Sierra de Grazalema Walking Tour

Sierra de Grazalema Walking Tour

Day 1 Arrive in Grazalema

Today marks the beginning of your walking adventure in southern Spain.

A private transfer will pick you up from the Ronda bus station and take you to your first accommodations in Grazalema, where your tour will begin!

Located in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, this beautiful village sits 825m above sea level and is nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Sierra del Pinar Mountains.

You’ll enjoy the authentic charm of this fascinating village, which has both Roman and Arab roots, as you spend two nights here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grazalema
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Discover the Beauty of Grazalema

Today, you’ll have a choice of two circular routes to embark on as your introduction to Grazalema. Both routes will grant you remarkable views of natural landscapes painted in red earth tones and draped in lush green vegetation.

Following the walk of your choice this morning, set your sights on the old town of Grazalema this afternoon. Enjoy its labyrinth of narrow alleys and picturesque squares adorned with fountains. A visit to the Nuestra Señora de la Aurora, an 18th-century baroque church, is a marvellous idea. Follow it with a dinner of local specialties, like Grazalema’s well-known honey sweet potatoes, asparagus soup, or delicious local sausages and lamb!

Soak up the charm of this delightful village this evening before departing for Benaocaz tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grazalema
Distance: 1.5-4.5 hours, 4-9 km, 150-500m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Walk Limestone Landscapes, Scenic Groves, and Traditional Cortijos

On a choice of two spectacular walks today, you’ll enjoy striking limestone formations, holm and cork oak groves, and views of several traditional ranches (cortijos) that dot your path.

Option 1: Grazalema to Benaocaz
The shorter of the two routes involves an ascent to the pass at Puerto Boyar. At times route finding can be challenging, particularly if the weather is foggy.

Option 2: Grazalema to Villaluenga
This route is longer but less challenging as the terrain is nearly all flat. A taxi transfer will take you from Villaluenga to your accommodations in Benaocaz.

Tonight, enjoy your stay in the authentic Andalusian puebla blanco (white building village) of Benaocaz, another town full of fascinating history! Benaocaz’s roots can be traced to the Moors, dating back to Roman times.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Benaocaz
Distance: Option 1: 5.5 hours, 12 km, 500m of ascent, 550m of descent
Option 2: 5 hours, 16 km, 350m of ascent, 325m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Walk an Ancient Footpath to Mesmerizing Vistas

A scenic circular route awaits you today as you walk along an ancient footpath that sets out from Benaocaz. Along the way, you’ll encounter a popular nesting site for vultures and a chance to take in the beauty of these giant birds. Sweeping mountain vistas unfold in every direction as you make your way through the serene landscape.

Continue the ancient Roman road down to the pleasant town of Ubrique, where you can enjoy a spectacular dinner before completing the circuit back to Benaocaz.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Benaocaz
Distance: 1.5-3 hours, 5-7 km, 10m of ascent, 465m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Walk the Llanos del Republicano Valley to the Sierra de Libar

This morning, a short transfer will take you to your starting point in Villaluenga del Rosario.

Descending to the Llanos del Republicano, you’ll experience the beauty of this breathtaking valley, home to a deep limestone cave and rushing river. The path unfolds between the Sierra de Libar and Sierra del Palo and envelops you in limestone hills and remarkable karstic formations as far as the eye can see.

Continue the route to the lovely town of Montejaque, your next pueblo blanco of the tour!
Overnight Location: Hostel in Montejaque
Distance: 5.5-6.5 hours, 17.5 km, 640m of ascent, 640m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Walk the El Hacho Peak or to La Cueva de la Pileta

Again, walkers will enjoy a choice of two walks for today’s route.

Option 1: El Hacho Peak and Río Campobuche
This circular walk sets out from Montejaque via El Hacho Peak. You’ll follow gravel tracks through the Río Campobuche Valley and make your way through dense woodlands and gorgeous olive orchards.

Option 2: Walk to La Cueva de la Pileta
Descending main roads to Benaoján, tranquil Mediterranean woodlands soon welcome you as you prepare for a steep ascent via goat trails up to the caves at La Cueva de la Pileta. The caves are home to fascinating prehistoric paintings, first discovered in 1905.

From the caves, walkers will have the option to retrace their steps back to Montejaque or return by taxi transfer instead.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Montejaque
Distance: Option 1: 3.5 hours, 8 km, 325m of ascent, 325m of descent
Option 2: 2.5-5 hours, 13 km, 325m of ascent, 625m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Hike Beautiful Rural Trails to Ronda

For your final day of walking, a beautiful scene unfolds on the rural trail that lead to Ronda. A delightful section on a cobbled path marks the beginning of this walk and continues to guide you through pastoral farms to the mountaintop town of Ronda.

Arriving in Ronda, you'll be amazed by the spectacular bridge that spans the El Tajo Gorge, carving the fascinating historic town in two. On one side of the dividing bridge you'll find the 15th-century new town, and on the other, the Moorish old town.

A visit to the Moorish quarter is an excellent way to begin your exploration of Ronda. The areas around Ronda are also well known for wine production, so tonight, enjoy a spectacular dinner with a bottle from the Serrania de Ronda.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ronda
Distance: 4.5 hours, 11.5 km, 440m of ascent, 420m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Depart Ronda

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll depart Ronda and return to the airport, taking with you a week’s worth of magical memories made while walking in southern Spain!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast