Great Things to Do Near Casa Maria
Nothing but Nature in the National Parks
Drive for miles through one of the natural parks - Parque de los Alcornocales or Grazalema - without seeing another vehicle. But remember that you are likely to come across cows, mountain goats and deer, and they have right of way
Treat for Horse Lovers
See 'How The Andalusian Horses Dance' at the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez. Shows are performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon (and Fridays in August). Real horse enthusiasts can also watch training sessions on other days of the week. Book your tickets online before you come on holiday.
Bring your binoculars
Being so close to two National Parks, there is an array of wildlife to be enjoyed. You can spend many an hour looking out for eagles, griffon vultures and smaller birds from the the lovely upper terrace of Casa Maria.
Caminito del Rey
Once considered the most dangerous path in the world, the Caminito de Rey near Ardales is an 8km hike. Today the entire route has been carefully restored and although it's now much safer, one thing hasn't changed - the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 metres up on a sheer cliff face. It is spectacular all way long: from the Count of Guadalhorce Reservoir to its end at El Chorro Dam. Placed in unique natural surroundings, the path stretches between two gorges, canyons and a large valley, along pathways or boardwalks. For more information and to book your visit in advance, visit: www.caminitodelrey.info/en
Ronda Romantica
Each May Ronda now celebrates an historical recreation of the 19th century “Ronda Romantica”, a whole weekend of fun and frolics with locals dressed as bandits and wenches and performing battles and robberies!
Explore the area on two wheels!
A local company offers cycling day trips with fully qualified British Cycling guides. There are a variety of different trips, from easy country rides to more difficult mountain climbs for more experienced cyclists. Contact Hike and Bike before your holiday to arrange dates with them.http://www.hikeandbikeholidays.com/cycling-spain/day-trips
Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada
A great day trip to do is visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, just over a two-hour drive away. Tickets must be booked well in advance, so book online before your holiday to avoid being disappointed! www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es
Best viewpoint for photos of Ronda
One of Ronda’s most popular short walks takes you to the ancient cave church, the Virgen de la Cabeza. Here is where the most spectacular views of Ronda and its gorge can be seen.
Visit a bodega
Some excellent wines are produced by 'bodegas' in the Ronda area and some bodegas offer guided tours and wine tastings. Ronda also has a wine museum where you can sip a glass as you wander around the beautiful old building and discover the history of wine production in the region.
All the fun of the Feria!
Experience all the fun of the fair at a 'feria'. Every city, town and village has one at some time during the year, with fairground attractions for the young (and the not-so-young!), music, dancing, and marquees serving food and drink. The party goes on all night, and if you find yourselves flagging, have some sinfully delicious chocolate and churros to perk you up.
Read a book and relax
The comfortable BBQ area of Casa Maria is a lovely shaded corner where you can relax and enjoy some quiet time simply reading a good book.
Take a Tapas Tour
Do a tour of tapas bars, and sample something you have never tried before. Look out for the not-to-be-missed 'berenjenas fritas' (fried aubergines with honey), 'gambas pil-pil' (prawns in sizzling oil with garlic and red chilli), or the 'tortilla de patata' (potato and onion omelette).
Visit a Cathedral inside a Mosque
The beautiful city of Córdoba is full of surprises. Who would ever have thought that the world-famous mosque contains a cathedral.....La Mezquita is just over two hours drive away from Ronda. An enchanting small city to visit.
Stand by a Waterfall, Swim in a Lagoon
The Cueva del Gato cave and lagoon are on the road between Ronda and Benaoján. The waterfall flows all year round, and all attempts to build a dam have failed, because the water always finds a way out. The cave is thought to have been a favourite hiding place for bandits in the past, but its depths are now only accessible by very experienced and qualified potholers.
Roman Ronda
Visit the Roman ruins at Acinipo, a few kilometres outside Ronda. This was an important town which minted its own coins, and the theatre is still well-preserved. There are also the remains of a Bronze Age settlement at the entrance.
Enjoy a sunset cocktail
The newly opened Hotel Catalonia in Ronda has a great roof top bar, you can enjoy a pre dinner drink, watching the sunset over the bullring, old town and Sierra de Grazalema beyond.
See how the Cave Dwellers Live
Feel like a troglodyte in Setenil's streets of overhanging rock and cave-like buildings. This pretty town has some interesting historical monuments and good restaurants, many of them built into the mountainside
Within Easy Reach
Sip an aperitif on the spacious terrace of Casa María, looking towards the oldest part of Ronda. From the house, it is just a few minutes' drive to the old city walls and the attractive San Francisco district, with its good traditional restaurants and bars.
See Sevilla from the River
Take a boat trip along the romantic Guadalquivir River in Sevilla, before climbing to the top of the Giralda Tower for a bird's eye view of this beautiful city. Explore the historic Barrio Santa Cruz district on foot to see the flower-filled patios and tiny squares
The Whole Jerez Experience
Many of the wine cellars in Jerez include other attractions such as art galleries, museums, equestrian demonstrations and flamenco shows as well as bodega tours and wine sampling. Go for the day and enjoy the whole Jerez experience under one roof.
