Nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema valley, the town of Ronda is surrounded by picturesque white villages, offering a diversity of landscapes and architecture.
While their common feature is the cluster of whitewashed houses, each village has its own unique charm. Follow our advice to explore them!
Discover in this article our selection of the best villages around Ronda.
In this article, we take you on a tour of these charming places to add to your itinerary, with practical advice and our own photos.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Best villages around Ronda: map + selection
The route of the white villages is one of the most beautiful in Spain.
It winds its way through mountainous landscapes and verdant valleys, revealing the immaculate silhouettes of centuries-old villages.
Here’s a map to help you find the white villages in this part of Andalucia:
Faced with such a myriad of beauties, choosing just one destination proves tricky.
To help you make your choice, we have selected the villages on this list according to the following criteria:
- Close to Ronda
- The location and beauty of the surrounding countryside
- Village originality and unique village attractions
For a list of our favorite white villages in Andalucia, see our dedicated article (coming soon).
1. Setenil de las Bodegas (20min)
Why visit?
Setenil de las Bodegas is a fascinating village and a must-see. What makes it unique are the houses built under huge rock overhangs, which give the impression of being transported to a parallel world. Strolling through the streets, particularly Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, we felt as if the houses were about to buckle under the rock.
As well as its spectacular setting, we loved the village’s cheerful atmosphere, its flower-filled lanes and lively cafés.
See more photos in our dedicated article (coming soon).
The must-dos
- Admire the tangle of white roofs from the Mirador del Carmen
- Stroll along the Ruta del Amor, a trail of ceramic messages of love hidden in some of the village’s streets.
- Take a look at the ruins of Setenil de las Bodegas Castle, dating from the 12th century, and its beautifully preserved Torre del Homenaje tower.
How to get there from Ronda
- Driving time: 25min
- Access: by car or bus only (no train station)
- Parking: Several parking lots at your disposal. We recommend Parking Los Canos. Although it requires a few minutes’ walk to reach the city center, it has the advantage of being safe and covered.
- See organized tours from Ronda: prices and availability
Practical advice
- When to come: Come early and prefer weekdays to enjoy the quiet village.
- Length of visit: Allow at least half a day
- What to bring: Good footwear, as the streets are cobbled and steep, and the walk includes many steps up and down.
- On-site catering: yes. Don’t hesitate to plan to come for lunch or dinner, as there’s a wide choice of restaurants and cafés to choose from.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
2. Grazalema (40min)
Why visit?
We were delighted with our visit to Grazalema, which stands out from other white villages for its authenticity. The village’s timeless charm is enhanced by the presence of the majestic Peñon Grande peak at 1000m, which stands serene watch over the village. The local councillors, aware of this exceptional natural heritage, have wisely built belvederes to enjoy the panoramic views over the contrasting landscape. Last but not least, we recommend Grazalema to all hiking enthusiasts, as there are several trails starting from the village, such as the Pinsapar hike and the El Torreón hike, to name but a few.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
The must-dos
- Stroll through the picturesque city center
- Discover the Sierra de Grazamela on one of the hiking trails in or near the town.
- Taste Payoyo cheese (made from the milk of the Payoya goat, a typical species of the Sierra de Grazalema) at one of the village’s cheese dairies.
How to get there from Ronda
- Driving time: 40min
- Access: by car or bus only (no train station)
- Parking: 8 parking lots outside the village. It’s the best way to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, even if you have to walk a few minutes to reach the town center.
Practical advice
- When to come: as with all villages, we advise you to come early in the morning to enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Length of visit: Allow 1 hour if you plan to stroll around the town, and half a day if you want to take time to admire the views from the belvederes.
- What to bring: Good shoes if you want to take advantage of your visit to the village to go for a short hike.
- On-site catering: yes
3. Zahara de la Sierra (40 min)
Why visit?
The jewel of Andalucia’s white villages, Zahara de la Sierra is emblematic for its turquoise lake and its 13th-century Nasrid castle, which proudly dominates the village. We loved discovering the views of the surrounding mountains and lake below as we turned down the winding lanes. Nature lovers will appreciate the many nearby hikes, such as the Garganta Verde hike or the Llanos del Rabel hike through varied, unspoilt landscapes.
Look out for our article on this spectacular village soon.
The must-dos
- Buy tickets for the Château and enjoy the spectacular panorama from above
- Admire the pretty Baroque façade of theSanta María De La Mesa church in pink marble and its bell tower set with green azulejos.
- Take a trip to the El Gastor reservoir to enjoy the lake’s turquoise waters. The riverbanks are ideal for a wide range of activities (walking, cycling, horseback riding, swimming).
How to get there from Ronda
- Driving time: 40min
- Access: easy drive from near the lake (no train station)
- Parking: at the bottom of the village and also under the castle
- Want to explore Zahara de la Sierra by bike? Discover the Col de las Palomas circuit – see prices and availability
Practical advice
- When to come: as with all villages, we advise you to come early in the morning to enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Duration: allow 1 hour to visit the village and half a day if you want to enjoy the surrounding nature.
- Don’t forget: good shoes, as the alleyways are steep, and water and a snack, as there are few shops.
- On-site catering: yes
WHERE TO STAY IN Ronda
Option 1: In the historic or modern city center
We recommend exploring the attractions on foot:
- Hotel Casa Palacio Villa Zambra – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Palacio de Hemingway – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: In the surrounding countryside
If you prefer nature and peace and quiet, we recommend it:
- Hotel Cortijo La Organic – See photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Ronda
4. Olvera (50 min)
Why visit?
Occupying a magnificent hilltop site, we liked the village of Olvera because, unlike the other white villages in the region, it features houses with touches of ochre. We really appreciated this contrast, as well as the breathtaking panoramas from the main church or the fortress of its 12th-century Château.
The must-dos
- Visit the Eglise Mayor Parroquial y Arcipestral Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and admire its neoclassical silhouette standing out against the landscape.
- Admire the view from the Castillo de Olvera castle and stroll through the Barrio de la Villa.
How to get there from Ronda
- Driving time: 50min
- Access: easy by car and the bus station is a 13-minute walk from the château.
- Parking: several parking lots in town, including one next to the castle
- Fancy a bike ride? Discover the Via Verde de la Sierra via Olvera – see prices and availability
Practical advice
- When to come: unlike other villages, we advise you to come at the end of the day to admire the sunset from the village promontory.
- Duration: allow 2 hours to take your time between the visit to the castle and the stroll through the village
- Don’t forget: water and a hat if you’re coming in summer, as the church and château sites are quite exposed.
- Catering: Yes, and the restaurant offer seems more contemporary than in other villages. We spotted the Amaranta bar for its exceptional view and the La Tarara Neotaberna restaurant for its creative cuisine!
5. Montejaque (30 min)
Why visit?
You absolutely must put Montejaque on your itinerary, if only for the picturesque roads that surround it. As we drove back to Ronda from Grazalema, we were overwhelmed by the breathtaking panoramas that unfolded before our eyes.
As we pulled into the village, we were seduced by its charm, as if frozen in time, with its steep streets and old-roofed houses.
The must-dos
- Admire the church of Santiago El Mayor, with its bright yellow bell tower and row of associated palm trees.
- Take in the bird’s-eye view of the village from the Mirador del Karst (7-minute walk)
- Explore the Cueva del Hundidero cave (6min drive from Montejaque). You’ll appreciate both the spectacular setting of the cave and the geological formations it houses (more info on the official website here).
How to get there from Ronda
- Driving time: 30min
- Access: easy by car, but remember that the road between Grazalema and Montejaque is the most beautiful part! So if you can, plan to go to Grazalema before Montejaque.
- Parking: we recommend the car park on Rue du Dr. Vázquez Y Gutiérrez, a 7-minute walk to the city center
Practical advice
- When to visit: unlike other white villages saturated with tourists, Montejaque remains peaceful and can be visited at any time.
- Duration: 1 hour for a self-guided tour of the village, or half a day if you want to take the excursion to the Grotta del Hundidero.
- What to bring: water and good shoes
- On-site catering: yes, but not much choice. We spotted the Casa Lola restaurant, which seems to stand out from the crowd with its lovely shaded terrace.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
6. Benajoan (20 min)
Why visit?
The main reason for coming to Benajoan is to enjoy one of the two caves close to the village:
- The Cueva del Gato cave, famous for its emerald lake. You can get there by car (6min from Benajoan) or on foot along the Sendero a la Cueva del Gato hiking trail (1h30 from Benajoan), which runs alongside the Guadiaro river, past the ruins of the Torre del Moro and ends at the cave, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip after a hard day’s work!
- The Cueva de la Pileta cave, with its exceptional Palaeolithic and Neolithic cave paintings. More info on their website here.
The village’s charm lies in its unspoilt character and winding streets. You can visit the 17th-centuryChurch of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, with its bright red façade and Gothic cellar in the presbytery.
How to get there from Ronda
- Driving time: 20min
- Access: easy by road and also possible by train (20min walk from the station to the village entrance).
- Parking: We recommend parking in the Aparcamiento Plaza Knittlingen parking lot, right in the center of town, if you want to stroll around the village. Both caves have their own parking lots.
- Would you like to combine a visit to Ronda and the Cueva de la Pileta? See prices and availability
Practical advice
- When to come: avoid the middle of the day in summer because of the heat, but otherwise this village is not very busy.
- Duration: 30min for the village only and half a day for the caves
- Don’t forget: water, a picnic especially if you’re visiting the caves, and good shoes as the village is on a slope. Don’t forget to take cash to pay for parking!
- Eating out: few restaurants in the village itself. We’ve spotted a tempting Panaderia Maximo bakery where you can pick up a few sweet treats before or after your visit.
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Other villages around Ronda
Do you still hear the bewitching call of the white villages? If your curiosity remains unquenched, the Ronda region still has many treasures to discover. Let yourself be tempted by these little-known gems:
- Algodonales (36min): this village is renowned for its hang-gliding excursions.
- Villaluenga del Rosario (45 min): this charming white village is renowned for its authentic calm and its rock-cut bullring.
- Villamartín (50 min): This small farming village offers an authentic insight into the life of Andalucia’s farmers. Don’t miss the Plaza de Ayuntamiento and Calle El Santo, home to some beautiful mansions.
- Benamahoma (1h): Nestling in the greenery of the Sierra de Grazalema, this village is famous for its natural spring and ancient mill. You can visit its ecomuseum or take one of its waterside walking trails!
- Ubrique (1h): dating back to the 15th century, Ubrique has become the most dynamic town in the region, thanks in particular to its leather crafts.
- Bornos (1h): unlike other white mountain villages, Bornos is home to the Ribera Castle, worth a visit for its 16th-century patio and garden.
- Espera (1h): perched on a small hill, this village is worth a visit for the Arab castle of Faterar and the church of Santa María de Gracia.
And don’t forget Arcos de la Frontera, 1 hour from Ronda! Perched on a vertiginous rocky spur, this jewel of Andalusian medieval architecture is home to the beautiful Church of Santa Maria de la Asunción and many other surprises.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
