with its splendid interiors, where your breath is taken away at the sight of the intricate Moorish workmanship. It was built in the last half of the 14th century and forms the greatest achievement of Moorish art in Spain. Tranquillity and peace of mind and a meditative ambience are the key to the Alhambra with its pools, running water, gardens and repetitive geometric designs.

Please note – Reservations are essential and during summer months you may have to book several weeks in advance To book online go to: www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/

Included with the general ticket is the access to the ornate Nasrid Palaces. Due to limited access, this part can only be accessed during the time that your ticket indicates. Beware, this is very strict. (You are free to enter the rest of the Alambra at any time during the opening hours on the date of your ticket.)

Apart from the Alhambra, Granada houses one of the finest gardens in Spain - The Generalife. It is only a short walk from the Alhambra and it would be worth a visit if you are in the locality.




CAMINITO DEL REY

This is one of Spain’s most spectacular walking trails. It is pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in “El Chorro”, near the village of Ardales. After four years of extensive renovations the “Caminito” reopened in 2015, carefully restored. It is now a safe and easy, yet exciting and scenic trail with a combination of wooden boardwalk and glass-floored lookouts.

The path goes through the beautiful natural area of the “Desfiladero de los Gaitanes”, which is 700 metres deep. The walkway is 1 metre in width and rises over 100 metres above the Guadalhorce River below. It is a unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging on a sheer cliff face and crossing the suspension bridge near the end of the walk. The panoramic view of this natural canyon sculpted by the river will captivate you.

Tickets have to be reserved - sometimes as far as 2 months in advance! To book your visit online, go to: www.reservas.caminitodelrey.info/?lang=en




CUEVA DE LA PILETA

The Cueva de la Pileta (Cave of the Pool), was the home of Paleolithic Man some 25,000 years ago. It is well worth a visit to see some stunning Paleolithic paintings of animals and fish, and to walk amongst the stalactites and stalagmites. A guided tour is the only way to enter the cave. Each tour last about 1 ¼ hours and groups are limited to 25 people per tour. In the summer there are 5 tours each day on weekdays and 7 tours each day in the weekend.

This is very popular, therefore it is recommended to make a reservation. Call (0034) 687 133 338 between 10:00h - 12:30h or 16:00h - 17:30h.
 



ACINIPO

The Roman ruins of Acinipo are also worth visiting. They are situated on a flat plateau to the north of Ronda. The impressive theatre, which is still largely intact, has seats carved out of the rock and tells of the importance of this site in the first century before it was abandoned for the town of Ronda itself. At the top of the hill just beyond the amphitheatre on the scarp crest you will find stupendous views of the surrounding countryside through 360 degrees.

Opened throughout the year, times vary. Monthly the opening times are published on the Acinipo Facebook page: www.facebook.com/acinipoenclavearqueologico

 

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