About the local area with a few ideas of activities and things to do
The casitas are perfectly located for a wide range of activities including cycling, horse-riding, nature walking, bird watching, photography, mountain climbing, exploring the pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalusia or wine tasting in the local bodegas! Car hire is recommended and day trips to Seville, Jerez, Granada and Cordoba can be easily navigated within two hours. There is free and secure parking onsite for cars and bicycles.
Ronda - Discover the City of Dreams
Ronda (Acinipo) was first declared a city by Julius Caesar in the first century AD. When the Moorish troops under the command of Tarik-ibn-Zeyad invaded the region in 8C, one of the first routes they followed was the old Roman one, linking Gibraltar with the Roman settlement of Acinipo. The ruins of Acinipo are located just 10 minutes drive from Casitas Higo & Oliva and can be visited on foot.
Puento Nuevo
The “New Bridge” was completed in 1793 having taken 42 years to construct, which makes it an amazing piece of engineering and architecture standing 100m above the El Tajo (gorge). The bridge joins the old Moorish town and the newer El Mercadillo parts of the city. It is Ronda’s most famous landmark and offers the awesome views of the Tajo Gorge and Serrania de Ronda mountains.
If you have time, walk down into the gorge along the Camino de Los Molinos and dip your feet in the water.
Plaza de Toros - the Bullring
Ronda is famous for being the birthplace of modern bullfighting, now seen only once a year at the spectacular Feria Goyesca. Held at the beginning of September, here fighters and some of the audience dress in the style of Goya's sketches of life in the region. The Real Maestranza bullring is one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain. It was built in 1785 by the architect Jose Martin Aldehuela - the same architect who built the Puente Nuevo. The ring can hold up to 5000 spectators.
Legendary Rondeño bullfighter Pedro Romero broke away from the prevailing Jerez 'school' of horseback bullfighting in the 18th century to found a style of bullfighting in which matadores stood their ground against the bull on foot. The bullring, Plaza de Toros, is now a museum, and visitors can walk around the sanded arena and seating area.
Banos Arabes
The Arab Baths were built at the end of the 13th century, engineered by an Islamic engineer, and are reputed to be the best preserved in Spain. The large cauldron used to heat the water is still visible and in good condition. The star-shaped vents in the roof were modelled after the ceiling of the more famous bathhouse at the Alhambra in Granada. The baths are located in the old Arab quarter of the city, known as the San Miguel Quarter.
Things to do nearby
Day trips
Take a day to visit the nearby cities of Seville, Jerez, Granada (Alhambra), Cordoba, Malaga and Marbella, all within a 2-2.5 hour drive of the casitas.
Hiking
Ronda lies between two of Andalucia’s most beautiful protected areas and UNESCO biosphere reserves: the Natural Parks of La Sierra de Grazalema and La Sierra de las Nieves. There are dramatic limestone peaks, fertile river valleys, ancient olive groves, pine forests and railway lines to walk past. Try Mr Henderson’s Railway Walk (7.5km) or study our walking book on arrival.
Check out this article for walking and surrounding areas.
Cycling
The Ronda area is a cyclist's dream. It can be demanding but rewarding, with spectacular views. The area is a popular training ground for professionals training for competition bike rides but, for those who are not so serious, there’s a choice of route lengths from 30km to 100km - some of them being reasonably easy. Check out this website for cycling maps. Alternatively, contact Wayne & Heather at info@hikeandbikeholidays.com, they rent bikes and organise cycling and walking tours (they even have e-bikes, much easier). www.hikeandbikeholidays.com
Bird watching
The unique variety of ecosystems, protected Natural Parks, low population and no industrial waste contribute to the purest air in southern Spain, making Ronda's wildlife a naturalist's paradise. Within the Serranía de Ronda, approximately 160 bird species can commonly been seen throughout the year. The best time for bird watching is during the spring and autumn migrations between Europe and North Africa. Check out this website if you are interested in the birdlife of the area.
Wine tasting in the local bodegas - our favourite thing to do!
The earliest cultivation of vineyards in Spain took place between the 1st and 2nd century BC around the Mediterranean shores including all of Andalusia. Particularly significant was the Roman period when the area was known as Acinipo (City of Wine) and it experienced the golden age of wine growing and the grape emblem was minted on coins and it was one of the few cities in the Roman Empire from which wine was exported back to Rome! Unfortunately in the late 19th century a disease caused by insects, attacked the roots of the vines causing the demise of the vineyards and the disappearance of the traditional knowledge and culture of wine production. Thankfully the ‘Serrania de Ronda’ has been repopulated with small bodegas as well as innovative projects which equally protect the quality and good name of the region.
There are more than 10 winemakers in the Ronda region and you can visit them for tastings and tapas (we really recommend it!). Visit TripAdvisor, here, to plan your tour.
Cueva del Gato
They said that a basilisk (a mythical reptile with a lethal gaze) had its lair here: the alicante... Whether a mythological animal, bandit or smuggler, this Cueva del Gato has always played a leading role in the life and myths of the area. A spring flows from the same cave, located next to the road from Ronda to Benaoján. With its more than ten kilometers and its ten different routes, we are in one of the most complex speleological systems in Andalusia, as well as a Natural Monument of Andalusia. The difficulty here becomes beauty and attraction. 14,000 years ago it served as a shelter for the Paleolithic inhabitants, who left us their paintings as testimony. The cave welcomes you outside with a crystal clear lake that invites you to swim in summer, but it should be noted that the temperature of the water takes your breath away. From the car-park walk down and cross over the footbridge to the lagoon. It should be noted that access to the cave is restricted and should not be attempted. Crossing back from the lagoon you can walk along the river to Benoajan Estacion for refreshments and lunch.
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