Self-guided Walking Grazaelma
Grazalema Self guided
Grazalema Walking Holiday

Walking Sierra De Grazalema Self Guided Holiday

from
€ 655,00

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain’s most ecologically outstanding areas. The 51,695 ha park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. By far the most impressive gorge is Garganta Verde, with its exceptional griffon vulture colony and rocky walls that tower vertically for 400m. Andalucia’s largest cave system is also here, the Hundidero-Gato with its biggest cavern measuring 4km long and an entrance of 60m tall. The region is well known for being the rainiest place in Spain, with an annual rainfall of 2,200mm, which means that the 1,300 Mediterranean plant species that have been registered here, many of them endemic and some of them unique to the Sierra, flourish. There is a magnificent and well preserved forest of the rare Spanish fir, a relic from the Tertiary period, in the Sierra del Pinar on the slopes of Cadiz province’s highest peak at 1,654m, El Torreón. Around 3,000ha of the park is called an Área de Reserve, with the most fragile ecosystems, Spanish fir forests(Pinsapo) and black vulture colonies. The Area De Reserve, is closed from the end of May to October.

Our self guided walking holiday takes you through the magnificent Sierra de Grazalema park taking in the fabulous limestone outcrops and some amazing wildlife. The route takes us from the west of Ronda across the Sierra de Grazalema through Villaluenga Del Rosario to Grazalema village. Spending the last night in the spectacular town of Ronda.

This self guided walking holiday spends two nights in Benaojan, one night in Villaluenga del Rosario, three nights in Grazalema and one night in Ronda. Walking between villages and you luggage being moved for you. You have a choice of walks from Grazalema village.

Self guided walking holiday Sierra de Grazalema

  • Reviews 1 Review
    5/5
  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
      Hotel to Hotel, Self-Guided Tours, Walking Holiday
    • Activity Level Moderate
      3/8
    • Group Size Small Group
      8
    All about the Walking Sierra De Grazalema Self Guided Holiday.

    A 7 night self guided walking holiday based in the spectacular Sierra de Grazalema. Grazalema is a very rural area based around huge limestone outcrops and long expansive valleys. you spend 2 nights in Benaojan and walk the ‘Mr Henderson’s Railway’ route the first day, a very easy but enjoyable walk. The next day is a long walk out of Benaojan and into the Valle de Libar which we follow before walking up and into Villaluenga Del Rosario. You stay here one night and walk to Grazalema village , where you spend the next 3 nights.Walking from the hotel in Grazalema everyday you have a choice of walks, the goatherders leap, climb Simancon, the second highest peak in Cadiz province, Pinsapar route(in season) and two easier Grazalema loops.

    This self guided waking holiday would suit anyone who likes to walk 5-7hrs a day with some ascents and descents. These times are with stops. The area is great for food with some of the best meals and tapas we have tasted in Spain. There is a fabulous choice in Grazalema and Ronda for eating out and trying the local food.

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

    Your choice of start and finish dates

    Choose your length of holiday(min 3 nights, max 12 nights)

    Great hotel accommodation and food (All breakfasts & 3 evening meals)

    Sherpa transport for luggage (hotel to hotel)

    A packed walk pack covering the Sierra De Grazalema(map, walk notes, wildlife and cultural guides)

    Taxi from Ronda to Benaojan

    Taxi from Grazalema to Ronda

    24hr assistance if needed.

    An Excellent Self Guided Walking Holiday

    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

    Flights & airport transfers :-
    Airport Transfers – We organise these for 100 Euro per group of upto 4 people each way
    We do organise transfers for larger groups please contact us.

    Personal snacks/drinks

    4 evening meals(3 in Grazalema village and 1 in Ronda)

    Lunches

    1. Day1 Met In Ronda

      Met in Ronda and transferred to the first hotel. (Transfers available from Malaga airport)
      Evening meal in Hotel Molino Cuatro Paradas.

    2. Day2 Benaojan - Jimera de Libar 10km

      Benaojan – Jimera de Libar 10km 4-6hrs

      A classic walk from the hotel down to the village of Benaojan and then to the valley floor where you pick up this lovely path that will take you along the side of the railway to the sleepy village of Jimera de Libar. You can have a drink at Bar Alioli, before either catching the train back or retracing your steps and making the walk longer.
      Evening meal in hotel

    3. Day3 Benaojan - Villaluenga del Rosario 20km

      Benaojan – Villaluenga del Rosario 20km 6-8hrs
      A long walk from Benaojan and down the long valley of Libar following the GR7 long distance path. You walk along the valley floor with sheer limestone cliffs on either side, a wonderful varied walk.
      Evening meal in hotel

    4. Day4 Villaluenga del Rosario - Grazalema 14km

      Villaluenga del Rosario – Grazalema 14km 5-6hrs
      Another beautiful walk from hotel to hotel. First a climb up a long limestone valley before ascending to charca verde(green pond) and traversing the peak of Reloj. Before we descend into Grazalema village.

      Evening meal in hotel

    5. Day5 Choice Of Walks

      Grazalema Circuit 8km Ascent 200m Descent 200m
      An easier day with a beautiful walk with fabulous views of the whole of Grazalema National Park. Walking past the Poso’s(ancient fridges) and another great raptor watching day.

      Or

      Goat Herders Leap – 17km(long) 9km(short) Ascent 300m Descent 300m
      One of the best walks in the area, walking to Benaocaz from Grazalema and back via a different route.(you can take the local bus back from Benaocaz to shorten the walk)

      Or

      Climb Simancon – 11km Ascent 700, Descent 700m
      A high peak that overlooks Grazalema and great views in all directions from the top.

      Or

      Pinsapar 12km Ascent 500m, Descent 500m

      A walk in the protected Pinsapar forest above Grazalema village. Beautiful views of the national park.

      Or

      Grazalema Circuit 8km 300m ascent, 300m descent

      A circular walk around the reservoir that feeds Grazalema and then up Cerro Grande for great views of Grazalema village.

      Free night

    6. Day6 Choice Of Walks

      Grazalema Circuit 8km Ascent 200m Descent 200m
      An easier day with a beautiful walk with fabulous views of the whole of Grazalema National Park. Walking past the Poso’s(ancient fridges) and another great raptor watching day.

      Or

      Goat Herders Leap – 17km(long) 9km(short) Ascent 300m Descent 300m
      One of the best walks in the area, walking to Benaocaz from Grazalema and back via a different route.(you can take the local bus back from Benaocaz to shorten the walk)

      Or

      Climb Simancon – 11km Ascent 700, Descent 700m
      A high peak that overlooks Grazalema and great views in all directions from the top.

      Or

      Pinsapar 12km Ascent 500m, Descent 500m

      A walk in the protected Pinsapar forest above Grazalema village. Beautiful views of the national park.

      Or

      Grazalema Circuit 8km 300m ascent, 300m descent

      A circular walk around the reservoir that feeds Grazalema and then up Cerro Grande for great views of Grazalema village.

      Free Night

    7. Day7 Free Day In Ronda

      Check out of the hotel and transfer to the spectacular town of Ronda (transfer 30 mins). Check into the Hotel San Gabriel, right by the Puente Nuevo.

      Free Night

    8. Day8 Transfer onwards

      Check out of hotel.
      Transfer Onwards

    Accommodation During Week

    Hotel Molino Cuatro Paradas 3 * Benaojan Rural
    A lovely hotel just outside Benaojan. Situated on the side of the river and rooms around a courtyard. Great food. Wi-fi and swimming pool.

    Hotel La Posada 2*  Vallialuenga Del Rosario RuralAccommodation Villaluenga

    In the village of Villaluenga Del Rosario, a very charming little hotel with very good local food on offer. Wifi in rooms.

    La Mejorana 2* Grazalema OR 

    An excellent bed and breakfast 5 minutes walk from the centre of Grazalema. Nice pool and gardens, wif-fi.

    Hotel Puerta De La Villa 4* Grazalema

    A large hotel in the centre or Grazalema, small pool, wi-fi.

    Hotel San Gabriel 4* RondaAccommodation Ronda

    A beautiful family run hotel in the old town of Ronda. Very charming with excellent service. Wi-fi in rooms.

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
    Accommodation

    En-suite rooms based on 2 people sharing a room

    Single Room Supplement

    If you would like to have your own room, there is a 120 Euro surcharge.
    We pay this to the hotels and do not profit from it.

    1 Good pair of walking boots, preferably not brandnew

    2 Walking poles, if you are not confident on loose ground

    3 Waterproofs- especially if you are going high

    4 Warm jacket, Fleece etc

    5 Sun hat

    6 Sun Cream

    7 Sun Glasses

    8 Comfortable backpack

    9 Water bottle/ camel pack

    10 Travel insurance

    11 Health card

    12 Blister plasters

    13 Shorts/t-shirts

    As you will be partaking in an activity holiday, it is a condition that you are adequately covered by the relevant insurance for medical and holiday cover. You will be asked to send proof of insurance when you have booked a holiday with us. We also recommend that you obtain your EHIC card which enables a citizen from the EU to health care anywhere within the EU.

    Most holiday insurance companies include walking as part of their normal policy – just make sure it goes up to 3500m if you are walking Mulhacen.

    Of course you can. If you are willing to share a room then there is no problem but if you want your own room there is a single supplement charge applicable.(120 Euro)

    If you are coming self-guided then you can have as many people as you like in your group. We have organised self-guided walking holidays for groups of 20 before. Contact Us to discuss your holiday.

    We have never cancelled a week but we will inform you if the group on your chosen week is low on walkers.

    No, the choice is yours. If you want free day then just inform us at the time and we can hopefully give you other options or if you feel a walk maybe too much for you we can usually arrange a shorter version for you.

    All the hotels can cater for any diet. If you have a particularly allergy, just let us know and we will make sure the hotels are aware.

    We recommend flying to Malaga.

    There are several buses a day from Malaga to Ronda, you can find the times here :- autobuses

    There are 3 trains a day from Malaga to Ronda, you can find them here:- www.renfe.es

    We can organise a transfer where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the first hotel. The cost is 100 Euro each way for a group of up to 4 people. Larger groups please contact us.

    Overall Rating
    5/5
    Bob Helmer
    Reviewed On 14/11/2017
    5/5

    We really enjoyed our Grazalema self guided walk! The course was well described in the booklet provided, and while the conversion from our minds 'miles' to kilometers was at times a bit of challenge, we actually ended up doing quite well. The experience of seeing the country side and then the villages to arrive at was very unique and enjoyable. The accommodations were friendly and well positioned to share local culture. I highly recommend Dan's self guided walks!

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