Romantic Road to Ronda

Introduction
Southern Spain Spain
The Romantic Road, also known as the English Way, starts from Gibraltar and crosses the mountain range to reach Ronda.

This is an exciting journey, which was made famous in the 19th century, when artists (writers, painters...) of the Romantic movement travelled from all over the world to follow that route, in search of adventures and inspiration.

During this trip, we will also discover vestiges of the Moorish, which ruled this land between the 8th and the 15th centuries. At the time, Andalusia was the theatre of conflicts between the Moors and Christians. Nowadays, we can still see the influences left by these 2 religions on so many citadels, fortresses (alcazares), castles and towers.

In addition to its historical significance, this route offers splendid sceneries. In 1865 Henry O'Shea said that the road from Gibraltar to Ronda "... was one of the most beautiful and romantic journeys on horseback that can be undertaken by our country."

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be sleeping in various small hotels along the way.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
Night 2: Hotel Rural la Amoraima in Castellar
Night 3: Cortijo Rural near Jimena de la Frontera
Night 4: Hotel las Buitreras in Gaucin
Night 5: Hotel las Camaretas in Cortes de la Frontera
Night 6: Casitas de la Sierra in Montejaque
Night 7: Hotel Perto de las Muelas near Ronda

Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
This charming country house is surrounded by nature. It has 8 bedrooms, all with private bathroom and internet access. Guests are welcome to relax in the living room, by the fireplace or to go for a walk in the lovely garden.

Hotel Rural la Amoraima in Castellar
This beautiful hotel is housed in a convent dating back to 1603. The building has been rehabilitated in order to offer comfortable accommodation. Each room features its own bathroom, air conditioning, a phone, a TV, a safe and free Wi-Fi internet. There is also a small pool where clients can cool off in the evening.

Cortijo Rural near Jimena de la Frontera
This country house offers 5 simple guestrooms. It is surrounded by beautiful fruit trees and the river offers a refreshing spot near the main house. The bathrooms might have to be shared at this location.

Hotel las Buitreras in Gaucin
This lovely hotel offers 12 cozy bedrooms furnished with a mix of wooden and iron furniture. All rooms have climate control, a full bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi access.
In the evening, guests can relax on the patio or go for a swim in the outdoor pool.

Hotel las Camaretas in Cortes de la Frontera
This rural accommodation has 10 bedrooms, all equipped with air conditioning, private facilities and a TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas. There is a beautiful terrace with an outdoor pool with great views over the village and the valley.

Casitas de la Sierra in Montejaque
Tonight, you sleep in lovely guesthouses with tasteful decoration. Each house offers a kitchen, a living room with TV, a bathroom, coffee machine and kettle, and free Wi-Fi internet. There is also a small garden with an outdoor pool where guests can relax in the evening.

Hotel Perto de las Muelas near Ronda
This small 3* hotel offers very nice views of the city of Ronda. The rooms all include a private bathroom, air conditioning, a safe, free Wi-Fi access and a TV.

Room Occupancy
In case we do not find you a roommate, single supplement fees apply.



Meals
All meals are included from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 8.
You will be served typical regional meals (paella, stews...).

Lunches are often served as picnics on the trail.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from Malaga airports and transfer you to Los Barrios.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Finca las majadillas in Los Barrios

Day 2: Los Barrios to Castellar
Today, you will discover the Hispano Muslim frontier heritage of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the southern edge of the Sierra de los Melones. The route heads north to Castellar Castle, built under the Nazar kingdom.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Rural la Almoraima near Castellar

Day 3: Castellar to Jimena de la Frontera
You will ride through forests of holm oaks, cork oaks and a leafy thicket of rockrose, gorse and thyme. This was the ideal setting for the bandits who inhabited these lands. We will ride beneath The Castle of Jimena de la Frontera, an important defense for the Nasrid Kingdom.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Cortijo Rural near Jimena de la Frontera

Day 4: Jimena de la Frontera to Gaucin
The romantic legend of these lands is linked to the famous “Bandoleros” of the Serrania de Ronda. They were highwaymen who hid in the hills and forests to rob the wealthy travellers going to Ronda.
We will ride along the paths that the smugglers used to take from the coast to Ronda.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel las Buitreras near Gaucin

Day 5: Gaucin to Cortes de la Frontera
This route never disappoints. You ride through a charming, rough valley, a colourful mosaic, like a lush garden thanks to the care of its inhabitants, who have wisely managed to exploit its resources without undermining its landscape and natural. beauty. Today's route takes us through some of the old trails used by the muleteers transporting the wheat and olives that were milled in the numerous mills on the banks of the Guadiaro River.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel las Camaretas near Cortes de la Frontera

Day 6: Cortes de la Frontera to Montejaque
Today's itinerary winds through valleys and slopes, following the historic route deep in the Serranía de Ronda. The fruit trees and irrigation system of the Guadiaro valley give way to the sharp slopes, forested hillsides, and bare rocks.
We follow a beautiful path above the valley and then climb up to a beautiful panorama of the ancient city of Ronda and its famous gorge.
Riding approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casitas de la Sierra near Montejaque

Day 7: Montejaque to Ronda
Ronda is a one of the most interesting cities in all Andalusia. The landscape, the layout of the town, its history, the romantic legend of its bandits, the bullfighters and artists whose names have gone down in history: all this makes Ronda a unique city.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Puerto las Muelas near Ronda

Day 8: Departure
We will transfer you back to the airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.

Rates and Dates for Romantic Road to Ronda

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Los Barrios
Airport: Malaga or Jerez
Transfer: Malaga or Jerez Airport

Climate:
                                                Tarifa area