What to see
We are situated just 10 minutes from the town of Ronda, in the Natural Parque Sierra de Grazalema, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and close to 2 other Natural Parks, namely, La Sierra de las Nieves and Los Alcornocales.
Our mountain range preserves an important area of typically Mediterranean vegetation: oaks, cork oaks, gall oaks, carob trees and wild olives. One of the biggest colonies of Leonardo Vultures is found here.
Benaoján
Our village is Benaojan (just 3 kilometres from the property) and is in the province of Malaga. It has around 1400 inhabitants most of whom are connected directly or indirectly to the local main industry of pork products.
In some of the factories, such as Icarben and El Cerdito Andaluz, you can buy the excellent local specialities.
Cueva del Gato
The Cueva del Gato (Cave of the Cat) is part of the cave system Hundidero -Gato just 100 metres from the cottages. It is 4 kilometres long with 10 underground passagesand is the largest cave in Andalucia and one of the most complex. Its beauty and level of difficulty attract many people.
Cueva de la Pielta
The Cueva de La Pileta, situated 9 kilometres from the cottages,was declared a National Monument of CaveArtandis one of the most important caves in Spain. This is due to the extraordinary cave paintings inside. Most of the drawings represent animals: horses, buffalo, bison and fishes.
The cave is open daily from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00.
Visits can bereserved in advance by calling 666 74 17 75 (between the hours of 10:00 to 13:00).
Ronda
A visit to Ronda is a must, it is one of the most beautiful and most visited towns in Spain. El Puente Nuevo with its spectacular views over the gorge (El Tajo) together with the Plaza de Toros are the most emblematic sights in the town. Other monuments to visit are the Baños Árabes, Mondragon Palace, Rey Moro Palace, Arab fences, etc.
Acinipo
An archaeological site 20km from Ronda, Acinipo deserves a specialmention. The Roman Theatre is the best preserved feature of this site. Due to its altitude of almost 1000 metres above sea level, you can reflect on the landscapes of Malaga,Cadiz and Sevilla provinces.
Entrance is free.
What to do
The proximity of the Rio Guadiaro, El Pantano de Zahara and Los Llanos de Libar make the accommodation an ideal base for many activities, some of which are highlighted below:
Walking
From Cueva del Gato to Jimera de Libar Station.
The route runs parallel to the Guadiaro riverand is an easy 9 km walk. The route can be accessed directly from the cottages without using your car.
More info in the website Gran Senda de Málaga
From Benaojan to Ronda
This route is 9km long and a level of medium difficulty, it is not recommended on very hot days as there is limited shade.
More info in the website Gran Senda de Málaga
Both routes give the option of a return by train.
Mountain Biking
We recommend a ride inLos Llanos de Libar, a route which is fairly flat and which gives you the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful and least known places in the Grazalema Natural Park.
Other activities
The following activities must be arranged with a company specialising inactive tourism e.g. PANGEA (www.pangeacentral.com).
- Canoeing: The channel of the Guadiaro river and the Zahara swamp is recommended.
- Via Ferrata of Benaoján: It is the oldest in the Serranía de Ronda, the first that was installed.
- Climbing and rappelling: There are many areas suitable for climbing near us.
- Potholing: The location of our establishment next to the mouth of the Cueva del Gato, makes it ideal for preparing the cruise or rest after it.
- Horse riding: To enjoy the mountains from a calmer environment.
- Canyoning: Green Gorge or the Buitreras canyon.
Where to eat
We recommend a visit to the Venta Cueva del Gato, just a few metres away, and where you can enjoy home cooked food. You canalso order a paella to take away. (www.cuevadelgato.com)
The Asador El Muelle, in Benaojan Station, offers a wide variety of meats, cooked in a wood burning oven. (www.asadorelmuelle.com).
At the Restaurant Molino del Santo, also in Benaojan Station, you can enjoy more sophisticated food in lovely surroundings.
A good variety of tapas are available at Bar El Tajillo, Bar El Encuentro and Cafeteria Bar Palma.
Ronda has a great range of restaurants, highlights being La Bodegita San Francisco (www.bodegasanfrancisco.com) and the restaurant Almocabar.