Ronda and its surrounding landscape has all that is symbolic of Andalucia—the land of passion, literary inspiration, bullfighting and romantic bandit stories. Its famous Puente Nuevo bridge, spanning El Tajo gorge, is unforgettable. Ronda is a magnificent city with a rich culture and history but this region also offers beautiful countryside, picturesque white villages like Gaucín, and the sea which is near enough for a day at the beach.
The region of ‘the white villages’ is located inland halfway between Marbella and Sevilla in the province of Cádiz. These whitewashed villages were built on hills for safety during times of medieval unrest. Today we’re left with peaceful, pretty towns all with breathtaking views of peaks, gorges and lush green pastures. This friendly, uncrowded region offers a different experience from the coast and usual tourist sites.
The Natural Park of Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche is in the most westerly part of Andalucía, in the province of Huelva. Here the landscape is of green woodlands, mountain streams and pretty white villages. Sevilla is little more than an hour’s drive away so it’s surprising that this region is almost unheard of outside Andalucía. With surprises at every turn—Templar castles, caves, fiestas and gastronomical delights—this corner of Andalucía is uniquely beautiful and wholly original.
