Andalusia 7-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Ronda & the White Villages
Ronda, Andalusia, Spain
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Once impregnable Ronda is the only city in the wildly beautiful Serrania de Ronda between Malaga and Seville.
Teetering on sheer cliffs, Ronda’s extraordinary Puente Nuevo straddles the 150m deep Tajo gorge, linking the old Moorish town to the new. The views alone make it Andalusia’s third most visited city, but there is much more, including the Palacio de Mondragon Museum and gardens, the city walls and gates.
Ronda is also a gateway to a series of so-called Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) – 20 hill towns in the Sierra de Grazalema named after their glowing white-washed walls, immersed in lovely landscapes.
There are several circular White Village routes out of Ronda, or en route to Cadiz or Jerez de la Frontera. Ideal for leisurely touring by car or bike.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Malaga 3-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Malaga to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
There are a number of organised tours to the popular white villages, that will arrange all of the logistics for you. See our recommendations below.
If you want to self-drive, you can take in three of the most picturesque White Villages by heading 17km north to Setenil de las Bodegas with its famous cliff houses, then head west 33km to Zahara de la Sierra. From here drive south 16km on the breath-taking CA-9104 to Grazalema; from here it’s 33km back to Ronda. For a multi-day cycling (or e-bike) tour of the White Villages, try Cycling Country.
When to do it
Ronda and the White Villages are beautiful year-round, but maybe less so in July and August when it can be very hot and crowded.
Experience
Aguas de Ronda
Ronda, Andalusia, Spain
Relax in this charming spa, built amid the 700-year old ruins of Ronda’s Arab baths, with its five pools in various temperatures, sauna, infrared room and ice fountain; massages are available as well.
Best for ages: 13+ | £19
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Experience
Arcos de la Frontera
Arcos de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain
Traditional, picturesque gateway to the White Villages from Cadiz, curling around a sheer cliff on the Guadalete river, with a Moorish fortress, steep narrow cobbled lanes, lavishly ornate churches, and cubist white houses.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Casa del Rey Moro
Ronda, Andalusia, Spain
An 18th-century mansion where can visit the half-French, half-Moorish garden and the extraordinary ‘water mine’ that supplied Ronda, 231 steps below the gardens to the Tajo river.
Best for ages: 18+ | £6
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Experience
Grazalema
Grazalema, Andalusia, Spain
Surrounded by craggy mountains, in the heart of the eponymous Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), this flower-filled White Village is dominated by the dramatic limestone outcrop of the Penon Grande.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Guided tour in Ronda
Malaga
If you want to know Ronda by the hand of native official guides, here is the best opportunity. Not only will you learn many things about the...
€12 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [34 ratings]
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Ronda, the dreamt city - Private Tour
Malaga
Through this walking tour you'll inmerse yourself in the history, culture and tradition of the authentic Ronda.
This unique city was settl...
€70 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [20 ratings]
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White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville
Seville
(mandatory, please READ DEPARTURE & RETURN SECTION to choose your pick up.)
Take the day to discover the famous “White Villages” of Andalus...
€79 | Rating 4.53 / 5 [836 ratings]
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1 Day Excursion to White Villages and Ronda
Seville
Nobody should leave Andalusia without experiencing the beauty of the landscape of the “Pueblos Blancos”.
During our visit, discover incredib...
€79 | Rating 4.35 / 5 [28 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel Catalonia Ronda
Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[0.7 miles]
In the heart of Ronda, this four-star hotel has unbeatable views from its roof terrace and infinity pool.
Official star rating:
Hotel Molino del Santo
Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[8.8 miles]
In gorgeous countryside near Ronda, this charming hotel in a former mill comes with a lovely pool and superb restaurant.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Andalusia
Andalusia, Spain
A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.
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Malaga
Andalusia, Spain
A big, vibrant city with a fascinating old centre, lively contemporary art, sandy beaches, great restaurants and buzzy nightlife.
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