Day Trip to Grazalema & Zahara de la Sierra, Ronda
Visit two of Ronda's most scenic White Villages: Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, known for incredible nature and vistas.
Overview
Ronda is the perfect hub for exploring Andalusia's famed White Villages, Pueblos Blancos. There are many to see in the area, but this private excursion focuses on two of the most scenic towns not far from Ronda: Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. You'll find Grazalema tucked into the scenic Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, and Zahara de la Sierra sits on the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir with its towering castle. Both villages offer unique experiences, including hiking, scenic vistas, and cultural activities.
Highlights
- Enjoy a hike to a viewpoint and historical ruins in Grazalema
- Walk through the charming streets and learn about the history of these White Villages
- Taste a few local products in Zahara de la Sierra
- Take in the views of the national park's many mountain peaks
Know before you go
4 hours
All ages
Private group, 6 people or less
Tasting local delicacies like almonds and olive oil
What you'll do
Get to know Ronda a little better by visiting two of its region's White Villages. This area has many historical influences, including Roman, Visigoth, and Berber, so many of these towns have unique elements, such as caves, cave-like homes, and rock paintings. During the Roman times, these villages began painting some of the buildings white, a practical solution to stave off the region's heat, as white reflects light and heat. But it wasn't until the 14th century, when the plague hit the area, that residents painted all the buildings' exteriors and interiors white, believing it would ward off disease.
Your guide and driver will pick you up in Ronda and start the journey to your first destination, Grazalema. The town gets its name from the surrounding mountains, Sierra de la Grazalema. Though set high in the mountains and forests, this region is famous for being the most humid pocket of Spain. So even in Grazalema, you'll find unique flora and wildlife, including cork trees, mountain goats, deer, vultures, eagles, and more. Its main appeal is the beautiful nature, but there are several things to enjoy in the village.
There are a few viewpoints to enjoy, including El Tajo, which isn't far from the hike up to the Mirador Del Santo viewpoint and the ruins of Ermita del Calvario, the 18th-century Calvario Hermitage. The trail is pretty short, so you can easily enjoy this scenic walk. Though uphill, it's only steep in a few spots, and both sites have places to sit and relax or enjoy a snack. You'll also enjoy the town itself, visiting the main square, Plaza de España, the colorful Iglesia de San José, and one of the town's famous facades, Casa de los Cactus, a beautiful white-washed building with a well-known cactus covering it.
From Grazalema, your guide will drive you through the park to Zahara de la Sierra, passing the Puerto de las Palomas at over 3,000 feet (1,000 m). You'll stop here to enjoy the views. To the north are several mountain peaks, including Garganta Verde, Algodonales, the Sierra of Lijar, and Prieto. To the south, you can see the sheer cliff face of the Tajo of Ronda and the Sierra of Snow.
Continue to Zahara de la Sierra, known for its incredible scenery and famous for its olive oil. Here you'll enjoy tasting some of the local products, including almonds and olive oil. Zahara is a great spot to enjoy a meal, thanks to its gastronomical roots. Enjoy walking through the winding streets and stop at one of its many viewpoints. The vistas from atop the castle are particularly nice and worth the climb, but you can also enjoy the reservoir scenery from the Puerta de la Villa. Or, ask your guide to take you out of town to get a killer view of the village and water at the Mirador Zahara de la Sierra. At the end of the excursion, your driver will take you back to Ronda.
Your guide and driver will pick you up in Ronda and start the journey to your first destination, Grazalema. The town gets its name from the surrounding mountains, Sierra de la Grazalema. Though set high in the mountains and forests, this region is famous for being the most humid pocket of Spain. So even in Grazalema, you'll find unique flora and wildlife, including cork trees, mountain goats, deer, vultures, eagles, and more. Its main appeal is the beautiful nature, but there are several things to enjoy in the village.
There are a few viewpoints to enjoy, including El Tajo, which isn't far from the hike up to the Mirador Del Santo viewpoint and the ruins of Ermita del Calvario, the 18th-century Calvario Hermitage. The trail is pretty short, so you can easily enjoy this scenic walk. Though uphill, it's only steep in a few spots, and both sites have places to sit and relax or enjoy a snack. You'll also enjoy the town itself, visiting the main square, Plaza de España, the colorful Iglesia de San José, and one of the town's famous facades, Casa de los Cactus, a beautiful white-washed building with a well-known cactus covering it.
From Grazalema, your guide will drive you through the park to Zahara de la Sierra, passing the Puerto de las Palomas at over 3,000 feet (1,000 m). You'll stop here to enjoy the views. To the north are several mountain peaks, including Garganta Verde, Algodonales, the Sierra of Lijar, and Prieto. To the south, you can see the sheer cliff face of the Tajo of Ronda and the Sierra of Snow.
Continue to Zahara de la Sierra, known for its incredible scenery and famous for its olive oil. Here you'll enjoy tasting some of the local products, including almonds and olive oil. Zahara is a great spot to enjoy a meal, thanks to its gastronomical roots. Enjoy walking through the winding streets and stop at one of its many viewpoints. The vistas from atop the castle are particularly nice and worth the climb, but you can also enjoy the reservoir scenery from the Puerta de la Villa. Or, ask your guide to take you out of town to get a killer view of the village and water at the Mirador Zahara de la Sierra. At the end of the excursion, your driver will take you back to Ronda.
What's included
- Private driver and guide
- Guided walk in Grazalema
- Guided walk in Zahara de la Sierra
- Tasting a few delicacies in Zahara
See alternatives

Self-Guided Visit to Olvera
Self guided
Olvera is one of Spain's official white villages (also called white towns, white cities, or Pueblos Blancos), a string of white-washed towns that often sit atop hills in the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz. Olvera is a small village but one with a dramatic presence with its cathedral and castle sitting high atop the hill and overlooking the valleys below. It's a town that pairs nicely with other white villages, including Ronda, Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, and Sentil de las Bodegas, to name a few.
As a 700-year-old village, Olvera has a diverse history with several cultural influences. The town's original Moorish walls still enclose its Old Town, and the 12th-century Arab castle dominates its skyline. Next door to the castle is a 19th-century cathedral built upon the foundation of a Moorish church.
As a self-guided tour, you can cater your day in the village to your interests, though upon booking, we'll provide you with all the practical information you'll need, plus personalized insider tips on how to enjoy your time.
As a 700-year-old village, Olvera has a diverse history with several cultural influences. The town's original Moorish walls still enclose its Old Town, and the 12th-century Arab castle dominates its skyline. Next door to the castle is a 19th-century cathedral built upon the foundation of a Moorish church.
As a self-guided tour, you can cater your day in the village to your interests, though upon booking, we'll provide you with all the practical information you'll need, plus personalized insider tips on how to enjoy your time.

Private Walk in Ronda
(1)
Private group
·
2.5 hours
Explore Ronda with a local, the village that Ernest Hemingway once called the most romantic town in Spain. In addition to being home to several palaces, museums, and historic buildings, Ronda is also set on a spectacular gorge and surrounded by the Serranía de Ronda Mountains. Your guide will take you through the historic neighborhoods and across all three of the town's famed bridges, including Puente Nuevo, for its incredible views of El Tajo Gorge.

Live Spanish Guitar Show
Small group
·
45 minutes
Enjoy a live, traditional Spanish guitar concert with Ronda Guitar Music. You'll listen to the relaxing sound in a beautiful venue at Casa Don Bosco, a modernist-style mansion built at the beginning of the 20th century. This historic house provides exceptional acoustics and impressive views over Ronda and its cliffs—an atmospheric backdrop to the tinkling of Spanish guitars by a top musician.
Not available in July and August
Not available in July and August

Private Ronda History, Tapas & Artisan Experience
Private group
·
3 hours
Get to know the more authentic side of Ronda with a private experience focusing on the city's history, gastronomy, and culture. You'll enjoy a guided walk with a passionate local, visiting iconic sites like Puente Nuevo and the historic San Francisco neighborhood. Take a break with a few drinks and tapas, then learn about the city's artisan culture with a leather-making workshop.

Cooking in a Vineyard
Small group
·
4 hours
Immerse yourself in Spanish cuisine and culture with a cooking class in a picturesque organic vineyard in Ronda, Spain. Learn about biodynamic agricultural techniques and the local slow food philosophy as you prepare traditional Andalusian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a guided vineyard tour, Ronda wine tasting, and a delectable meal accompanied by the sound of a nearby waterfall, all while taking in breathtaking views of the city and an unforgettable sunset.

Organic Wine Tasting
(1)
Small group
·
2 hours
Though not quite on the worldwide map just yet, Ronda is becoming increasingly known for its small-scale wine production. With multiple vineyards within the city limits and throughout the surrounding countryside, there are a lot of varietals to taste and experience. This activity brings you to a beautiful organic vineyard right at the bottom of Ronda's famous cliffs. This valley sits at the base of Puente Nuevo and the end of El Tajo Gorge, so you get amazing views, a dose of culture, and delicious wine.