Romantic Road to Ronda 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." Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Meeting: Los Barrios Airport: Malaga or Jerez Transfer: Malaga or Jerez Airport Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off are available from Malaga Airport. Pick-up on Day 1 can is scheduled for earlier than 6pm. On the last day, you will be dropped off at the airport after 7am. Transfers are also available from Malaga bus or train station at no extra cost.

Sample Itinerary 2022 - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from either Malaga or Jerez airport and transfer you to your base for the first few nights. We will then match horses with rider based on various criteria such as height and riding experience.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios

Day 2: Arab Stud Farm & Los Alcornocales Natural Park
We start the day by exploring the area around the Finca, where you can see the thoroughbred Arabian horses that are bred by your hosts. Then, we will visit a ranch with bulls. Eventually, we will ride to the Natural Park of Los Alcornocales (some river crossings). The park is famous for its rich vegetation.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios

Day 3: Los Barrios to Catsellar Castle
Today's route allows you to discover the Hispano-Muslim frontier heritage of the province from a privileged location in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park: the southern edge of the Sierra de los Melones. Our destination for the day is Castellar Castle, built during the Nazar kingdom.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Castle of Castellar Hotel

Day 4: Castellar Castle to Jimena de la Frontera
Our trail takes us through forests of holm oaks, cork oaks and a leafy thicket of rockrose, gorse and thyme, the ideal setting for the bandits who inhabited these lands. We will end the 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 Hotel Enrieta in Jimena de la Frontera

Day 5: 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 the forests to rob the wealthy travellers going to Ronda.
We will ride along the paths that the smugglers used to take, carrying tobacco and other goods from the coast to Ronda, from where it was distributed throughout Andalusia and Spain.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Frotuosa in Gaucin

Day 6: Gaucin to Jimena de Libar
This route never disappoints! We go through a charming but rough valley that offers a colourful mosaic with its lush gardens. These gardens have been able to survive thanks to the care of the inhabitants, who have wisely managed to exploit the valley's resources without undermining its landscape and natural beauty. We will also follow old trail roads previously used by muleteers to transport the wheat and olives that were milled on the banks of the Guadiaro River.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Almaraz in Jimena de Libar

Day 7: Jimena de Libar to Ronda
Today, we follow a historic route, deep in the Serranía de Ronda, where the fruit trees and irrigation of the Guadiaro valley give way to sharp slopes, forested hillsides and bare rocks.
We then take a beautiful path above the River Guadiaro and climb up to the ancient city of Ronda and its famous gorge.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Restaurante Berlanga in Ronda

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

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Sample Itinerary 2023 - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from Malaga airports and transfer you to Ronda. Dinner and overnight at Hotel los pilares de Ronda (or similar).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel los pilares de Ronda in Ronda

Day 2: Ronda
The old city of Ronda is one of the most interesting cities in all Andalusia. The landscape, the layout of the town, its history, the romantic legend of its bandits with their evocative names, the cradle of 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 los pilares de Ronda in Ronda

Day 3: Ronda to Benadalid
Today's trail winds through valleys and slopes following and historic route deep in the Serranía de Ronda. The fruit trees and irrigation of the Guadiaro valley slowly give way to sharp slopes, forested hillsides, and bare rocks.
You follow a beautiful path above the river Guadiaro and then climb up to take a look over the ancient city of Ronda and its famous gorge.
Riding approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Almeji in Benadalid

Day 4: Benadalid to Gaucin
Our day's route brings us through a charming but rough valley. Thanks to the care of its inhabitants, who have wisely managed to exploit its resources without undermining its landscape and natural. beauty, it ressembles a lush garden. We ride on 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 in the past.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel las buitreras in Gaucin

Day 5: Gaucin to Jimena de la Frontera
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 the forests to rob the wealthy travellers going to Ronda.
We will ride along the paths that the smugglers used to take, carrying tobacco and other goods from the coast to Ronda, from where it was distributed throughout Andalusia and Spain.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Casa Henrietta in Jimena de la Frontera

Day 6: Jimena de la Frontera to Castle of Castellar
We ride across roads and crossroads in the middle of forests of holm oaks, cork oaks with a leafy thicket of rockrose, gorse and thyme, 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 Hotel Castillo de Castellar

Day 7: Castle of Castellar to Los Barrios
This trail allows you to discover the Hispano Muslim heritage of the province from a privileged location in Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the southern edge of the Sierra de los Melones.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel la Montera Plaza or Finca las majadillas in Los Barrios

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.

                                                Tarifa area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	60	60	62	64	67	72	76	77	74	70	65	61
Average Low Temperature (°F)	52	52	54	55	59	64	67	69	66	62	57	54
Average High Temperature (°C)	16	15	17	18	20	22	24	25	23	21	18	16
Average Low Temperature (°C)	11	11	12	13	15	18	20	20	19	17	14	12
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	7	6	6	3	1	0	0	1	5	7	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Andalusia benefits from a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Rainfalls are not common in this region as the sun shines on average 300 days a year. Most of the rain falls during the winter months, but it very rarely rains for a long time.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Riding helmet

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Light summer jacket

Warm jacket

Comfortable shoes/sneakers

Swimsuit

Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films

Belt pack

Water bottle

Sun glasses with strap

Sun cream and lip balm

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

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.

2022 Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios
Night 3: Castle of Castellar Hotel
Night 4: Hotel Enrieta in Jimena de la Frontera
Night 5: Hotel la Fructuosa in Gaucin
Night 6: Hotel Almaraz in Jimena de Libar
Night 7: Hotel Restaurante Berlanga in Ronda

Hotel Montera in Los Barrios 
This small hotel offers 64 spacious bedrooms, decorated with style and all equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access, private facilities and a balcony. The hotel has a garden and a terrace with an outdoor swimming pool. It is possible to do your laundry for an extra fee.

Castle of Castellar Hotel
Tonight, you will get to sleep in a fortress dating back to the 13th century. There are 9 rooms, all uniquely decorated and feature temperature control (hot/cold), ensuite full bathroom with hair dryer, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and beautiful views.

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 Henrieta in Jimena de la Frontera
This accommodation used to be the house of a famous doctor. It has now been renovated into a lovely boutique hotel with 13 individually decorated bedrooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, heating, a safe and a private bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel has a terrace that offers wonderful views over the Serrania de Ronda. There is also a solarium on the top floor, with great views of the castle.

Hotel la Fructuosa in Gaucin
You will be accommodated in a building that is over 200 years old and occupied various functions over time. It was first renovated in 1998 and then again in 2017. All rooms come with a private bathroom, a TV, fans, central heating, and free Wi-Fi access.

Hotel Almaraz in Jimena de Libar
Your accommodation for the night is a lovely hotel offering simple and comfortable accommodations in the heart of the village. Each room has its own bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi access.

Hotel Restaurante Berlanga in Ronda
This family run hotel offers comfortable accommodation, only a short walk from Ronda's city center. The 27 rooms are all equipped with ensuite bathroom, a TV, air conditioning and heating. There is free Wi-Fi access available at this property.


2023 Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel los Pilares de Ronda in Ronda
Night 3: Hotel Almeji in Benadalid
Night 4: Hotel las Buitreras in Gaucin
Night 5: Hotel Casa Henrietta in Jimena de la Frontera
Night 6: Hotel Castillo de Catsellar
Night 7: Hotel Montera or Finca las Majadillas in Los Barrios

Hotel los Pilares de Ronda in Ronda
Surrounded by nature, this hotel has a modern decor. The rooms feature air conditionning/heating, ensuite bathrooms, a TV and free internet connexion. There is a beautiful pool and a small garden where guests can cool off in the evening.

Hotel Almeji in Benadalid
This hotel is housed in an old oïl mill and was completely refurbished in order to offer comfortable accommodation while keeping its original charm. Each of the 20 spacious bedrooms come equipped with a heater and ceiling fan, free Wi-Fi internet and private facilities.  

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 Casa Henrieta in Jimena de la Frontera
This accommodation used to be the house of a famous doctor. It has now been renovated into a lovely boutique hotel with 13 individually decorated bedrooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, heating, a safe and a private bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel has a terrace that offers wonderful views over the Serrania de Ronda. There is also a solarium on the top floor, with great views of the castle.

Hotel Castillo de Castellar
Tonight, you will get to sleep in a fortress dating back to the 13th century. There are 9 rooms, all uniquely decorated and feature temperature control (hot/cold), ensuite full bathroom with hair dryer, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and beautiful views.

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 Montera in Los Barrios 
This small hotel offers 64 spacious bedrooms, decorated with style and all equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access, private facilities and a balcony. The hotel has a garden and a terrace with an outdoor swimming pool. It is possible to do your laundry for an extra fee.

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.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Andalusian and Arab-Andalusian mix
Pace:		Approx. 5 hours in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 13
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.