Day Trip to Grazalema & Zahara de la Sierra, Ronda

Ronda is the perfect hub for exploring Andalusia's famed Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). There are many to see in the area, but this private excursion focuses on two of the most scenic towns not far from Ronda: Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. You'll find Grazalema tucked into the scenic Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra sits on the Embalse de Zahara-el Gastor, a reservoir with a towering castle. Both villages offer unique experiences, including hiking, scenic vistas, and cultural activities.

Get to know Ronda a little better by visiting two of its region's Pueblos Blancos. This area has many historical influences, including Roman, Visigoth, and Berber, so many of these towns have unique elements, such as caves, cave-like homes, and rock paintings. During the Roman times, these villages began painting some of the buildings white, a practical solution to stave off the region's heat, as white reflects light and heat. But it wasn't until the 14th century, when the plague hit the area, that residents painted all the buildings' exteriors and interiors white, believing it would ward off disease. 

Your guide and driver will pick you up in Ronda and start the journey to your first destination, Grazalema. The town gets its name from the surrounding mountains, Sierra de la Grazalema. Though set high in the mountains and forests, this region is famous for being the most humid pocket of Spain. So even in Grazalema, you'll find unique flora and wildlife, including cork trees, mountain goats, deer, vultures, eagles, and more. Its main appeal is the beautiful nature, but there are several things to enjoy in the village. 

There are a few viewpoints to enjoy, including Mirador el Tajo, which isn't far from the hike up to the Mirador del Santo viewpoint and the ruins of Ermita del Calvario, the 18th-century Calvario Hermitage. The trail is pretty short, so you can easily enjoy this scenic walk. Though uphill, it's only steep in a few spots, and both sites have places to sit and relax or enjoy a snack. You'll also enjoy the town itself, visiting the main square, Plaza de España, the colorful Iglesia de San José, and one of the town's famous facades, Casa de los Cactus, a beautiful white-washed building with a well-known cactus covering it. 

From Grazalema, your guide will drive you through the park to Zahara de la Sierra, passing the Puerto de las Palomas at over 3,000 feet (1,000 m). You'll stop here to enjoy the views. To the north are several mountain peaks, including Garganta Verde, Algodonales, the Sierra de Lijar, and Prieto. To the south, you can see the sheer cliff face of El Tajo de Ronda (Ronda Gorge) and to the east, the Sierra de las Nieves.

Continue to Zahara de la Sierra, known for its incredible scenery and famous for its olive oil. Here you'll enjoy tasting some of the local products, including almonds and olive oil. Zahara is a great spot to enjoy a meal, thanks to its gastronomical roots. Enjoy walking through the winding streets and stop at one of its many viewpoints. The vistas from atop the castle are particularly nice and worth the climb, but you can also enjoy the reservoir scenery from the Puerta de la Villa. Or, ask your guide to take you out of town to get a killer view of the village and water at the Mirador Zahara de la Sierra. At the end of the excursion, your driver will take you back to Ronda.